Posted something similar in the LS thread...

Long time reader of this forum (since prior to purchasing a 2016 GS350 FSprot new) but never a poster. Unfortunately, my GS was in an accident and I fear it'll be totaled. With that, would love to stay in the Lexus family and love the LS, but a bit out of price range unless go used/L Certified. Drive 2024 RX this weekend (Hybrid, but wouldn't buy a Hybrid) and it was fine not exciting but not bad.

Have read posts hear and there but would love to hear everyone take on the RX, especially coming from a GS, which in my eyes, was a perfect blend of sport and luxury.

 

@Drumr13 I am glad you walked out of that accident! Not sure what luxury means to you but my rx500h is floaty and butter smooth ride, but bodyroll is present and I aint confidence taking out on corners above 35mph. Maybe a bit sporty with its torquey powertrain (if you consider that sporty). I think the nature of a sedan and a slightly compact suv is different on how it drives and also the technology in the engine and powertrain too. Unless you had a GS-F then its a different story. In short, the RX wont skip a beat and the torquey powertrain will makeup for that feeling of that V6 from your GS (V8 if you had a GS-F; Ugh kinda regret my buying opportunity for a GS-F back in '17 oh wells)

 

Appreciate the color Julius. Was looking at Luxury trim, love the FSport look but in the short time I sat in it, the seats didn't feel super comfy, the side bolsters had a snug fit and didn't seem like I could extend them; car was off however!

Two, well three, completely different cars and rides when comparing GS, LS and RX, size wise, RX comes in close to where GS was. Could by a new RX for the cost if a used LS, so that comes into play too.

 

Our RX450h+ handles much better than our 2013 RX350, but there is hardly any feedback or feeling of engagement. It's just not fun to toss it through a series of tight turns, but it does it without complaint, where the 2013 was easily overwhelmed by twisty roads.

I also have a 2007 Ford Focus ST which has none of the luxury of the RX, but is an absolute joy to toss through tight turns.

Reviews of the RX500h, which is the performance version of the RX, indicate that it doesn't have much feedback ir engagement either.

Personally, I prefer the hybrid powertrain in the RX.

 

I thought that the suspension on our RX500h was 'floaty'. Hated it but found that setting the suspension and steering to Sport provides a firm but not harsh ride!

In the rainy and snowy weather, I can tell that the rear wheels 'bite' at throttle tip-in. And as I've become more confident with the 500s capabilities, I find that it handles really well. Probably the rear steering...

 

@Drumr13 I am on the same boat, as for my personal car I'd like to upgrade (maybe) from my '11 Acura TSX (79K miles) and with the cars that is available, I am leaning to get a compact suv to be more practical in terms of space but nothing catches my eye except the '24 GX but it aint gone fit in my garage with the rx500h buhaha!. But (big but) I don't mind getting a IS500 buhaha and also for that return of investment mindset too!. But in terms of financial, its wise to stay with the TSX, cheaper maintenance all work done by me (so far), cheaper insurance, cheap on gas etc.

 

I do have 2013 GS350 F Sport, and my wife got 500h, it is impressive, doesn't feel head heavy at all, handling pretty good, it is a little softer than GS but not much, maybe because the tires wall is thicker.

If you like your GS350, you should test drive the RX500h, get one with minimal options for under $68k.

 

I'll have to give the 500h a spin. Not too versed in hybrid and generally feel I want just a "single engine" but I'll see how it drives. Overall the choice is either a new RX or a couple year old LS...... 2 completely different rides and "class" so determining what is more important (new tech with all bells and whistles, cameras etc.) or not as much tech but flagship, turbo 6 and elegant interior

 

Is the RX500h even with minimal options is close to 68K? Is that because you can't get much off of MSRP? I remember seeing listings on Lexus dealer websites that had the 500H for about $3+K off MSRP, I was thinking if you approach the dealer to actually buy it, you can get even more discount than that, no?

