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This topic has come up many times over the years. It seems like a lot of people want to know what the differences are between the earlier versions of the GS (2013-2015) and the newer updated versions (2016-2020). We have both a 2015 and 2018 in our household, both F-Sports, so I thought I'd share my thoughts focusing on how the 2 cars differ in the way they drive and feel. There are a lot of differences throughout the exterior, interior, and technology aspects of the cars but this post will be focusing solely on how they feel to drive.
Lexus has been pretty silent over the years on what they've done to differentiate the newer model from the older model, leaving many to think the changes are purely cosmetic. From my experience with both cars, this is NOT the case whatsoever. The original 4GS and the updated 4GS are very different cars with very different personalities.
Some general takeaways between the two cars: (I'll refer to the 2013-2015 GS as 4GS. I'll refer to the 2016-2020 GS as 4.5GS)
4GS feels lighter on its feet than 4.5GS with more road feel and feels far more connected to the road.
4.5GS is noticeably more detached and isolated from the road, though retains just as much composure and control as 4GS.
4GS feels like you're driving a bigger IS.
4.5GS feels like you're driving a smaller LS.
4.5GS body structure is stronger and stiffer due to many manufacturing changes and you feel this when driving, when opening and closing the doors, etc.
4.5GS has a feeling of heft and solidity that 4GS lacks (relative to 4.5GS).
4GS ride quality is more jittery than 4.5GS. You feel a lot more road imperfections.
4.5GS has a much smoother and more isolated ride. It seems as though 4GS has stiffer springs or 4.5GS electronic dampers have a wider range of variability than 4GS.
4.5GS with the new FKS motor feels more lively, more responsive, and more eager to rev. The new motor also has a much louder & more aggressive intake sound than 4GS. Overall, it feels like a much more modern powertrain with great response and power delivery.
4GS with the FKE motor comparatively feels more generic/bland, less eager to rev/get going and feels a little bit more dated in that it has much less character in how it responds and in how it sounds. Engine/intake sound is more muted and less aggressive than 4.5GS with the FKS motor.
Agree with your points. I said this in a previous post it reminds me of going from my NA Miata into an NC as far as comfort and responsivess.
Let me put it this way - Both cars perform equally well. The 4GS, to me, felt more engaging than the 4.5, albeit not by that much. The FKS is a bit more snappy and the FKE, but I can't tell you why since I am not the engineer. While driving the comfort level and solidity of the 4.5 seems to have been improved as well and I didn't think that was possible. The 4GS makes you feel more like whipping it around the corners with the windows down and tires begging to let go. The 4.5 still does this, however, in a more refined manner where you don't really want to have the windows down. More like keeping up with any 4GS out there carving corners but with the windows up listening to some Chopin.
Don't get me wrong, the 4GS is a champion drivers car and can party hard at the club. The 4.5 just allows you party hard as well as open the door and enter the champagne room if you want
I'm really interested in this thread. As a newish owner of a 2013 lux package I would also be interested in an analysis of the 2013 6 speed vs the 8 speed in later models. I suppose I owe it to myself to drive some other versions but I'm loving how this thing drives and I have heard some rumors about gear-hunting from the 8 speed that have me concerned. I'm actually considering another 2013 lux package (different color) for my wife.
I'm really interested in this thread. As a newish owner of a 2013 lux package I would also be interested in an analysis of the 2013 6 speed vs the 8 speed in later models.
I know from a test drive that the RC with the 8 speed was very disappointing. I'm yet to even see a facelifted GS on the road but I hope to drive one soon.
The FKS is a bit more snappy and the FKE, but I can't tell you why since I am not the engineer.
I haven't done much research on the what was changed from the FKE to the FKS. I know that the FKS motor can run on the Atkinson cycle (like a hybrid) as well as the Otto cycle, whereas FKE can only run on Otto (as nearly all other internal combustion engines do). If I had to guess, I'd say maybe FKS uses lighter internals, which could be where those 5 extra hp and 3 extra lb ft of torque came from. I'd imagine that would contribute to FKS' more rev-happy and lively nature.
