4th Generation GS Reviews Thread
07-27-12, 09:09 AM
#346
Pole Position
I sat in the 4GS for the first time yesterday... was just at the dealership to pick up a part and figured why not. Of course, got stuck talking to a salesman who tried to convince me that the drivetrain was completely different than the 3GS (untrue) after I had told him that not a lot has changed since my car except some minor styling.
One thing I really did like about the car though was that the interior felt and looked great. Everything in there looked great to me... and I found myself imagining driving a GS around that didn't creak and rattle. The new GS interior doesn't do that, does it? :P
After sitting in the 4GS, I went and sat in the new RX as well and by comparison the RX felt and looked really cheap, even compared to my 3GS. Guess I'm spoiled. I really wanted to like the new RX more as that would be more of the kind of car that would be appropriate for me to own instead of a GS but bleh... I guess my only options if I wanted a lexus with more utility would be a GX without taking a big hit in fit and finish. I'll be waiting to see what they do with the GX with the next model refresh.
All in all, I don't really feel like the 4GS really warrants 3GS owners who are happy with the GS experience to go and spend a boatload of money to upgrade. At least not right now... given the history of the 3GS, part of me wonders if in the next year or two the engines will be miraculously upgraded and the base GS will suddenly become a 3.7L. That would make things a little more interesting. I still like Lexus better than the other luxury marques, maybe it's just blind faith and outdated thinking but I seem to be emotionally attached to Toyota.
One thing I really did like about the car though was that the interior felt and looked great. Everything in there looked great to me... and I found myself imagining driving a GS around that didn't creak and rattle. The new GS interior doesn't do that, does it? :P
After sitting in the 4GS, I went and sat in the new RX as well and by comparison the RX felt and looked really cheap, even compared to my 3GS. Guess I'm spoiled. I really wanted to like the new RX more as that would be more of the kind of car that would be appropriate for me to own instead of a GS but bleh... I guess my only options if I wanted a lexus with more utility would be a GX without taking a big hit in fit and finish. I'll be waiting to see what they do with the GX with the next model refresh.
All in all, I don't really feel like the 4GS really warrants 3GS owners who are happy with the GS experience to go and spend a boatload of money to upgrade. At least not right now... given the history of the 3GS, part of me wonders if in the next year or two the engines will be miraculously upgraded and the base GS will suddenly become a 3.7L. That would make things a little more interesting. I still like Lexus better than the other luxury marques, maybe it's just blind faith and outdated thinking but I seem to be emotionally attached to Toyota.
I do agree that if one is not in urgent need of a car, it would be sensible to wait a year or so for the upgraded engines to make their appearance. Going by past trends, the upgraded engine will probably appear in the highest spec new IS, then make its way to the GS line as the base engine of the GS line-up.
Some have said that the new GS is a world-beating chassis in search of a bigger engine. After test-driving the GS450h F-Sport, I have to agree, the added torque of the 450h married to the F-Sport suspension makes for a compelling combination. The only slight let-down is the added weight of the hybrid causing slightly more body roll then the GS350 in the corners. If Lexus could make their hybrid batteries lighter, this hybrid+F-Sport combo would be hard to beat.
07-28-12, 02:07 PM
#347
Can't wait till they improve lightweight lithium ion battery technology to prevent explosion due to overheating.
Will test drive a GS450h soon...
Will test drive a GS450h soon...
08-31-12, 04:26 AM
#348
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
InsideLine
Lexus has a bit of a problem. The Japanese luxury carmaker builds some of the finest midlevel luxury cars in the world and they've been instrumental in the hybridization of that class. They have excellent reliability, great name recognition, inoffensive styling and all of the luxury trimmings buyers expect at this level.
Trouble is, few people are passionate about owning a Lexus. "Oh, Bob bought a Lexus? That's nice." That is the extent of the excitement most Lexus sedans generate. And in a crowded, highly competitive market segment that features numerous high-powered sport sedans, that reputation doesn't help.
The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is the company's latest bid to change that. It not only has more aggressive styling, it's available with an F Sport package and a dynamic handling pack. Together they put the new GS on a dynamic level that Lexus hopes will attract customers who would typically gravitate to Audi, BMW and Infiniti sport sedans.
Does it really deliver that kind of performance? We decided to add a 2013 Lexus GS 350 to our long-term fleet with those exact packages to find out.
