LexUhs65

Good afternoon all! I'm a current 2015 ES owner and we love the car! I was considering adding a GS and test drove a 2013 today with 80K on the odometer. There is a lot about the GS that I really liked! It just struck me as odd that is seemed to really crash over most road imperfections where my ES does not. I realize the GS is more sport tuned of course, but I was expecting a more composed ride. I believe the suspension in this GS I drove to be original. so I'm assuming it will need a refresh. For you GS veterans, will a new suspension kit offer a more supple ride over lousy roads? Does the AVS system in the Luxury trim help in this regard? I have a 2013 Luxury trim GS I'm set to look at as well. Thanks very much for any feedback you have - I really appreciate it!

jsch222

Is the GS you test drove a F-sport? I have owned a non F-sport and now an F-sport. The F-sport is much rougher than the non. If you are looking for a soft supple ride i'd recommend a non-F..

peteharvey

I have very little experience with the 2013 4GS350 base model with non-adjustable suspension.
The 2013 GS350 with Luxury Pack has adjustable shock absorbers, and is firmly sprung but softly damped.
The firm springing mimimizes weight transfer to the outside wheels to maximize the grip on all four paws to maximize the speed of change of direction and terminal grip.
However, this firm springing also means that the 2013 GS350 Luxury rides and crashes over bumps rather than flattening the bumps out like a 2015 6ES350.

What you can do is purchase the 2013 4GS350 Luxury, and then retrofit the 2016 front and rear coils, front and rear shock absorbers, front roll bar, and all the rubber bushings - because the 2016 4.5GS350 has a nice soft springing [not as soft as 2015 ES], but much softer than 2013 4GS, while the matching dampers continue to be soft.
Sure, handling is compromized and the GS no longer handles almost like a compact sedan, but the GS now has a much more pleasant ride.

You could even try retrofitting the 2020 4.7GS350 with new front and rear coils, as well as new rear roll bars...

2013-2015 GS vs 2016-2020 GS - Page 3 - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

LexUhs65

Thanks so much for the detailed reply Pete - super helpful! Yes the GS I drove was a 2013 base model without AVS. I will check out the 2013 Luxury GS I located and go from there. Great to know there are options for a suspension update! I was also considering a possible Tein coilover setup at stock height with the rates adjusted down. Not sure how this would pan out as far as ride quality?

jsch222

I'd also consider the tires it's riding on. I would suspect it's on the second set of tires; possibly at the end of their life.

mikesrx350

the 2016 plus ride much better

AJLex19

A 4GS will not ride as smoothly as any 2015 ES. I have a non F sport '13 with 18" wheels with all season dunlop signature hp tires and it's still "harsh" comparatively. All the loaner ES's I've had drove like a cloud over road imperfections but didn't handle as nicely as the GS.

If you don't like the feel of the GS, you can downsize to a 17" wheel with a more comfy touring tire. However, even then it probably still won't smooth over the road as well as your current ES.

modad

2016 ES traded to a 2017 GS Lux. The ES was softer and bigger and quieter and boring....... the GS is not boring; especially in Sport+

HUSKERnKS

I think you will come to appreciate the preciseness of the GS ride. Every time I have an ES, RX, or IS loaner (or drive any other car for that matter), I always appreciate getting back into my GS.

LexUhs65

Thanks for your input everyone - much appreciated! I'm sure it will take more time behind the wheel to fully appreciate and understand the ride/handling. Going to try and get an extended test drive and go from there. Really liked the overall feel of the GS a great deal!

703

You can put 17" OEM wheels on it and it will hardly crash on any bumps/cracks, however, this is on a 2013 GS450h with AVS and this might have a different damping to the GS350.

Cwang

Buying a GS with the ES soft quality ride in mind is signing up for disappointment IMO.

LexUhs65

For perspective, I have an 06 Acura TL that I completely renovated myself as I always liked this design. It has a fresh OEM full suspension and rides on 18" wheels. It sounds a bit similar to the GS in its progression, as the 04-06 models were definitely more firmly sprung than the 07-08 refreshed models. While it is firm, it does reasonably well soaking up the truly crummy roads we have here in parts of NY with Continental DWS 06 tires that are fairly compliant. I did not expect a GS to ride like the ES at all - just thought it would handle poor roads a bit better. I'm sure tires would make a big difference, and 703's suggestion of going to 17s with the AVS system could be a perfect balance! There is a lot about the GS I really liked, and looking forward to learning more about it! As a new to Lexus guy all of your input is tremendous - I am growing to really love the brand!

UZ214

I feel quite the opposite, I feel the ES is too soft and disconnected from the road. I think the 2013+ is one of the best handling GS they made, I remember earlier reviews even liked it better then the germans. My friends has a 2013 luxury GS350 which I get to drive back to back when I still had my LS460 and I absolutely loved the GS feel and size, probably why we have a GS now.
You will not get a ES like ride from any Lexus , I think you probably would like the LS460 as it takes in road imperfections much better than the ES or GS.

er34

ES for comfort.
GS for everything else.
Take your pick.