GS vs 5 vs E
05-05-09, 04:15 PM
#1
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
GS vs 5 vs E
does the 5 and E tech beat out the GS tech?
or put another way, what is the GS lacking?
anyone knowledgeable about this stuff?
I want to see a technical comparison of these 3 cars
or put another way, what is the GS lacking?
anyone knowledgeable about this stuff?
I want to see a technical comparison of these 3 cars
Last edited by dunnojack; 05-05-09 at 05:36 PM.
05-05-09, 05:29 PM
#3
I didn't like the E at all so I didn't spend much time researching it. But I did really like the 5. Here were my thoughts when I compared the two:
While the 5 had excellent handling, it was severely lacking in ergonomics and well-designed technology. While it offered some features that were not available on the GS (ie Heads Up Display), I found that the core features like Navigation and simply putting the car in gear to be lacking. I am very tech savvy, yet I didn't find iDrive intuitive.
Lexus's Mark Levinson certainly ups the 5's Logic7 in terms of not only sound quality but the standard 6 disk DVD player.
Another item of mention is Safety. I found the 5 lacking in safety technology (which is strange for a BMW...). First is the poor side impact rating compared to the GS's 5 stars. I found this perplexing but I will take the IIHS's work into consideration. In more in depth reading I also found VDIM to be superior to DSC as it is another generation ahead, integrating steering assist to help the driver counter-steer into a slide rather than causing further problems. I did like that the BMW allowed you to not add on rear side air bags as those are controversial especially with young children in the back. But then if you did want them they were another few hundred dollars.
While the 5 had excellent handling, it was severely lacking in ergonomics and well-designed technology. While it offered some features that were not available on the GS (ie Heads Up Display), I found that the core features like Navigation and simply putting the car in gear to be lacking. I am very tech savvy, yet I didn't find iDrive intuitive.
Lexus's Mark Levinson certainly ups the 5's Logic7 in terms of not only sound quality but the standard 6 disk DVD player.
Another item of mention is Safety. I found the 5 lacking in safety technology (which is strange for a BMW...). First is the poor side impact rating compared to the GS's 5 stars. I found this perplexing but I will take the IIHS's work into consideration. In more in depth reading I also found VDIM to be superior to DSC as it is another generation ahead, integrating steering assist to help the driver counter-steer into a slide rather than causing further problems. I did like that the BMW allowed you to not add on rear side air bags as those are controversial especially with young children in the back. But then if you did want them they were another few hundred dollars.
05-05-09, 05:34 PM
#4
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
05-05-09, 08:48 PM
#6
to be honest, only thing with BMW and BENZ is their brand name..LEXUS needs power like M series or AMG...if LEXUS have GS-F and LS-F, it would be game over..i understand BMW handles better and benz is soo classyy but lexus is so simple and elegant at the same time..also good reliable car as well...ohh almost forgot, number 1 service in the industry...
05-05-09, 11:15 PM
#7
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
to be honest, only thing with BMW and BENZ is their brand name..LEXUS needs power like M series or AMG...if LEXUS have GS-F and LS-F, it would be game over..i understand BMW handles better and benz is soo classyy but lexus is so simple and elegant at the same time..also good reliable car as well...ohh almost forgot, number 1 service in the industry...
bmw has night vision and heads up display. and driving dynamics.
I feel like i'm missing a whole lot else. I remember bmw having more gizmos.
now, benz is loaded. at least from the website-
7 speed. standard drowsy assist (I could use that). available lane departure crap. blind spot assist. speed limit assist.
a whole lotta safety tech.
it makes the GS seem 10 years old. the GS doesn't even offer any of these.
besides the audio system, which isn't all that great, the GS tech can be found on a regular Mazda.
it's gonna be a long long 2 more years for the GS.
and now that the 2010 E-class has dropped $5000 in msrp, the GS may lose even more buyers. the GS will go the way of the Acura RL.