What We Got
The 2013 Lexus GS is available in only 1 trim level. It costs $47,795 and includes a 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 spinning the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. There is no V8-powered model in the lineup.
Based on our early drives of the 2013 Lexus GS we knew there were 2 optional packages that we had to have. 1st up was the F Sport package for $5,690. It adds staggered 19-inch wheels with summer tires, an adaptive variable suspension, variable-ratio steering and 14-inch front brake rotors with 4-piston fixed calipers. Additional upgrades include rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, aluminum interior trim, a black headliner and unique F Sport bodywork.
The other option we wanted was the slightly less expensive Lexus Dynamic Handling system. This $1,700 package includes an active rear steering system that, in concert with the sport steering, helps the GS whip around corners like a much smaller car.
Unfortunately, Lexus dealers are not as bullish on the system, as it was nearly impossible to find a car equipped with both packages. We finally tracked one down at Keyes Lexus in Van Nuys, which is relatively close to our home office in Santa Monica. The only problem was that in addition to the sport packages, it also had a host of other options we didn't want.
The extras included a blind spot monitoring system, head-up display, the Mark Levinson stereo system, Intuitive park assist, a pre-collision system and dynamic radar cruise, paint protection film and the massive 12.3-inch high-resolution screen running Lexus' newest infotainment system. All told, the extra options added about $16,000 to the base price of our GS 350 for a final sticker price of $63,427.
Our choice was either take all the extras or wait for another car to arrive with the packages we really wanted. We decided to go ahead with this car after negotiating a price that was much closer to the invoice price.
We struck a deal for the car but hit 1 last snag. On the day we were to take delivery, the salesman called and said he found some damage on the car. It was a small dent in the roof on the passenger side, but it wasn't something that could be fixed by a dent repair specialist. The roof would have to be repainted. At that point, we told them that if they would be willing to take $1,000 off our negotiated price we would still take the car after it was fixed. The salesman took it to his general manager who agreed, and the deal was done.
Why We Got It
Lexus stormed the castle when it entered the U.S. market with a sedan that stepped over the largely irrelevant domestic competition and set the Germans back on their heels. Since then, Lexus has not been able to wedge very far into the sport sedan segment. Whether it was the IS compact sedan, the GS midsize or the even larger LS sedan, none of them had much draw for enthusiasts. Lexus was always too soft, too bland and too disconnected to make those who label themselves "drivers" swoon.
In our road test we wrote, "The 2013 Lexus GS 350, F Sport in particular, is an impressive redesign. It's a Lexus that driving enthusiasts can get excited about. More than just promises, it's actually fun to drive. And unlike the IS F, the GS 350 F Sport's adjustable suspension won't punish you for the performance it brings. It can do smooth and quiet, or serious and sporty: your choice."
Those are big promises, and we put our money where our mouth is. We've got 12 months with the GS 350 to see if these feelings hold true for the long run or if this, like other Lexuses of the past, fails to tick our emotional boxes. Follow along on our Long-Term Road Test Blog for updates on this and the rest of our Long-Term fleet.
Current Odometer: 1,091
Best Fuel Economy: 21.3
Worst Fuel Economy: 18.1
Average Fuel Economy (over the life of the vehicle): 19.8
Best Fuel Economy: 21.3
Worst Fuel Economy: 18.1
Average Fuel Economy (over the life of the vehicle): 19.8
08-31-12, 12:17 PM
#349
Lexus Test Driver
Lexus has a bit of a problem. The Japanese luxury carmaker builds some of the finest midlevel luxury cars in the world and they've been instrumental in the hybridization of that class. They have excellent reliability, great name recognition, inoffensive styling and all of the luxury trimmings buyers expect at this level.
Trouble is, few people are passionate about owning a Lexus. "Oh, Bob bought a Lexus? That's nice." That is the extent of the excitement most Lexus sedans generate. And in a crowded, highly competitive market segment that features numerous high-powered sport sedans, that reputation doesn't help.
The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is the company's latest bid to change that. It not only has more aggressive styling, it's available with an F Sport package and a dynamic handling pack. Together they put the new GS on a dynamic level that Lexus hopes will attract customers who would typically gravitate to Audi, BMW and Infiniti sport sedans.
Does it really deliver that kind of performance? We decided to add a 2013 Lexus GS 350 to our long-term fleet with those exact packages to find out.
