GS350 AWD vs BMW 535xi

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01-27-08, 05:39 PM

#31

LexFather

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Quote:

Originally Posted by dafatha00

It was Motor Trend. But either way, the time seems to be a little exaggerated. I'd be surprised if the GS350 hits 5.5 in the 0-60. Lexus themselves have said they only got a 5.7 time out of the car.

Both companies historically have been conservative with times. THe IS 350 was initally rated at 5.6 and Lexus moved it to 5.3 and its gotten a 4.9 in R&T.

I am not saying based on this one review it is a 5.3 second car, just that it is possible.

Reviewing a recent C&D, the 535 AWD got I believe the same time.

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01-28-08, 02:09 PM

#32

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Originally Posted by UDel

Good choice, I fell in love with the current RL too when I actually sat in it and drove it, I liked it better then the competition especially the interior which to me is higher quality and much nicer then the competitions. When you actually compare the RL to the competition and not just brand/prestige it just comes out as the better deal, the competition don't offer really anything over it except a v8 option and snob appeal. There are a few things dissapoint me about the RL though like the plain boring rims, the chromes are absolutely horrible, also I wish they had more wood choices like a light birds eye maple like was in the A spec RL concept and they should have a sport suspension option/model too. I hear the 09 RL will be heavily revised with a improved exterior and a bigger more powerful engine plus some other modifications.

If you read your own post, you will notice that you contradict yourself a bit by saying that competition doesn't offer anything over the RL, yet you hate the rims and chromes (whereas these are nice on the competitor cars). I'm not sure how this turned into an RL discussion, but since it did, I will chime in as well.

I used to own Acura TL cars -- three generations of them: 2000, 2003, and 2004 (which is the third generation). And I used to think that I would want to buy an RL, if I had more money. The latest RL model sounded great on paper. Then I started shopping for a new car, considering the likes of Infiniti M45, BMW 5-series, and Lexus GS. When I drove the RL, it was a HUGE disappointment for me -- a big Acura brand fan. The materials quality was noticeably below the luxury standard established by the above-named competitors, the engine was not nearly as powerful or refined as the V8s in the M45, 550i, and GS430, and V6 hybrid in the GS450h, which is what I ended up buying. And the styling was just too bland for my tasted.

Believe me, the difference in the materials quality is very obvious after you get used to the BMW 5-series and GS. I really wanted to like the RL, because I'm very much value-conscious. And you're absolutely right: RL does offer the best value, by far. But it is not nearly as good a car as I want to have at this stage in my life. I can afford to spend extra $10,000 on a car that I would really love.

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01-28-08, 05:08 PM

#33

socalJD

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^ Somewhat agree. Took a long look at a 2RL, given that I have a Mdx and knew that the 1RL was rock-solid. I came away feeling that the RL was merely a 4wd Accord on 'roids, and not really a huge step up from a TL. Even with 5k off invoice, I just couldn't pull the trigger, ended up getting a IS350, and 2 yrs later here I am in a GS (prolly should've just skipped straight to the 3GS in the 1st place). . .