jmatero

Drove all three back to back and I actually liked driving and sitting in the GS350 the most. Once you're INSIDE it's fantastic. However, like most Japanese designs of late, the exterior styling is just plain odd. I've walked around this car and stared for long periods... From every angle... And I just don't see myself Turning to look back at it when I get home each day and saying "man, that's hot". In fact it makes me appreciate the design of the 2011 more.

But, sitting in the car? They nailed the interior. You feel like you're in something special each time you drive away. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I have yet to read a review from the press (or an owner for that matter) where they love the styling. And in the $50-60k price bracket that's a big deal.

Rexus300

iTrader: (1)

To O.P,

I had my 2011 BMW 535i xdrive (new version) for 1 year and sold it because it was a great dissapointment. Numb steering causing wandering in the lanes on highway. Turbo lags making me lurch forward between 1-2 and 2-3rd gears and reprogramming took 1 full day and helped it a bit but never as smooth as a 60k car should feel, soft and weak suspension causing vibration in the car seats and chassis on uneven highway surfaces despite perfect balancing of tires and replacing the damn runflats with superior Michelin sports tires, and a heavy feel of the car making it feel like an "OLD MAN's 5 series". It was so boring overall that it made me sick driving it daily.

I drove the new GS F-Sport and it put the biggest smile on my face! It was sharp, fast in sports mode, smooth, and with an exciting exterior and the most sumptuous sports/luxury interior of any sedan in that category! PERIOD! It was the best car for the money and its far superior than the new bloaty and numb 5 series. I cannot fathom how I could even live with that 5 series for any longer and I am much happier without it. The germans are making their new cars very numb and isolating.

jman-is350

LOL... How did I miss this thread???

I was simply stating the facts and how I felt about it. Dont get me wrong, I have own 7 AMG cars over the last 9 years and I loved them for one fact only "Straight line acceleration". I was on the fence to pull a trigger on the 12 CLS63 but went back to the GTR's playground instead.

The new GS is great, it's ahead of its class/competitions (mainly the 535i & E350) at this time and if Lexus release the GS-F, I will be the first one in SoCal to get on the order list.

Rexus300

iTrader: (1)

Looks like we both agree on the fact that the new GS has a great balance of handling, power, and ride.

jman-is350

It's a GOOD PACKAGE indeed.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i really respect a lot on your reviews and how you break things down into different areas, and most importantly being so objective i think you are very right. amg cars are fast, ridiculously fast on straight. but i have always thought their handling is somewhat subpar. car always feel heavy and big to maneuver. the 4gs has great fantastic handling and driving feel, that's totally the biggest shine of the car.