What We Got
The 2013 Lexus GS is available in only 1 trim level. It costs $47,795 and includes a 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 spinning the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. There is no V8-powered model in the lineup.
Based on our early drives of the 2013 Lexus GS we knew there were 2 optional packages that we had to have. 1st up was the F Sport package for $5,690. It adds staggered 19-inch wheels with summer tires, an adaptive variable suspension, variable-ratio steering and 14-inch front brake rotors with 4-piston fixed calipers. Additional upgrades include rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated front seats, aluminum interior trim, a black headliner and unique F Sport bodywork.
The other option we wanted was the slightly less expensive Lexus Dynamic Handling system. This $1,700 package includes an active rear steering system that, in concert with the sport steering, helps the GS whip around corners like a much smaller car.
Unfortunately, Lexus dealers are not as bullish on the system, as it was nearly impossible to find a car equipped with both packages. We finally tracked one down at Keyes Lexus in Van Nuys, which is relatively close to our home office in Santa Monica. The only problem was that in addition to the sport packages, it also had a host of other options we didn't want.
The extras included a blind spot monitoring system, head-up display, the Mark Levinson stereo system, Intuitive park assist, a pre-collision system and dynamic radar cruise, paint protection film and the massive 12.3-inch high-resolution screen running Lexus' newest infotainment system. All told, the extra options added about $16,000 to the base price of our GS 350 for a final sticker price of $63,427.
Our choice was either take all the extras or wait for another car to arrive with the packages we really wanted. We decided to go ahead with this car after negotiating a price that was much closer to the invoice price.
We struck a deal for the car but hit 1 last snag. On the day we were to take delivery, the salesman called and said he found some damage on the car. It was a small dent in the roof on the passenger side, but it wasn't something that could be fixed by a dent repair specialist. The roof would have to be repainted. At that point, we told them that if they would be willing to take $1,000 off our negotiated price we would still take the car after it was fixed. The salesman took it to his general manager who agreed, and the deal was done.
Why We Got It
Lexus stormed the castle when it entered the U.S. market with a sedan that stepped over the largely irrelevant domestic competition and set the Germans back on their heels. Since then, Lexus has not been able to wedge very far into the sport sedan segment. Whether it was the IS compact sedan, the GS midsize or the even larger LS sedan, none of them had much draw for enthusiasts. Lexus was always too soft, too bland and too disconnected to make those who label themselves "drivers" swoon.
In our road test we wrote, "The 2013 Lexus GS 350, F Sport in particular, is an impressive redesign. It's a Lexus that driving enthusiasts can get excited about. More than just promises, it's actually fun to drive. And unlike the IS F, the GS 350 F Sport's adjustable suspension won't punish you for the performance it brings. It can do smooth and quiet, or serious and sporty: your choice."
Those are big promises, and we put our money where our mouth is. We've got 12 months with the GS 350 to see if these feelings hold true for the long run or if this, like other Lexuses of the past, fails to tick our emotional boxes. Follow along on our Long-Term Road Test Blog for updates on this and the rest of our Long-Term fleet.
Current Odometer: 1,091
Best Fuel Economy: 21.3
Worst Fuel Economy: 18.1
Average Fuel Economy (over the life of the vehicle): 19.8
Best Fuel Economy: 21.3
Worst Fuel Economy: 18.1
Average Fuel Economy (over the life of the vehicle): 19.8
FINALLY! A long term test drive review! I'm really happy that Inside Line decided to add a 4GS F Sport to their fleet and will be eager to hear how LDH/DRS stacks up. Yes!
08-31-12, 01:15 PM
#352
08-31-12, 01:21 PM
#353
Speaks French in Russian
Nice. Glad they added one to the fleet. Out of everything they do, I enjoy InsideLine's blog style long-term testing the most. They tend to highlight/detail even the most mundane of things. 
08-31-12, 05:38 PM
#354
Those with ML, have you noticed the excessive rattling of the driverside door panel when the volume is cranked up to around 30-40? Wondering if its just my car or if others have experienced a similar issue. Going to be taking it into service soon to get the car inspected. Rattling stop when i rest my knee against the door panel.