Trending Topics
05-06-09, 02:53 AM
#9
Lexus Champion
Safety: "Intelligent” partner thanks to unique combination of assistance and protection systems
For more than 50 years, the saloons in the E-Class and their predecessors have been acknowledged as trendsetters in the safety field. The new saloon continues this tradition with an unrivalled combination of the very latest assistance and protection system whose concept and development are based on what actually happens during accidents. These technologies make the E-Class an "intelligent partner"who can see, feel, react reflexively in critical situations and if necessary act independently to prevent accidents or mitigate their consequences. With this concept the new Mercedes model not only protects its own occupants, but also contributes decisively to the greater safety of other road users.
The new E-Class is the first automobile in the world whose headlamps adapt to the traffic situation and respond automatically to avoid dazzling other drivers. The optional Adaptive Main Beam Assist uses a camera on the windscreen to recognise oncoming traffic and vehicles moving ahead, and controls the headlamps so that their beams do not reach the other vehicle. This achieves the best possible road illumination in a given situation. The range of the dipped headlamp beams can be extended from 65 to up to 300 metres. If the road ahead is clear, the system performs a gentle transition to high beam.
Mercedes-Benz offers this new system as a light & sight package that includes bi-xenon headlamps, the Intelligent Light System and LED daytime driving lights.
The Lane Safety package for the new E-Class includes Blind Spot Assist familiar from the S-Class, and as a new development, Lane Keeping Assist which seeks to prevent the vehicle from leaving the road unintentionally. When the system recognises that the car is drifting from its lane, the driver is prompted to take countersteering action by brief but unmistakable vibrations of the steering wheel. The images from the windscreen camera are also used by the new, optionally available Speed Limit Assist , which recognises speed limit signs as the car passes them, then displays the relevant speed limit in the speedometer.
Night View Assist from the S-Class is now also available as an optional extra for the new E-Class. Mercedes-Benz has improved this system with a special pedestrian detection function: as soon as Night View Assist Plus recognises pedestrians ahead of the car, they are highlighted in the onboard display to provide a greatly enhanced warning effect.
Detection of drowsiness based on 70 parameters as standard
Thanks to an innovative technology, the new E-Class has developed a highly sensitive means of monitoring its driver’s attention level, and warns him of drowsiness in good time. This new ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, which is standard equipment, is equipped with highly sensitive sensors that continuously monitor more than 70 different parameters. Observing the driver’s steering behaviour has proved to be a particularly strong indicator: several years of practical research by Mercedes engineers have shown that drowsy drivers make minor steering errors that can often be rapidly corrected in characteristic ways. These corrections are recognised by a highly sensitive steering angle sensor.
Automatic emergency braking when a collision is imminent
The well-proven, radar based assistance systems from the S-Class are now also optionally available to E-Class customers. A further development of the long-range radar sensor now has a range of 200 metres (previously 150 metres), and is able to monitor the mid-distance so that dynamic events such as a vehicle ahead suddenly pulling out to overtake can be detected even more effectively. The two wide-angle short-range radar sensors, which have a range of around 30 metres, continue to be included in the system.
The radar-supported systems are able to assist the driver with emergency braking. Their sensors are linked to the Brake Assist PLUS system, which automatically calculates the braking pressure to prevent a collision in critical situations. The driver is given an acoustic and visual warning at the same time. When the brake pedal is depressed, the system immediately activates the calculated level of braking assistance.
If the driver fails to respond to the warnings, the radar system first initiates partial braking action. As a second stage, if there is still no driver response and a collision is unavoidable, emergency braking is initiated. This can considerably lessen the severity of an accident, i.e. the system acts as something like an "electronic crumple zone".
