I'm preparing to purchase a 2008 GS350. The only thing holding me up is deciding on whether or not I want to order AVS. From my limited knowledge of the feature, I understand that AVS is an air suspension system versus standard coils. My question is....does AVS make a big difference in ride quality and is it worth the additional cost? I'd like to know that positives and negatives of AVS.

Thank you in advance for any help or suggestions.

 

no no, don't be confused by this system. To make it simple, it is simply an electronic dampening system that firms up your suspension and steering (on 460/450h with VGRS) and it is not an air system.

if you don't plan on special ordering your 350, it is almost a guarantee you will probably never find one on the lot that will come equipped with AVS.

tell us, will you ever upgrade your suspension? to coilovers later? if so, it will render the AVS useless. if you don't plan to and will special order the vehicle, AVS is a nice feature to have IMO.

 

AVS is not an option for the 350. It's only available on the 450h and the 460. AVS is not an airbag suspension system. It's a conventional shock with a 2 setting electronic (NORM & SPORT) dampening adjustment.

 

Ryan, unless they make a mistake, it is said to be available as an option for 2008 GS350 on website and brochure.

 

whlkev,

Thank you for your prompt reply.

Yes I will be special ordering this vehicle and that's why I've been considering this option. I do not plan on modifying the car.

Someone told me that when the AVS is in the sports mode that the suspension is choppy. Anyhow, that is why I became concerned with the value of the option.

 

yes, avs is now an option on gs350 as well, since 2008 MY. very little of them with it though

and NO, it's not air suspension. that's on the ls460l. like ryan and kev said, this is a 2 way setting on the shock. to be very honest, it helps but nothing night and day imho

 

Ooops yes. 2008 is an option but very very very rare. It was not available for 2007 MY. Rominl is right, the difference between the dampening rates is not substantial.

 

gportiz,

although the difference isn't as dramatic as going from stock to coils, but I like the option of changing it on the fly. If i am carrying family or friends, I like the rides to be on NORM, when it gets windy or I want a more spirited driving, I flick the switch and it firms up nicely.

Go test drive a GS460 and try it out for yourself, only you can see if you can feel the difference.

 

You may want to just go for the GS460 (vast majority have AVS already) which has an MSRP of about $5k-6k over the GS350 NAV/ML/RWD w/o AVS. Obviously the difference would be less with the AVS option.

 

I have it on the LX470 and wish lexus would have put in on the GS350 but I was going to upgrade to coilovers anyway!!!

 

Did you test drive the GS350 without the AVS already. If yes and you are happy with the ride quality, I wouldnt bother with the AVS. You should test drive a GS460 which has the AVS and then decide. My last Lexus has AVS and I test drove the GS460 2 months ago. The AVS doesnt really make that much difference handling wise.

 

I leave the Power mode and SPORT mode on all the time and love it. Although I notice a bigger difference in driving with the power mode off vs the sport mode, I still like having it on as I am a spirited driver (as someone mentioned earlier.) +1 from me on the AVS.

 

ECT PWR/NORM controls the transmission shift points from aggressive to normal shifting. ECT PWR mode has nothing to do with AVS and the dampening of the suspension?

 

I think he just means that he likes to drive the car wit the tranny in pwr and the suspension on sport

 

The power mode really makes a diff. the sports mode, not so much Too bad the 350 doesnt offer the APSSS, I would have seriously consider that option.