Hues10

So I just fully optioned out a 2020 Lexus 450h F-sport AWD with every reasonable option I could check. I get a total MSRP of $61,100. I know my 2013 GS 450h had an MSRP of $63k, and it did not have the Luxury package, or the PCS, or the HUD. I think it had the cold weather package, though maybe that was standard, and the ML audio system. I believe a fully loaded GS 450h had a sticker over $72k or something like that. So you know where I am going with this. I know everyone says the GS 450H was overpriced, but given it is 7 years later, a fully optioned RX 450h is still over $10k less expensive than a fully loaded 2013 GS 450h. Roughly the same powertrain in the two. I would think the RX model would sell better. What was in the GS that would command such a price premium? Mind you, I am not complaining, since I bought mine CPO just last May for obviously a fraction of the new MSRP. Is it just the GS is a RWD sport sedan vs the RX? The RX at least has more room in it. I don't think any of us are out there trying to race our GS. Thoughts from my fellow GS owners. Thanks.

JDR76

What comes most readily to mind is that the RX is on a FWD platform, which is a less expensive way to build a car. There is a production volume to the RX and all of its components that the GS could never match. That production volume really helps to bring down cost.

With that said, I also think a large part of the high pricing of the GS450h was less about production costs, but more about its place in the GS lineup and Lexus' intent to have it fill the whole left by the GS460.

Tom450

Well, let me put my two cents worth in. I bought my 2013 GS450H off the showroom floor in Jan 2014. List was about $64000 non lux but had everything else including ML. In Dec 2014 I bought a new 2015 RX350 for my wife. List was $50000. I got a $11,000 discount on the GS and a $5000 discount on the Rx so about a $8000 price difference. I drive both. When I get in the GS I just feel great!!! All the power I need and with the S and S+ modes I have more than enough power. It is still a thrill to drive and I feel it is the best car I have owned. My fear is something will happen to it and I will not be able to replace it. With the RX, it is a SUV and is great for hauling things and I use it when ever I go to Lowes or have to carry anything (GS trunk as you know is very small). When accelerating the GS is smooth and in complete control. Because of the RX front wheel drive, if I give it little too much gas the tires lose traction and it is very disconcerting. The RX is a great SUV but it is not a sports sedan like the GS. The ride is completely different. If I had to pick only one the GS wins hands down because of the thrill I still get driving it. I am just very lucky to be able to have the best of both worlds, GS for fun and RX for utility. Both worth the price.

Hues10

Great comment Tom. I do thoroughly enjoy driving the GS as well. My comparison is against my 2011 Acura RDX, so guess which one I prefer. I was just curious as to why there such a price difference still between a fully loaded RX 450h now and the 2013 fully loaded GSh. Rear wheel drive can’t be that much more. I know we don’t have the answer, other than to me they overpriced the GSh. That’s why you were able to get a great discount. Heck, I even Really like the bamboo trim over the refresh. I will be in my 2013 forever and I don’t care.

Im2bz2p345

If we're talking about driving dynamics, Tom hit the nail on the head; vast difference between both cars. I have been given the RX 450h as a loaner when I service my GS hybrid and it's a way different driving experience - personally, I can't wait to get back in my GSh!

If we're talking about pricing, the GSh luxury package adds a lot of cost - for example, check the OEM price of the Bi-LED headlights and the bamboo interior. I'm sure the 18-way powered seat is very expensive too.

My 2013 car has everything besides PCS, HUD, and winter package. It was had a sticker price north of 70K new. I am not sure the premium was justified new, but in the used market, it's hard not to take a 2nd look at the GSh.

~ Im2bz2p345

arosnes

Lucky you. I boughta 2014 GS 300h that had been leased for 3 years. I do not think I would have considered to swap it free of charge for a new 450h either RX or GS.
My guess is this is probably the overhead cost of the production faciliy per vehicle sold. And the RX 450h has been around for longer.

dingyibvs

The RX is also based on the Highlander so that further reduces cost. I have a '14 RX 450h, it's very comfortable and spacious but it handles like a cow. I test drove a' 13 GS 450h a while back and it handles waaaay better. Being as long in the tooth as the GS is though it's probably quite overpriced today though.

Hues10

It's interesting. Everyone seems to mention the handling of the GS being super. Now I am not complaining, but since I do not ever push it, I can't say it is super over another vehicle. I mean the ride is nice, it is quiet, there is not any torque steer. So if that is super, than I agree, but I have never taken it on a slalom course and done laps with it. My Acura RDX handling is tight as well. It is FWD, so there is torque steer, and it is a rougher ride. So that is my comparison. I wonder why people trash the Lexus ES handling. Like I said, I am not complaining, I like the GS, but it is not far and above the best driving vehicle. Or maybe I do not know what to expect. Help please.....

Im2bz2p345

Not sure how people can help, but if you really want to experience what we mean by the GS platform handles like the car is on rails... go to a dealership to test drive a ES 350 on some twisty roads and push the car. Almost any driver will notice the amount of body roll the car has. Then drive your GS 450h while on Sport+ mode on the same twisty roads and you'll notice the amount of confidence that the car holds. It can be pushed harder than the ES around curves and will feel effortless - like the car wants you to keep pressing the gas paddle more.

There is a big difference in handling between FWD vehicles and RWD vehicles.

People can type from their keyboards/phones to try and describe the differences to you, but until you drive both cars back to back, you'll really "understand" how different vehicles are in terms of handling.

~ Im2bz2p345

703

I own both. They drive entirely different. The GS feels like a properly fast car, the RX doesn’t.

Hues10

I live in Orlando, Florida both fortunately and unfortunately. There are no windy roads to compare, sadly enough. All flat and boring here. I did throw it in Sport+ last night on the commute home. After driving in Eco most of the time, Sport+ is fun to drive in with the steering tightening up for a whole four miles. Alas, I guess I need to take more road trips with it. Which I did last July up to South Carolina on some back roads.

samsonn25

GS450h cost more to make, and loaded up can go up to almost 79k

stamy74

I have the RX450h with AWD. I friend of mine has the GS450h. It is a vastly different driving experience. GS450h has way smoother delivery of power (RWD) and more supple and softer suspension. Although my RX is AWD, practically is FWD 99% of the time and when you accelerate hard your feel the torque steering as well as lack of traction. Literally it is a sport sedan vs a non sport SUV. RX has way more body roll and harder suspension to cope with the higher center of gravity in the corners. But has more room and is way more practical. It's all matter of priorities at the end. An SUV cannot match a good designed sedan in terms of handling and overall comfort.

Hues10

Gave my Acura RDX to now spouse (she handed CRV to son), now I get to drive Lexi for good. Well, when I do drive her to work and such. I noticed I actually enjoy the entertainment interface screen, split as well. I put the MPG bar graph on the left, sometimes the battery level indicator, and the audio on the right. Really not much more to look at when you are driving. For the life of me, I do not understand the hoopla over the entertainment system in a car. There is such focus on it in car reviews. All the reviewers seem to say that people want physical controls, yet manufacturers put in touch screens and multiple menus. With that said, I just put in a multimedia system to replace the Honda CRV stock radio with 6 cd changer. Anyone want the OEM radio

peasodos

iTrader: (1)

I think Lexus is the only major car manufacturer to use bamboo wood trim, maybe the only one. That's the first thing people notice when they step into my car for the first time. The 2013 LS600hl had much more bamboo: