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Whats up everybody. Looking into getting a 2013 GS F sport and just wondering how much different the ride quality is going to be compared to the standard GS which seems to have 225/50/17 versus the thin and wide tires on the F sport. I live in NYC and currently driving a GS430 with 225/50/16 tires so I’m sure I’m going to notice a difference. What do you guys think, how’s the ride difference between the two?
Came from a GS430 as well with the same 16" wheels here in NYC too. You will feel a ride difference because the 2013+ GS's suspension is very different from previous generations which ride a bit softer in general. Wheel size and tires will make the world of difference though.
If you get a 2013 GS F Sport (tires are 235/40/19 on AWD models), you will notice it to be jarring compared to the cushy 225/50/16's and soft suspension you're currently riding--I certainly did. Test drive an F Sport and see how it feels...but make sure you hit a few bumps/potholes to compare your tolerance level. Besides the premium price, I didn't like the ride of the F-Sport's I test drove as it felt too rough for me. I ended up with a '13 base/Premium GS with 18" stock wheels/tires (235/45/18).
However, you can always change out the tires to something more comfortable (e.g. Pirelli's or Michelins) and even go down in diameter size if you get an F-Sport...lots of folks do this for winter setups on their GS's.
Whats up everybody. Looking into getting a 2013 GS F sport and just wondering how much different the ride quality is going to be compared to the standard GS which seems to have 225/50/17 versus the thin and wide tires on the F sport. I live in NYC and currently driving a GS430 with 225/50/16 tires so I’m sure I’m going to notice a difference. What do you guys think, how’s the ride difference between the two?
I don't think I have ever seen a GS 350 with 17" wheels/tires. The base model with the Premium package always has 18" wheels whereas the F-Sport has the 19". So, I think you should be comparing the 18" ride versus the 19" ride.
I have 18" wheels with Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus 245/45R18 100V tires. It has a very nice quiet ride in all conditions.
Whatever you get (F-Sport with 19" or non-F-Sport with 18") be careful with the type of tire you get. A summer performance tire used below 40° is dangerous - like driving on hard hockey pucks. There are not many choices for the F-Sport staggered tire setup. Most GS 350s in your area are AWD, which does not have a staggered setup.
Thanks guys. Yea I ONLY want AWD. So the AWD f sports have the same size tires front and rear ? I deff want the f sport for the looks, the extra + mode for suspension, leather and whatever else it adds. Worst case I can trade someone or get regular base wheels. I highly doubt I’m going to enjoy the harsh ride since I’m used to a soft one, is there a suspension mode that softens up the ride? I can’t imagine the ride ever being comfortable in NYC with 19 inch wheels that are this thin.
@bclexus : You're absolutely right, 4GS's with 17s are even harder to find than even say a Lux package GS and the OP should consider 18s vs 19s....
But I posted this last year as red GS was pulled up next to me with the stock 17" OEM wheels (first time I had ever seen this rare bird myself !). Check out the nice meaty sidewall on those tires perfect for our NYC roads:
Thanks guys. Yea I ONLY want AWD. So the AWD f sports have the same size tires front and rear ? I deff want the f sport for the looks, the extra + mode for suspension, leather and whatever else it adds. Worst case I can trade someone or get regular base wheels. I highly doubt I’m going to enjoy the harsh ride since I’m used to a soft one, is there a suspension mode that softens up the ride? I can’t imagine the ride ever being comfortable in NYC with 19 inch wheels that are this thin.
Yup, all AWD F Sports have the same 19" wheels all around, non staggered with 235/40/19 tires. The non-sport modes in the F-sport (eco/normal) will ride the cushiest but F-Sports have active variable suspension which tends to react on the fly as road conditions change...a feature that gives great road feel, precision and handling but sacrifices some comfort.
Oh I thought the f sport only added the sport + mode. Had no idea it changed the entire suspension design. Sounds like it’s going to be expensive to replace if I keep the car long enough.
Originally Posted by AJLex19
Yup, all AWD F Sports have the same 19" wheels all around, non staggered with 235/40/19 tires. The non-sport modes in the F-sport (eco/normal) will ride the cushiest but F-Sports have active variable suspension which tends to react on the fly as road conditions change...a feature that gives great road feel, precision and handling but sacrifices some comfort.
I’d actually prefer the luxury package but it’s impossible to find in the colors I like. I love the headrests on them as weird as that sounds. I didn’t know it has the sport + also I thought that was unique to the F sport
Originally Posted by jonathancl
Luxury AWDs are a great confluence of performance, features, and comfort.
Pretty 18" wheels, full tire rotation, fancy seats, S+.
I’d actually prefer the luxury package but it’s impossible to find in the colors I like. I love the headrests on them as weird as that sounds. I didn’t know it has the sport + also I thought that was unique to the F sport
I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who likes the headrests in the lux package. I have a GS with the luxury package.
I’d actually prefer the luxury package but it’s impossible to find in the colors I like. I love the headrests on them as weird as that sounds. I didn’t know it has the sport + also I thought that was unique to the F sport
It took me a while to find a Luxury in my colors, had to import it from 1500 miles away.
I just looked now for fun, and I couldn't find a single 2015 Luxury available anywhere.
I wish the F Sports had the Luxury driver's seat. That would be a great compromise.
It took me a while to find a Luxury in my colors, had to import it from 1500 miles away. I just looked now for fun, and I couldn't find a single 2015 Luxury available anywhere.
Here is a 2015 GS 350 Luxury just a few miles from me ... in your color!
I lucked into mine. Dealer where I bought my LS with custom luxury trim happen to have a GS luxury. I love the noble brown interior. I would have preferred atomic silver since my LS was silver but I still love the liquid platinum!
03-19-19, 09:02 AM
Base VS F Sport Tires Ride Quality