Active bonnet, seven airbags and PRE-SAFE® as standard
During the course of its development, the new E-Class was subjected to more than 150 high-speed crash tests and a total of more than 17,000 realistic crash simulations. The crumple zone principle invented by the Mercedes safety pioneer Béla Barényi has been continuously improved by the engineers in Sindelfingen. The front-end deformation zone of the E-Class acts on four independent levels, and is even more effective than before. The increased use of highest-strength steel alloys also helps to ensure that the bodyshell is able to withstand high impact forces. Around 72 percent of all the body panels are made from these high-tech steels – yet another unrivalled figure in passenger car development.
With seven airbags as standard, belt tensioners, belt force limiters, crash-responsive head restraints and ISOFIX child seat attachments, the new E-Class has even more extensive safety features than the preceding model. Another new feature is the active bonnet, which is a continuation of many years of commitment to pedestrian protection on the part of Mercedes-Benz. It is standard equipment in the new E-Class. In the event of an impact, a system of springs raises the rear section of the bonnet by 50 millimetres within fractions of a second, thereby increasing the available deformation space. Thanks to the cleverly conceived mechanism, the driver is able to reset the active bonnet to its normal position himself, without visiting a workshop.
Another standard feature is the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®. In potentially hazardous situations this reflexively activates precautionary protective measures for the vehicle occupants, so that the seat belts and airbags are able to fulfil their protective function to the full during an impact.
Comfort: Further progresses with adaptive shock absorbers and improved air suspension
As in the safety field, the E-Class has been setting the standards for long-distance comfort in this vehicle class for several decades. Bettering the already high level of the preceding series, Mercedes engineers have achieved further advances with the new saloon – especially where ride, seating and climatic comfort are concerned.
Standard equipment includes a further improved suspension with adaptive shock absorbers. These automatically adapt to the current driving situation by reducing the damping forces when driving normally, thereby noticeably improving ride comfort. When taking bends at speed or during rapid evasive action, the system switches to the maximum damping effect so that the saloon is stabilised to best effect.
A version with dynamic damping characteristics and a lowered suspension is available as an optional alternative to the standard suspension (standard for the AVANTGARDE line).
The air suspension system optionally available for the V6 models (standard in the E 500/E 500 4MATIC) has for the first time been combined with an electronically controlled damping system, which processes various sensor signals and controls each wheel independently. In this way Mercedes specialists have achieved significantly better ride comfort while improving handling safety and agility at the same time. The driver is able to select either comfort or sport mode at the touch of a button.
Well-proven seat technology with a new design
Where seat development is concerned, Mercedes-Benz had added a new quality to a well established Mercedes concept, namely padded seat piping – a sophisticated and demanding upholstery technique that is only used by Mercedes-Benz. This involves the insertion of an additional foam filling under the fabric or leather cover, and gives an immediate feeling of comfort and wellbeing when sitting in the car. There are different versions of this padded seat piping: in the basic model and AVANTGARDE line the upholstery is transversely contoured, while the ELEGANCE line has longitudinal piping and is reminiscent of the well-known and highly effective Mercedes seat design from the 1960s and 70s.
Active multicontour seats with massage function from the S-Class
The active multicontour seat package (optional) includes newly developed multicontour seats with comfort head restraints and a two-stage massage function in the backrest that has proven highly successful in the S-Class. Depending on the steering angle, lateral acceleration and vehicle speed, fast-acting piezo-electric valves on the air chambers in the backrests vary their pressure and volume to give the driver and front passenger even better lateral support.
On request the E-Class is also available with a rear seat unit consisting of two comfortable, single seats. This rear-seat comfort package includes seat heating, leather upholstery, a centre console, comfort head restraints, roller blinds in the rear doors, an electrically operated roller blind for the rear window, comfort sun visors and a through-loading facility to the boot.
Individual climatisation modes at the touch of a button
Mercedes-Benz has developed a climate control system for the E-Class which not only allows individual temperatures to be set in three zones – for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers – but also offers different "climatisation modes". If this optional THERMOTRONIC system is specified, the occupants of the new E‑Class are able to select "Diffuse", "Medium"or "Focus"at the touch of a button, and adapt the air volume and distribution to their personal preferences without sacrificing the convenience of automatic mode. In standard trim the new E-Class is equipped with the two-zone THERMATIC automatic climate control system.
