TTurboPimp

iTrader: (12)

I just watched the car and driver luxery sedan shootout results. They had the GS 300 in the mix, it came in fourth out of eight cars. The 3 cars that beat it out were the Audi A6t(3rd), the BMW 530i(2nd), and the Benz E320(1st). They said they loved the GS300, perfect blend of handling and luxery, but it was a little too slow compared to the competetion. They went on to say that the GS is available in the V8, the GS400, and this would remedy the only downpoints they found with the car. But for their comparison, the GS4 was out of the price point they had to stay in. Just thought I would share the results.

kapdori

I believe there was a discussion about the article extensively already here.

BLiu

STOP THE MADNESS!!!!

Brent

mooretorque

TTurboPimp, here's the thread with all 107 posts in which that test (and this being CL, various other off-topic issues) was "discussed" into the dirt:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=73293

LB Lex

I know it has been discussed to the dirt, but I just want to throw in my two cents (actually, I just want to expres my dislike for the "handicap" car magazines give to BMWs).

Here are some important statistics:

Acceleration: BMW= 0-60 6.7 secs., 1/4 mile 15.3 @ 93. Lexus= 0-60 8.0 secs., 1/4 mile 16.1 @ 88. WINNER- BMW by 1.3 secs. to 60 mph and 0.8 secs. in the 1/4 mile.

Handling: BMW= .82 g's (skidpad), 61.3 mph (emergency lane change). Lexus= .80 g's, 61.4 mph. WINNER- tie.

Braking (70 to 0): BMW= 171 ft., Lexus= 178 ft.. WINNER- BMW.

Ride: BMW= "harsh" ride, "loud" engine, & "lots of sound" in cockpit (pg. 71), Lexus= "impeccable manners" & "pleasing balance between atheleticism and ride plushness" (pg. 69). WINNER- depends on owner's desires, but who wants a harsh ride to gain 0.02 g's on the skid pad?

Price (base): BMW= $43,070. Lexus= $40,960. WINNER- Lexus. The BMW must have the sport option (additional $2,300) to put up the tested numbers, otherwise, it falls short of the Lexus in handling category.

Exterior styling: This is all subjective, but the article states the GS has a "hunchback body shape". (pg. 69) ???

Interior styling: According to the article, the BMW interior provides a "rustic look" and the interior controls "seem wrongheaded." (pg. 71) They also said the driver's seat is "confining" and "walls the driver from the rest of the car." They state the BMW cannot "approach the luxurious textures and hues of the GS300's interior appointment." (pg. 68) The Lexus' dials and buttons are "easy to read if a bit small" but provides a "pleasing directness". WINNER- depends on owner's desires.

I'm confused, I thought the better car would rank higher?

[All information derived from: Patrick Bedhard, The Magnificent Not-Quites, Car & Driver (March 2003)]

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

One point about BMW car noise levels and ride harshness is that in Europe, 99% of cars have VERY little noise insulation so BMW's seem SERENE in comparison. But in the U.S. which Lexus focused on, they knew people would appreciate really smooth and quiet rides and went after it like crazy. I will say though that the newer BMW's, even the 3 series (which is newer than the 5 series) and especially the 7 series are VERY QUIET. I expect the new 5 series will be really quiet too.

Let's face it, it's impressive that even old BMW's rate so highly in magazine shoot-outs. Sure the reviewers are in love with 'em but there are reasons...