09-01-12, 07:02 AM
#355
Pole Position
Here's the blog where they do interim updates on their ownership experience with the GS350 F-Sport :
http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtest...-lexus-gs-350/
09-01-12, 02:30 PM
#356
Lexus Test Driver
Latest entry may arouse some controversy:
Lexus takes new territory in the widescreen wars. That's a wide, wide display. All 12.3 inches of makes it almost like a mini-cinema. The iDrive display in the current 5 Series is a paltry 10.25 inches by comparison. Mercedes and Infiniti won't let this stand for long. Someone will offer an 12.8-inch display soon enough (I know the Tesla Model S offers a 17-inch display, but it's a big rectangle of a screen, not the svelte mega-smartphones now recessed into these luxury dashes).
The mouse controller/remote touch thing, meanwhile, works well enough. It even has the sense to skip over grayed-out menu items as you're mousing around. I'd be little worried about its long-term health, though. One good accidental whack or something hooking around the little joystick stalk seems like an expensive repair.
*
In just an evening/morning commute, I can't tell you how this car handles at any kind of limit. I can say that even with the F Sport's stiff-ish ride, this is a seriously cush express. I know most of us like the new 5 Series, even with its little 2.0-liter engine. But the GS350 will make the 5 Series irrelevant. We've got a year. Watch.
Lexus takes new territory in the widescreen wars. That's a wide, wide display. All 12.3 inches of makes it almost like a mini-cinema. The iDrive display in the current 5 Series is a paltry 10.25 inches by comparison. Mercedes and Infiniti won't let this stand for long. Someone will offer an 12.8-inch display soon enough (I know the Tesla Model S offers a 17-inch display, but it's a big rectangle of a screen, not the svelte mega-smartphones now recessed into these luxury dashes).
The mouse controller/remote touch thing, meanwhile, works well enough. It even has the sense to skip over grayed-out menu items as you're mousing around. I'd be little worried about its long-term health, though. One good accidental whack or something hooking around the little joystick stalk seems like an expensive repair.
*
In just an evening/morning commute, I can't tell you how this car handles at any kind of limit. I can say that even with the F Sport's stiff-ish ride, this is a seriously cush express. I know most of us like the new 5 Series, even with its little 2.0-liter engine. But the GS350 will make the 5 Series irrelevant. We've got a year. Watch.
09-01-12, 04:23 PM
#357
Those with ML, have you noticed the excessive rattling of the driverside door panel when the volume is cranked up to around 30-40? Wondering if its just my car or if others have experienced a similar issue. Going to be taking it into service soon to get the car inspected. Rattling stop when i rest my knee against the door panel.
. i'm going to have them swap the piece with one from a car on the lot and see if that at least kills some of the rattles.
09-01-12, 06:11 PM
#359
09-02-12, 08:51 PM
#360
The drivetrain may not be different but the chassis (body-shell,rigidity and suspension) is night and day different. I walked away from buying the 3GS as it could not hold a candle to my modified 2GS in terms of handling and driving enjoyment but the 4GS F-Sport manages to challenge even the E39 5 series (arguably the best-driving 5 series ever) in terms of steering precision and the ability to make you feel like you're driving a much smaller car when taking a corner.
I do agree that if one is not in urgent need of a car, it would be sensible to wait a year or so for the upgraded engines to make their appearance. Going by past trends, the upgraded engine will probably appear in the highest spec new IS, then make its way to the GS line as the base engine of the GS line-up.
Some have said that the new GS is a world-beating chassis in search of a bigger engine. After test-driving the GS450h F-Sport, I have to agree, the added torque of the 450h married to the F-Sport suspension makes for a compelling combination. The only slight let-down is the added weight of the hybrid causing slightly more body roll then the GS350 in the corners. If Lexus could make their hybrid batteries lighter, this hybrid+F-Sport combo would be hard to beat.
I do agree that if one is not in urgent need of a car, it would be sensible to wait a year or so for the upgraded engines to make their appearance. Going by past trends, the upgraded engine will probably appear in the highest spec new IS, then make its way to the GS line as the base engine of the GS line-up.
Some have said that the new GS is a world-beating chassis in search of a bigger engine. After test-driving the GS450h F-Sport, I have to agree, the added torque of the 450h married to the F-Sport suspension makes for a compelling combination. The only slight let-down is the added weight of the hybrid causing slightly more body roll then the GS350 in the corners. If Lexus could make their hybrid batteries lighter, this hybrid+F-Sport combo would be hard to beat.