For more than 50 years, the saloons in the E-Class and their predecessors have been acknowledged as trendsetters in the safety field. The new saloon continues this tradition with an unrivalled combination of the very latest assistance and protection system whose concept and development are based on what actually happens during accidents. These technologies make the E-Class an "intelligent partner"who can see, feel, react reflexively in critical situations and if necessary act independently to prevent accidents or mitigate their consequences. With this concept the new Mercedes model not only protects its own occupants, but also contributes decisively to the greater safety of other road users.
The new E-Class is the first automobile in the world whose headlamps adapt to the traffic situation and respond automatically to avoid dazzling other drivers. The optional Adaptive Main Beam Assist uses a camera on the windscreen to recognise oncoming traffic and vehicles moving ahead, and controls the headlamps so that their beams do not reach the other vehicle. This achieves the best possible road illumination in a given situation. The range of the dipped headlamp beams can be extended from 65 to up to 300 metres. If the road ahead is clear, the system performs a gentle transition to high beam.
Mercedes-Benz offers this new system as a light & sight package that includes bi-xenon headlamps, the Intelligent Light System and LED daytime driving lights.
The Lane Safety package for the new E-Class includes Blind Spot Assist familiar from the S-Class, and as a new development, Lane Keeping Assist which seeks to prevent the vehicle from leaving the road unintentionally. When the system recognises that the car is drifting from its lane, the driver is prompted to take countersteering action by brief but unmistakable vibrations of the steering wheel. The images from the windscreen camera are also used by the new, optionally available Speed Limit Assist , which recognises speed limit signs as the car passes them, then displays the relevant speed limit in the speedometer.
Night View Assist from the S-Class is now also available as an optional extra for the new E-Class. Mercedes-Benz has improved this system with a special pedestrian detection function: as soon as Night View Assist Plus recognises pedestrians ahead of the car, they are highlighted in the onboard display to provide a greatly enhanced warning effect.
Detection of drowsiness based on 70 parameters as standard
Thanks to an innovative technology, the new E-Class has developed a highly sensitive means of monitoring its driver’s attention level, and warns him of drowsiness in good time. This new ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, which is standard equipment, is equipped with highly sensitive sensors that continuously monitor more than 70 different parameters. Observing the driver’s steering behaviour has proved to be a particularly strong indicator: several years of practical research by Mercedes engineers have shown that drowsy drivers make minor steering errors that can often be rapidly corrected in characteristic ways. These corrections are recognised by a highly sensitive steering angle sensor.
Automatic emergency braking when a collision is imminent
The well-proven, radar based assistance systems from the S-Class are now also optionally available to E-Class customers. A further development of the long-range radar sensor now has a range of 200 metres (previously 150 metres), and is able to monitor the mid-distance so that dynamic events such as a vehicle ahead suddenly pulling out to overtake can be detected even more effectively. The two wide-angle short-range radar sensors, which have a range of around 30 metres, continue to be included in the system.
The radar-supported systems are able to assist the driver with emergency braking. Their sensors are linked to the Brake Assist PLUS system, which automatically calculates the braking pressure to prevent a collision in critical situations. The driver is given an acoustic and visual warning at the same time. When the brake pedal is depressed, the system immediately activates the calculated level of braking assistance.
If the driver fails to respond to the warnings, the radar system first initiates partial braking action. As a second stage, if there is still no driver response and a collision is unavoidable, emergency braking is initiated. This can considerably lessen the severity of an accident, i.e. the system acts as something like an "electronic crumple zone".
