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now another question: is the F Sport noticeably stiffer in the suspension
TIA- lower profile tire?
I would say yes compared to the luxury or the base model. The wheels definitely create a stiffer ride, but it looks good . I would still go with the f-sport over base and luxury, and look for a size up in the tires compared to OEM.
now another question: is the F Sport noticeably stiffer in the suspension
TIA- lower profile tire?
F Sport is generally stiffer for the following reasons.
RWD, AWD and Hybrid - each use their own coil springs across all trims.
They generally use the same roll bars, except for AWD front.
The 2016 mid life update used firmer front roll bars, and by 2019, firmer rear roll bars were added to the range.
Different years used different coil springs; for RWD models, the 2015 was the stiffest, softest from 2016-18, and intermediate in 2019-20.
The shock absorbers were generally firmest in 2015 model year.
1) AVS automatic electronic variable shock absorbers in Luxury and F Sport trim.
2) F Sport trim uses firmer software to control the AVS electronic shock absorbers.
3) F Sport trim RWD have fat asymmetric staggered rear wheels on ultra low profile tires.
4) F Sport trim often used full blooded sports tires like Bridgestone Pontenza RE050, or Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050, or Michelin Pilot which have stiffer sidewalls to maximize handling - as opposed to sporting luxury [nee touring] tires like Pirelli Cinturato P7's which have softer sidewalls for a smoother and quieter ride.
5) The F Sport trim may have a rear wheel steering which may affect the ride?
F Sport is generally stiffer for the following reasons.
RWD, AWD and Hybrid - each use their own coil springs across all trims.
They generally use the same roll bars, except for AWD front.
The 2016 mid life update used firmer front roll bars, and by 2019, firmer rear roll bars were added to the range.
Different years used different coil springs; for RWD models, the 2015 was the stiffest, softest from 2016-18, and intermediate in 2019-20.
The shock absorbers were generally firmest in 2015 model year.
1) AVS automatic electronic variable shock absorbers in Luxury and F Sport trim.
2) F Sport trim uses firmer software to control the AVS electronic shock absorbers.
3) F Sport trim RWD have fat asymmetric staggered rear wheels on ultra low profile tires.
4) F Sport trim often used full blooded sports tires like Bridgestone Pontenza RE050, or Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050, or Michelin Pilot which have stiffer sidewalls to maximize handling - as opposed to sporting luxury [nee touring] tires like Pirelli Cinturato P7's which have softer sidewalls for a smoother and quieter ride.
5) The F Sport trim may have a rear wheel steering which may affect the ride?
It is rather complicated, but tell us what model year and what trim you're after, and we should be able to tell you the level of handling/ride compromize.
JDR, was digital optional on the F Sport trim in earlier model years from 2013-15 inclusive?
There wasn’t an optional digital cluster on the 13-15 models. All GSs of that era had the same analog cluster. For the 16 refresh, the regular, premium, and luxury trim models got a new analog cluster, and the F Sport got the new digital one.
There wasn’t an optional digital cluster on the 13-15 models. All GSs of that era had the same analog cluster. For the 16 refresh, the regular, premium, and luxury trim models got a new analog cluster, and the F Sport got the new digital one.
It is rather complicated, but tell us what model year and what trim you're after, and we should be able to tell you the level of handling/ride compromize.
Old folks (I'm 85 and drive a Mercedes V8 AMG car - insanity, I know) Drove BMWs until they went to runflats - then to Mercedes for the past many years. After a test drive of a 2018 Mercedes c300 4 Matic (17") tires (we both liked it) , we took a test drive in a 2017 GS350 and I liked the car. We both like digital speedometers - easier for old eyes. Comments about upsizing tires on an GS F Sport are interesting to me. I like sporty handling cars, but, do not like the stiffness of them over very old, torn up city streets very much. As i get older, I'm finding that cars I used to love are harsh to drive/ride in. Can't be floaty, steering feel and flat cornering are preferred. Always looking for the perfect car. I now think I need to find a GS FSport to test drive.
You don't want the base, base model unless you don't even want a NAV system. Some base models don't have heated seats, rear shade, parking alert, rain sensitive wipers, etc., etc. You want at the very least the Premium model.
Nearly your age and i have a well optioned base. Would not want the stiffer f sport. I find it a very comfortable road car. Drive to Salt Lake City sometimes and it is extremely comfortable.
08-02-23, 02:30 PM
. I would still go with the f-sport over base and luxury, and look for a size up in the tires compared to OEM.