Originally Posted by MX5NES350
the 4GS is a champion drivers car and can party hard at the club. The 4.5 just allows you party hard as well as open the door and enter the champagne room if you want
Very well said.
Originally Posted by chreesto
I'm really interested in this thread. As a newish owner of a 2013 lux package I would also be interested in an analysis of the 2013 6 speed vs the 8 speed in later models. I suppose I owe it to myself to drive some other versions but I'm loving how this thing drives and I have heard some rumors about gear-hunting from the 8 speed that have me concerned. I'm actually considering another 2013 lux package (different color) for my wife.
I've heard of people complaining about gear-hunting with the 8-speed. In normal day-to-day driving, even performance driving, I've never experienced this. I love the 8-speed and I love knowing the 8-speed was designed for the Lexus 4.6-liter V8 engine as well as the IS-F and therefore has higher strength internals to be able to cope with V8 levels of torque. You can read more about it here: https://global.toyota/en/powertrain/transmission/ It has improvements/advancements in many areas over the 6-speed. I also really enjoy shifting in Sport S+ and Manual mode. This reveals a very different side of the GS and most of the time, it's quite responsive and engaging to shift gears yourself with.
Originally Posted by Cwang
I know from a test drive that the RC with the 8 speed was very disappointing. I'm yet to even see a facelifted GS on the road but I hope to drive one soon.
The 8-speed auto definitely has a learning curve to it. It also has a kickdown switch that a lot of people don't know about. You have to press the gas pedal all the way until it stops and once you reach the end of the pedal travel, there's a further detent or click that is the "kickdown switch" and will force the car to go into the lowest gear possible. This is what tells the car you really mean business. My only complaint with the transmission is related more so to the way the engineers programmed it. It seems to be programmed pretty conservatively and there are times (but not always) where it won't downshift to a low enough gear, even though in Manual mode the car would allow the shift. Other than that though, I've got no complaints.
I've heard of people complaining about gear-hunting with the 8-speed. In normal day-to-day driving, even performance driving, I've never experienced this. I love the 8-speed and I love knowing the 8-speed was designed for the Lexus 4.6-liter V8 engine as well as the IS-F and therefore has higher strength internals to be able to cope with V8 levels of torque. You can read more about it here: https://global.toyota/en/powertrain/transmission/ It has improvements/advancements in many areas over the 6-speed. I also really enjoy shifting in Sport S+ and Manual mode. This reveals a very different side of the GS and most of the time, it's quite responsive and engaging to shift gears yourself with.
The 8-speed auto definitely has a learning curve to it. It also has a kickdown switch that a lot of people don't know about. You have to press the gas pedal all the way until it stops and once you reach the end of the pedal travel, there's a further detent or click that is the "kickdown switch" and will force the car to go into the lowest gear possible. This is what tells the car you really mean business. My only complaint with the transmission is related more so to the way the engineers programmed it. It seems to be programmed pretty conservatively and there are times (but not always) where it won't downshift to a low enough gear, even though in Manual mode the car would allow the shift. Other than that though, I've got no complaints.
This is great info, and really helpful. Thank you. Obviously I have to track down a newer GS and give it a try for myself.
I had 2014 and the biggest thing it bother me was split navigation screen and XM traffic subscription for me.
16+ multimedia screen is way better.
Also, power trunk on 2016 was better take for me as well (as it's really hard to find power trunk option on 14-15 models).
Full LED tail lights were also plus.
I actually really like the split screen function regarding the mouse input. Instead of having the mouse cross the screen with the 1 inch of movement it's only crosses 2/3 of the screen with the 1 inch of mouse movement. Giving it a more precise mouse.
This topic has come up many times over the years. It seems like a lot of people want to know what the differences are between the earlier versions of the GS (2013-2015) and the newer updated versions (2016-2020). We have both a 2015 and 2018 in our household, both F-Sports, so I thought I'd share my thoughts focusing on how the 2 cars differ in the way they drive and feel. There are a lot of differences throughout the exterior, interior, and technology aspects of the cars but this post will be focusing solely on how they feel to drive.