Active bonnet, seven airbags and PRE-SAFE® as standard
During the course of its development, the new E-Class was subjected to more than 150 high-speed crash tests and a total of more than 17,000 realistic crash simulations. The crumple zone principle invented by the Mercedes safety pioneer Béla Barényi has been continuously improved by the engineers in Sindelfingen. The front-end deformation zone of the E-Class acts on four independent levels, and is even more effective than before. The increased use of highest-strength steel alloys also helps to ensure that the bodyshell is able to withstand high impact forces. Around 72 percent of all the body panels are made from these high-tech steels – yet another unrivalled figure in passenger car development.
With seven airbags as standard, belt tensioners, belt force limiters, crash-responsive head restraints and ISOFIX child seat attachments, the new E-Class has even more extensive safety features than the preceding model. Another new feature is the active bonnet, which is a continuation of many years of commitment to pedestrian protection on the part of Mercedes-Benz. It is standard equipment in the new E-Class. In the event of an impact, a system of springs raises the rear section of the bonnet by 50 millimetres within fractions of a second, thereby increasing the available deformation space. Thanks to the cleverly conceived mechanism, the driver is able to reset the active bonnet to its normal position himself, without visiting a workshop.
Another standard feature is the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®. In potentially hazardous situations this reflexively activates precautionary protective measures for the vehicle occupants, so that the seat belts and airbags are able to fulfil their protective function to the full during an impact.
Comfort: Further progresses with adaptive shock absorbers and improved air suspension
As in the safety field, the E-Class has been setting the standards for long-distance comfort in this vehicle class for several decades. Bettering the already high level of the preceding series, Mercedes engineers have achieved further advances with the new saloon – especially where ride, seating and climatic comfort are concerned.
Standard equipment includes a further improved suspension with adaptive shock absorbers. These automatically adapt to the current driving situation by reducing the damping forces when driving normally, thereby noticeably improving ride comfort. When taking bends at speed or during rapid evasive action, the system switches to the maximum damping effect so that the saloon is stabilised to best effect.
A version with dynamic damping characteristics and a lowered suspension is available as an optional alternative to the standard suspension (standard for the AVANTGARDE line).
The air suspension system optionally available for the V6 models (standard in the E 500/E 500 4MATIC) has for the first time been combined with an electronically controlled damping system, which processes various sensor signals and controls each wheel independently. In this way Mercedes specialists have achieved significantly better ride comfort while improving handling safety and agility at the same time. The driver is able to select either comfort or sport mode at the touch of a button.
Well-proven seat technology with a new design
Where seat development is concerned, Mercedes-Benz had added a new quality to a well established Mercedes concept, namely padded seat piping – a sophisticated and demanding upholstery technique that is only used by Mercedes-Benz. This involves the insertion of an additional foam filling under the fabric or leather cover, and gives an immediate feeling of comfort and wellbeing when sitting in the car. There are different versions of this padded seat piping: in the basic model and AVANTGARDE line the upholstery is transversely contoured, while the ELEGANCE line has longitudinal piping and is reminiscent of the well-known and highly effective Mercedes seat design from the 1960s and 70s.
Active multicontour seats with massage function from the S-Class
The active multicontour seat package (optional) includes newly developed multicontour seats with comfort head restraints and a two-stage massage function in the backrest that has proven highly successful in the S-Class. Depending on the steering angle, lateral acceleration and vehicle speed, fast-acting piezo-electric valves on the air chambers in the backrests vary their pressure and volume to give the driver and front passenger even better lateral support.
On request the E-Class is also available with a rear seat unit consisting of two comfortable, single seats. This rear-seat comfort package includes seat heating, leather upholstery, a centre console, comfort head restraints, roller blinds in the rear doors, an electrically operated roller blind for the rear window, comfort sun visors and a through-loading facility to the boot.
Individual climatisation modes at the touch of a button
Mercedes-Benz has developed a climate control system for the E-Class which not only allows individual temperatures to be set in three zones – for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers – but also offers different "climatisation modes". If this optional THERMOTRONIC system is specified, the occupants of the new E‑Class are able to select "Diffuse", "Medium"or "Focus"at the touch of a button, and adapt the air volume and distribution to their personal preferences without sacrificing the convenience of automatic mode. In standard trim the new E-Class is equipped with the two-zone THERMATIC automatic climate control system.
