jlin101

Test drove an IS350 and GS430 yesterday and had to say that what used to feel like a rocket (GS 430) now seemed like a hog carrying a ton of bricks, compared to the IS. Not just in terms of acceleration, but in handling as well. Both my wife and I thought the IS's ride was smoother, as well. The interior of the GS seemed overwrought and lacked the simple yet elegant design of the IS. The GS's shiny brushed-metal finish of the instrument face reflected light and was hard to read; I also could not stomach either the black or the red wood). The GS didn't offer any more usable room. My wife wanted me to get a GS because it is more upscale, but after the test drive she changed her mind. Don't get me wrong--I loved the GS, but Lexus has really done an excellent job with the IS (impressive considering that the two cars came out only half a year apart). I wouldn't take a GS430 over an IS350 even if it's only a few grand more (which it isn't, of course). I will patiently wait for my IS350 to come in Dec (Tungsten/black/Luxury/NAV/ML--next to impossible to find in the Southern Region--had to get it from Chicago).

On a side note, the manager mentioned that next year the GS will become 350 and 460, and the new LS 460 and 500 (600h later), in order to increase their performance compared to the IS. No word on what that will do to the price. He was also adamant that there would not be a V8 in the IS. We'll see. For now, 306hp is plenty.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

being a little hard on another family member

jlin101

actually, I liked the GS a lot, but next to the IS, it suddenly wasn't that appealing any more (that's a compliment to the excellent job Lexus did on the IS). You will also find many car mags criticizing the new GS for feeling portly. Now I am not slamming GS because I have my heart set on IS; I had every intention to buy the better of the two. My wife, never one for sports car, was actually leaning toward the GS because it was larger (on paper), more "mature" and higher on Lexus's totem pole; but after the test drive even she became convinced that IS was a much more attractive vehicle. I could not have said the same thing about the previous generation of IS and GS (I was much more impressed by the GS). Feature for feature, the IS has just about everything the GS does (not to mention Gen 5 NAV and bixenon that no other Lexus has at this time, as well as the most advanced engine in the current Lexus lineup). I am sure Lexus will update the GS and LS in the near future, but also with a higher price tag. Sorry if I offended GS owners.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

I think that the reason why the GS feels underpowered is not because its engine is incapable of good performance, but because the IS is a little lighter and more powerful in comparison.

Also, the VDIM feature of the GS is more intrusive than that of the IS. Perhaps this will change when the GS gets the 350 and 460 versions in the near future. But for now, Lexus has really pushed the safety factor over performance. Like I said before, Lexus is best with safety, but anyone can have performance and handling -- like BMW 3-Series or Honda Civics.

Did I just compare the 3-Series and Civics in the same sentence???

Gojirra99

There will be both a LS460 AND a LS500 ??
Dunno, ~0.4 litre difference in displacement seem a little small to differentiate 2 V8 models of the LS offered simultanoeusly . . .

spwolf

i very much doubt he noticed any difference in VDIM between the two. Normal customer when driving hard on normal roads barely ever engage VSC, let alone that they would notice VDIM. It does not happen.

Now, someone can try turning it on on purpose, but thats another story.

jlin101

no, I did not invoke VDIM in either car--I was referring to the sensation of normal driving. IS was a sprinter, while GS was a sprinter carring a load of bricks. Compared to my previous G35 coupe, the IS is not as sharp and responsive in handling, but is much smoother for daily driving. With the added luxury and refinement, that's a compromise I am willing to make.