Clubmates,

I'm thinking about buying a GS, I'm not sure which one to buy the sport or the base model. How smooth does the sport version ride?, are there any marked difference in ride comfort and noise levels. Is the executive package the way to go, and what's above the base model. I like the aggressive design of the F sport. I would like to get a 2016 or 17 because of the refresh. I want to avoid a test drive for the moment and just get some feedback here. Appreciate your thoughts!

 

- 16 for the refresh
- See link below for brochure to review all packages and trims.
- Lux for the comfort and features.
- F Sport has more expensive brakes and rotors, they also wear faster than standard; some would prefer to do without this maintenance item.
- F Sport has staggered tires, less selection due to sizes and wheels cannot be rotated.
- F Sport has the trunk spoiler and 19s.
- Lux has an optional larger trunk spoiler, which I prefer, and I also prefer those Lux 19" wheels as well.

I think it boils down to preferences, if you like the sportiness, enjoy attacking those curves in the road, get the F Sport, but if you prefer comfort, the Luxury is the way to go.

Here's a link to the brochure: 2016 GS350 Brochure

 

Greetings Chinee,

Are you sure the f sport (and not the GS f) has staggered wheels which cannot be rotated?. I've ordered identical tires for all four wheels and the Lexus dealership has rotated the tires twice already without issue.

I just wanted your clarification on this. Thank you.

 

The F Sport has staggered wheels, unless they have been replaced.
Some owners have replaced the rear wheels with the smaller front wheel for better tire options and the ability to rotate.

 

AWD F Sports can be rotated, RWD's cannot.

 

Find a model with the luxury package for the most comfortable GS.

 

I have driven both the F sport and currently own a luxury package GS 350. I love the luxury package because of the comfort and ride quality. It also has the Sport S+ option for when I do need it.

 

Yep! AWD F Sport has the squared setup, RWD is staggered.

 

When my rears wear out, I'm strongly considering buying a set of fronts for my GS, I like being able to perform rotations to get the most life and consistency from the tires. Not to mention, ease of tire selection.

 

@LexPaul if you're coming from an ES, the GS that will ride "close" with a similar feel will be a Lux version with 18" wheels (although newer lux versions come with 19" wheels). Besides the looks, the F-sport adds the bigger wheels, grippier tires and active suspension (AVS) which add to a less compliant but very sporty/fun characteristic. I personally didn't like the F-Sport feel and ended up with a base/premium GS.

Owners of the refresh feel that the F-Sport's suspension was dialed back a bit compared to the '13-'15 models. You need to test drive all versions since only you will know your tolerances and preferences. Keep in mind that the Lux package GS is rare and was no longer available after 2017. Most GS's are either the base/premium or F-Sport.

 

Do a road test no matter what. I drove 3 GS's before purchasing mine. It was the end of the '15 models and they had 3 left on the lot, 1 demo the others never driven. I drove e the Demo and it was nice and quiet and smooth, the next one was noisy, not sure why, it had good tires on it, Michelin so it should have been quiet. The last one which they took out of the showroom for me to drive was quiet and smooth and just felt right. I did have them change the Dunlop tires on it (even though they were quiet) to Pirelli do to forum threads and recommendations and have not regretted that decision. The GS for me is the most comfortable Lexus, it just works for my bad back.

I don't think each car that rolls off the line is the same, I always test drive, no more ordering and hoping, had problems with other brands doing that.

Good luck

 

If you want sportier get the f sport. If you like comfort and can find a Lux get the lux and then just find a fsport bumper to swich out and that'll be cheaper than modding an fsport to be as comfortable as the lux. There are several GS's on copart that im waiting to go on onauction so someone can post the seats for me to buy lol

 

Never drove an f sport but have a 2013 RWD Lux package w/ML sound and love it. 18 way adjustable seats are super comfortable and you get Sport+ and AVS though no VGRS. Other than VGRS, brakes, staggered tires and TVD most of the f sport features are cosmetic and badges which I don't really care for and I'd be glad to not have to deal with staggered tires and brakes that are more expensive and wear out quicker. You'd probably be very happy with the Lux package.

 

Thanks for all the comments. They were very helpful. I will test drive the GS sport and Lux package soon. I'm presently driving an ES. I can't get away from the Lexus build quality and reliability. @thallium I wasn't aware of the issues with the brakes on the F model, that's is something that I will definitely consider.

 

Initially I was avoiding the F Sport, because of the expensive and frequent brake repair and variable struts. Had no clue the Lux package existed. Initially I thought it was a squish ball, so wasn't interested and the variable struts were a turn off....then I drove one.

I have the 13, so it has the 18s and not 19s, so can't really speak to the 19s much. Normally, I'd have to rip the 18s off and go with 19s at a minimum for the look, but while I can see a difference side-by-side, it isn't as drastic as with some cars. The Lux package has been like having the best of both worlds. I leave the suspension as is when others are in the car for that ultra smooth, quiet drive, then switch to S+, which gets me 90% to an F Sport for some good fun. Seats in the Lux package are the big winners for me. I prefer the shiny wood to the mat, but that's always a personal thing. The wood steering wheel...well, that's a toss up. Goods and bads with either.