05-06-09, 04:26 AM
#10
The 5-series is a totally different driving experience. The GS can't compete with it in that field. I think the 5-series has a little nicer interior as well. The GS exterior I like better, and it's significantly cheaper than the 5-series in terms of price.
05-06-09, 07:21 AM
#11
when i had 645 few years ago i had nothin but problems..transmission,engine,clutch,audio cant even list all here...and interior,why the people say bmw looks better lexus..there is nothin goin on in bmw...
05-06-09, 09:21 AM
#12
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Comfort: Further progresses with adaptive shock absorbers and improved air suspension
As in the safety field, the E-Class has been setting the standards for long-distance comfort in this vehicle class for several decades. Bettering the already high level of the preceding series, Mercedes engineers have achieved further advances with the new saloon – especially where ride, seating and climatic comfort are concerned.
Standard equipment includes a further improved suspension with adaptive shock absorbers. These automatically adapt to the current driving situation by reducing the damping forces when driving normally, thereby noticeably improving ride comfort. When taking bends at speed or during rapid evasive action, the system switches to the maximum damping effect so that the saloon is stabilised to best effect.
standard adaptive suspension.
i wonder how that compares to the one on the gs460.
needless to say, it's not even offered on the v6 gs. so the benz whoops the gs here.
the GS didn't bring any advancements to the table.
and i wonder how many extra gadgets lexus can make standard in the GS for the next 2 years to remain competitive.
05-06-09, 10:39 AM
#14
I thought Volvo and Infiniti had the lane departure warning thing awhile ago. I know Volvo also has the blind spot thing and the emergency automatic braking thing. Cadillac had night vision and head-up display years ago. Not sure about the climate control thing but the last gen RL had a smart climate control that would change output based on the location of the sun. As for automatic headlamp, this isn't as sophisticated but I know some of the domestic vehicles (i.e. Jeep) have automatic high beam when no oncoming traffic is detected. It sounds to me like MB has probably made all these features fancier but I am not sure on the innovation...
Honestly though for those that need a drowsiness alarm, they probably shouldn't be driving in the first place. And while they're at it, why not put in a breathalyzer ignition thing too to prevent drunk drivers on the road?
I like MBs. I've had two myself. European are definitely nicer to drive and they look fantastic but man, I've had un-fixable problems with those 2 MBs...
Honestly though for those that need a drowsiness alarm, they probably shouldn't be driving in the first place. And while they're at it, why not put in a breathalyzer ignition thing too to prevent drunk drivers on the road?
I like MBs. I've had two myself. European are definitely nicer to drive and they look fantastic but man, I've had un-fixable problems with those 2 MBs...
05-06-09, 11:08 AM
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
The GS started to be sold in Feb 2005. It is May 2009 and the new E is debuting. I would HOPE a brand new car (regarded as some as the class standard) has MORE tech, it is SUPPOSED to have more tech. From reading specs, the available tech on the new E is pretty cool to say the least 
The E and 5 in their best years sell around 50,000-60,000 cars a year whereas the GS best sales years are around 30,000 a year. The GS will never sell like them as its sales goals are a lot lower. So enough with the "sells like a RL" comment.
I can tell you one small thing
the GS has that no one else has and one small thing the GS brought that was a worlds first. A RWD hybrid system Some regard it (along with the LS and RX) among the most technologically advanced cars in the world.
The E and 5 in their best years sell around 50,000-60,000 cars a year whereas the GS best sales years are around 30,000 a year. The GS will never sell like them as its sales goals are a lot lower. So enough with the "sells like a RL" comment.
I can tell you one small thing
the GS has that no one else has and one small thing the GS brought that was a worlds first. A RWD hybrid system Some regard it (along with the LS and RX) among the most technologically advanced cars in the world.