DCNASER

Is it wheels? Grills? bumber? How can you tell which is it just by looking at them sideways?

drpepper

You can't really tell. The one thing that would say GS300 from the side would be the smaller size of the front brakes - not exactly easy to spot though. AWD rides higher, but if you are able to pick it off at a glance, it's not going to tell you whether it's a 300 or 350, just that it's not a 430 or 460. Mirrors and front would tell you certain years but again, not 3X0 vs 4X0.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yeah, 300 has small brakes, otherwise they all look the same (06-07) except the rear 300/430/350/ badge. hybrid you get the hybrid badge

LexFather

It will be tough. As stated GS 300 has smaller front brakes and 17" multi spoke wheels. GS 350/430 pretty much share the same 5 spokes and the same brakes. All cars have optional 18" wheels. 450h has a small "hybrid" on the bottom rear doors and different wheels with chrome slants.

greg0723

you can tell if it is an 2006 if you dont see the sharkfin antenna. if it has one it is an 2007 and up. or look at the back and read it thats what i do haha

The G Man

Good answer Grey, 06 = no shark fin, 07 = shark fin, 08 = updated mirrors and grill and 09 = no change except for the price.

DCNASER

well, can I get a better looking grill for my 06 GS300 AWD? Anything other than black, chrome for example?

whlkev

I know Lexus likes to streamline operation and makes it more profitable that way, but they seriously need better incentives especially exterior wise for people to pony up for the higher model

BMW is great at differentiating models.

Stormforge

sure you can. you can get artisan spirits, prussian blue, lx-mode, just to name a couple name brands off the top of my head. but i thought you were planning to flip your GS for $. did that fall through and you plan on keeping your car now?

LexFather

Really? The Euros are the same, no way to tell except wheels/badges. They do offer sport kits but you can get it on the base model or the top of the line model. Only the new C-class offers a "luxury" grill and a "sport" grill. Though that broke Benz's practice of having vertical slants ONLY on coupes. Now its on a sedan. It can get confusing.

In Europe its "cool" to have the high power model debadged and look like the lesser model.

I debadged my old GS 400 and I put black pearl emblems on my black 430. I like the subtle look. I KNOW what I bought . I wish they made black pearl 450h emblems (so I will have to do it myself ) . I don't like big wheels, big random lines on cars, or "hey look at me" styling. Lexus styling is right on for me. I even find the "L" emblems too big (but everyone else has gotten bigger).

thats just me

whlkev

hehe, I don't really follow that closely with BMW now since I've completely lost interest in them since their new direction into FI and ugly styling but for E46 3 series for example

330 vs 325
sport package rims on 330 are exclusive for the higher models and 325 can't have them
titanium colored headlight trim and lower air dam
kindey grill inserts are chrome instead of black like 325ci
door moldings will be colored compared to the plastic black on 325i
gauge rings on 330
different size rotors
chrome exhaust tips

all subtle but for the enthusiasts, it's dead giveaway and very easy to spot the difference in models.. for BMW, I think the easiest way to tell is the exhaust =)

lexus.. well.. they all look the same..LOL

LexFather

Gotcha. Good example.

Stormforge

now that's just freaky! that's my thinking too (except for the L emblems, they don't bother me...yet )

DCNASER

am keeping this baby. She is a joy to drive.

Stormforge

glad to hear it!