Orbit9

How's everyone's GS350 running so far? I am thinking of getting the GS instead of the ES because all the things about the transmission problem. I hope the GS doesn't have anything like that.

Has anyone compared the GS with MB350 or the Infiniti G35 or BMW? I suppose the GS is a little heavier than G35 so it is just a little bit slower. But I still like the GS for the quality and the build and the looks.... and everything....

I just want to know what people think, please no flame on anyone or any brand.

Thanks

osokuko

I just came from a ES350 UL (trans problems) 8 month drama. The ES/GS comparison is like night and day, the GS is a real Lexus, much better over all. I looked at the M-35 nice car but heard there having some trans issues. Don’t know about the G-35 but seems to be very popular. MB, well reliability issues, looked at BMW but the interior lay out Naa, went for the 07 GS350 with staggered 20’s & wide tires, I think it hangs on very well in the corners but then I’m not a racer either. I like the looks of the GS exterior / interior, no interior noises, comfortable drivers seat but feel it has less push you back into your seat power than our 06 IS350. But then my GS350 has only 600 miles on it too. Nothing negative about the car at this time.

EyeKutr

iTrader: (5)

The G35 is about the same size overall, lots of power and great handling, however fit and finish not as good as Lexus, comparable models are 10 grand apart.

Orbit9

Thanks everyone, I was on my way to work and I saw a M45 and a BMW 540, and I wonder if the GS350's v6 will be able to hang close to the v8s...

Just a thought....

RandalR

The GS350 is plenty fast. Maybe not the same 0-40 as the MB/BMW V8's but from 40-90 it's a rocket. Any minimal performance advantage the other cars might have isn't really exploitable on a public highway, anyway.

mel's-gs

I chose the GS after driving the MB350 and the BMW5 - and I'm enjoying every minute of it.

DavidsGX

GS is better looking than ES in and out. Different engines, but more power. ES uses Camry V6, but IS shares the same engine with GS, and has awarded the world 10 best engines this year!!

Before buying GS, I almost went with the M35x, great car, powerful, but different taste. I assume if you like ES, you would choose Lexus's quietness than Infiniti's sound.

tuthman

I have a little over 3,000 miles on my 07 GS350 and I am loving it more and more. Two days after I bought it I got a ES350 as a loaner with 12,000 miles on it amd drove it about 300 miles. I was getting tint and Sat radio put in. When I got my car back I was blown away at the difference. Totally different car. The ES felt cheap and felt like more of a gap in power than 31hp.
I love the power setting to occasionally drive with a faster heartbeat. It really seems to respond different than the normal mode. When you accelerate briskly and then let off the gas it holds the gear without shifting. Like its ready to go again quickly. Also, when you slow down fast it seems to rev up when it shifts down. Its just nice to be able to have a different feel from time to time. Turning off the traction control and VSC and using the power mode is kind of fun. You can actually hang the rear out a bit if you want.
I put a deposit down on a BMW530, but decided against it because of all the little things. Touch screen use, reliability, finishing touches. The BMW has the drive nailed, but the other things are not as well done or thought out as the Lexus. Center console, cupholders, idrive, and stuff like that.
My trouble in deciding was because of the Lease specials with BMW. Their 62,000 530 was the exact monthly payment with the same down on the same terms as the 51,000 GS350! That was tough to take. But, I think the BMW is over priced and then BMW takes alot off the lease to make up for it. The residual was higher too, but thats not the reality and I think that the GS will have equity at the end. Ultimately I had to look at the car and not the price. I dont think that the BMW is worth any more money. (sticker price)

BTW my wife drove the 530 and said she didn't see how it could be a luxury car because of the way it drove. Much rougher than the GS.

Its a tough decision! Good Luck!

audimerc

Tried similiar vehicles you mentioned and my opinions are that the G35 was very sporty but a little too throaty for my taste, and the interior was not as good as the Gs, the Mb definitely has lots of reliability problems I have a 2003 E500. Put this way your 8 months is nothing compared to my 2 years. The interior of the E-class is beautiful. The 535i is fast and more nimble than the GS and the chassis is best in class but interior is very cheap and exterior is really personal taste but I'm not a fan. M35/45 didn't try it because exterior is not to my liking because the design looks old already interior is not as rich but I have heard the car drive very nice and owners are very happy with their vehicles. The GS very nice interior very quite and has a nice balance between sporty and luxury ride. Could use a little more room in the back and hate how the warning screen on the NAV. And dash may rattle depending on if you are lucky or not.

Personal Overall Rankings in my opinion:

1. GS
2. BMW 535i (twin turbo reliability?)
3. M35/45
4. G35
5. MB350