 

My 2017 GS350 is lowered on RSR's Coilovers, LCA bushings from RR Racing, Tanabe exhaust amongst other changes. Just to provide a bit of perspective as it does get driven spiritedly as often as I can. Short of buying a V8 from Lexus, this is one of my favorites.

My RX500h is my GT vehicle/commuter and I love it. Packed full of technology, comfort, and is still engaging for what it is worth. Plus you have cargo space as well. Having 4 wheel steering makes this a very nimble truck. I would say test drive the whole RX line and find what excites you and what you want. Personally the others bore me.

If you went LS. They are nice cruisers, but I am not sure would meet your GS expectations in terms of driving. I can see an IS doing that to some degree.

 

I had a similar decision about a month ago. My '14 Cadillac CTS (RWD, 3.6l V6) was getting to 10 years old and it was time for a refresh. I've got a '73 Alfa Romeo Spider as my summer "fun" car but I still wanted a sporty daily driver. Last March we got a gas '23 RX350 for my wife. I agree with others that is a very, very nice driving machine for what it is but I wasn't interested in adding another SUV to our fleet. As I got into my new car search I looked at all of the usual suspects: Acura TLX Type S, Alfa Romeo Guilia, Audi A4/5, BMW 3/4 series, Cadillac CT5-V, Genesis G70, etc. With the demise of the Lexus GS, none of the Lexus offerings in this space interested me. In my mind the ES is too much of a tarted up Camry (maybe not a fair comment, but that's how I feel) and the exterior design of the IS looks too contorted and "boy racer" (and has too small of a back seat). After driving the candidates I ended up with an Audi A6, the first German car I've ever owned. The A6 wasn't on my initial list but after being unimpressed after a test drive of an Audi A4, I looked at the A6 in the showroom, and it peaked my interest. After driving it I was sold. It was a much nicer and more substantial car than the A4/5, for not much more $s, and the driving dynamics were superb. The interior is truly world class and is head and shoulders above the competition. I also, for the first time, leased it. I figured this would allow me to asses the maintenance/reliability issues with higher end German cars that you always hear about. As always YMMV.

 

You can try, but make sure everything is clear before you make a move.

I started with 2 out of state deals with $2.5k off +$400 off later on (a little options)and another with $2.9k off and $1000 off a week later (fully loaded), all of them 2024 MY.

The first dealer never want to disclose the $2500 dealer fee with included shipping charge.

The second dealer was better, the car price + oos sale tax $150, and I will pay tax at my home town, but the issue the salesman asked for $500 non-refundable deposit to continue the process but not to hold the car, and he never want to give the price break down with manager signed and approved. Unclear and we didn't want to waste our time to go there.

Ended up, we asked one of dealer in Houston to remove dealer's add-on (tint and interior protection)and they agreed, they emailed detail price break down with both of salesman and manager signed. We took the deal because they did not add anything else like processing fee, only doc fee is $150.

 

Since you are coming from a GS and want to maintain that power and level of sportiness, 500h is the way to go. I had a ‘13 GS350 F Sport and with my current GS, I very much enjoy the 500h. Plus the technology is light years ahead in the new RX compared to the GS. Good luck!

 

I've thought A6 as well. Looked at one before buying the GS in 2016. Like you, hesitant on the reliability side so somewhat removed anything German from my current search. Its a beautiful vehicle and interior is top notch in all aspects. If I wasn't as hell bent on sticking with Lex as I am (Acura doesn't do it for me and not even looking at Infiniti), this would be a much easier decision!! Plus too, I don't change vehicles every couple years so thought process is more long term

 

Yes, as I mentioned, I was replacing a 2014 Cadillac CTS so I well understand about keeping cars for a long term. In fact, today marks the 50th anniversary of me driving my then brand new 1973 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider Veloce off the dealer's lot. Partly the reason I did a lease was a recognition that maybe most of my heavy wrenching days are starting to be behind me.