Lexus has been pretty silent over the years on what they've done to differentiate the newer model from the older model, leaving many to think the changes are purely cosmetic. From my experience with both cars, this is NOT the case whatsoever. The original 4GS and the updated 4GS are very different cars with very different personalities.
2013-2015 GS
2016-2020 GS
Some general takeaways between the two cars: (I'll refer to the 2013-2015 GS as 4GS. I'll refer to the 2016-2020 GS as 4.5GS)
4GS feels lighter on its feet than 4.5GS with more road feel and feels far more connected to the road.
4.5GS is noticeably more detached and isolated from the road, though retains just as much composure and control as 4GS.
4GS feels like you're driving a bigger IS.
4.5GS feels like you're driving a smaller LS.
4.5GS body structure is stronger and stiffer due to many manufacturing changes and you feel this when driving, when opening and closing the doors, etc.
4.5GS has a feeling of heft and solidity that 4GS lacks (relative to 4.5GS).
4GS ride quality is more jittery than 4.5GS. You feel a lot more road imperfections.
4.5GS has a much smoother and more isolated ride. It seems as though 4GS has stiffer springs or 4.5GS electronic dampers have a wider range of variability than 4GS.
4.5GS with the new FKS motor feels more lively, more responsive, and more eager to rev. The new motor also has a much louder & more aggressive intake sound than 4GS. Overall, it feels like a much more modern powertrain with great response and power delivery.
4GS with the FKE motor comparatively feels more generic/bland, less eager to rev/get going and feels a little bit more dated in that it has much less character in how it responds and in how it sounds. Engine/intake sound is more muted and less aggressive than 4.5GS with the FKS motor.
Other members who have experienced both cars, please feel free to add your thoughts below.
Not sure of all the engine changes but the extra refinement on the 4.5 probably has to do a lot with the different headliner as well. Not sure if the 2015 has a solid headliner but the 2013 was very flimsy sounding
Most people think that the 4GS350 Luxury and F Sport range comes with only 2 different sets of electronic left shock absorbers; one for the 2012-15 inclusive 4GS original, and a second for the 2016-20 4.5GS mid-life refresh.
Then I thought I discovered by accident that the original 2012-15 inclusive 4GS has two (2) different sets of electronic front shock absorbers, for a total of three (3) sets in all.
Now I have discovered that the original 2012-15 inclusive 4GS came in four (4) different models of electronic front left shock absorbers for the Luxury and F Sport depending on the build date, for a total of five (5) different front left shock absorbers for the Luxury and F Sport models!
According to my experience of owning different part numbers, they firmed the original GS up - peak firmness from Oct 2014 to Oct 2015 - then after that, the 4.5GS was softened...
Dec 2011 to Jan 2014
Used by both 4GS350 and 4GS450h.
This could be the reason why Steve LS often said that his 2013 4GS [?] rode so well - thanks to different spring and shock absorber part numbers depending on the month and year built?
Jan 2014 to Sep 2014
I changed to these shock absorbers for a much better ride.
Sep 2014 to Oct 2014 1 Month Special Shock Absorbers
Oct 2014 to Oct 2015
It is used by both GRL10 4GS350 and GWL10 4GS450h.
My original 2015 front left shock absorber.
Too small a valve orifice results in too much damping control for a high frequency of vertical oscillations perceived as uncomfortable.
However, with the OEM black silver finished 19" alloys on Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050, the EOM 2015 4GS handled almost like a compact, despite a ride that was too firm and too tied down.
Oct 2015 to Aug 2020 4.5GS mid-life refresh.
Also notice how this Luxury and F Sport electronic shock absorber is used by ARL12 4.5GS200t & 4.5GS300 2.0T, GRL12 4.5GS350, and GWL10 4.5GS450h?
I have done a short test drive on a 2017 4.5GS200t [but never 2016-20 4.5GS350], and the firewall is so much more sound insulated, however the ride felt about the same as the spring and shock absorbers used in Jan 2014 to Sep 2014, but the ride didn't really feel much quieter on a short test drive.
07-31-20, 10:28 AM
2013-2015 GS vs 2016-2020 GS
