Bader1

https://youtu.be/oJPJI0MJNt0

peteharvey

He's actually comparing the 2016 with the 2020 GS350 RWD.

I totally agree with the YouTube video regarding the handling prowess of the 2013-15 GS350 RWD, and the softness of the 2016, however I cannot comment on the 2020 version, because I have never test driven the 2020, but it is certainly interesting to hear the YouTube video say that the 2020 is sharp handling again like the original 2013-15 GS350 RWD versions.

From October 2015 to January 2019 build dates, the midlife refreshed GS350 had different part numbers to the front and rear coils, front sway bar, and front and rear shock absorbers, and this may help explain why many owners have felt that this model was softer riding [at the expense of handling], and it also received more laser weld points, and more sound insulation at the same time.

From February 2019 onwards build dates, the GS received different front and rear coils as well as different rear roll bar part numbers, and this may help to explain why the YouTube video felt that the 2020 GS350 RWD that he test drove was much sharper handling like the 2013-15 versions.

Do keep in mind that different suspension part numbers may only be caused by different suppliers being used.
Different suspension part numbers may also reflect actually different suspension calibrations.

The only way we can tell the difference is to standardize the tire pressures early in the morning, and actually test drive back to back the two versions with different part numbers, to determine if its just a different parts supplier, or actually different suspension calibrations are being used.
Also keep in mind that if the difference in part number calibrations is very small, it may be difficult to perceive small differences during test drives, depending on the individual sensitivity of each person.

Also keep in mind that the RWD, AWD and hybrid versions don't necessarily have the same suspension calibrations, nor drive exactly the same either.
Because of the extra weight on the front of the AWD, and the considerably higher extra weight on the rear of the hybrid, regardless of the changes in part numbers and suspension calibration, the AWD and hybrids will never handle/ride exactly the same way as the standard RWD.

Finally, things can get very complex.
My friend has a GS350 RWD with a November 2013 build date, but the Lexus Parts department says that his vehicle was fitted with January to September 2014 suspension part numbers!
Hence this doesn't actually follow the chart below nor the official Lexus Parts websites.
Lexus Parts depot says that the only fool proof way to determine suspension part numbers on the vehicle is to provide the Lexus Parts depo with the VIN number.

xwingzero2

iTrader: (2)

Somewhat accurate according to be. Drove my bro’s 13. More IS. I drove a 2020. I own a 18+. Power doesn’t seem to be lost. Feels more LS like less sporty.

HontoKuro

Hands down the better driving dynamics, better handling, on rails feeling, smoother gear shifting and overall fun go to the 13-15 GS RWD or AWD with the RWD having the edge of the two variants especially if it has the rear DRS. The '16-19 models are meh and completely different feeling and lost that mojo and the '20 model is slightly better handling but doesn't come close to the 13-15 driving dynamics. My neighbor a few houses down from just bought a brand new '20 GS F-Sport (in black too) couple months ago because he really enjoyed my GS on the driveway and always complimented how much he liked the GS but wanted the new one since they are discontinued. I can tell you his words not mine as we test drove both back to back to compare differences and he said "Your '15 is definitely sharper, tighter and feels allot more planted than mine". I agreed since that was my first drive of the 2020 F-Sport as we did a back to back drive on both of our GS', his felt more plush, luxury like and less sporty if that makes sense. I would say overall all 2016+ refresh models are more or less the same feeling and lost their soul but the '20 model definitely felt slightly better than those 16-19 years but it's missing that raw edge, firmness and on rail feeling of the 13-15 model years plus 2020 GS car felt bigger and a bit heavier if that makes sense especially around corners and not as nimble.

peteharvey

Thanks for that Honto.
I'm probably one of the very few here who is after a smooth ride.
Hence I may retrofit the 2016-18 inclusive suspension to my 2015.

Thanks to yourself and the YouTube video above, I won't have to waste my time test driving the 2019-20 GS350 RWD.
I was hoping they would make the 2019-20 even softer than the 2016-18, but not so.
Sounds like the suspension calibration in the final 2019-20 GS's is somewhere in between the original sporty 2013-15 and the more luxurious midlife refreshed 2016-18.


NB.
What really surprizes me is why Lexus don't use different coils springs, shock absorbers and roll bars to separate the Luxury trim versus the F Sport trim?
Why does the GS's Luxury trim use the exact same suspension part numbers as the F Sport trim?
Shouldn't the F Sport be sportier with different suspension calibrations???
For example a BMW 330i non-M Sport handles/rides totally differently to the M Sport trim.
.

Savjam

One observation on both on my IS and GS 350 FSport is that ride becomes softer after about 25,000 miles when the shocks break in. The change is quite dramatic. This should be taken into consideration when comparing model years.