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Comments
All GS models will include standard features such as leather and memory package with seat heaters, Smart Access system, in-dash CD changer, HID headlamps, curtain and knee airbags, wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, 17-inch wheels on GS 300 and 18-inch wheels on the GS 430. The new Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system is standard on the GS 430.
DL
Im perplexed.
~alpha
Great standard features:knee airbags, wood leather wheel, shift knob,perforated heated leather seats,7"multi information screen,bluetooth,window pinch protection,back seat pass-thru,push start-stop.
Did not like:fold down panel for mirror controls.
Personally I prefer Inline engine's but I have to say power was effort less,and it was hard to tell the engine was running.Salesman almost had me push the start button while it was running..
The Specs:
GS300 "mercury metallic" $42,900
freight $650.00
rain sensors $525.00
rear sunshade $210.00
moonroof $1000.00
vented seats $200.00
tourline wheels 18" $2450.00
accessory package $194.00
Total $48,129.00
Listed MPG is 22/30
Dealer commented that the GS430 will ring in about 60k and they are concerned its same price range as the LS.
DL
Don't the options you listed come in a "luxury package" or is everything a la carte?
Exterior: "In the flesh" this car looks alot different from the photos posted on the web site. Much crisper and sportier. I am not seeing much of the Maxima that I did in the initial photos. However, the car looks small and perhaps less substantial than the 2005. Exterior looks are completely subjective so I'll stop there.
Interior: Excellent fit and finish, however my demo had a dark wood that looked like black plastic- almost impossible to tell there was wood grain there. It took no time to adjust the seat to a very comfortable driving position. Much more of a "cockpit" feel than the Acura RL or the Cadillac STS, which I think is good. However, some might feel it was cramped. Headroom was marginal. The DVD/info screen seemed blurry with low resolution.
Driving: In summary, one of the best highway cruisers I have ever driven. Quiet, comfortable and plenty of acceleration. Not quite as "Lexus-quiet" as I would have imagined- some road noise does intrude. Steering was right-on at highway speed. However, you won't be seeking out winding, narrow back roads with this car. The brake is mushy, underpowered with a long throw. I found this out, as the car is so quiet, when I came apon traffic going 60 when I thought I was going 25. The steering is overly assisted and light under 60 mph. Suspension is somewhat isolating, with mild, but noticible, body roll. In general, I was not confident driving this car around a corner.
In summary, the new GS seems sportier in all aspects, exterior look, interior fit and acceleration, EXCEPT for the steering and suspension. Steering and suspension aren't that important, are they?
All kidding aside, this is a nice piece of machinery. However, after driving a Toyota Avalon today , I don't know if I would spend the additonal 15K on the GS. Honestly, if you lean toward a luxury vs. a sporty ride, the Avalon was very, very impressive. Obviously, most people (including my wife), wouldn't get past the image factor (Grampa!), but I was pleasantly surprised.
The design apes the Maxima, but has better styling.
Did you feel the dash needed more wood?
DrFill
How was the torque steer on that 280Hp FWD Avalon ?
DL
Rain Sensing Wipers/Adaptive Front Lighting System/Headlamp Cleaners $525
Power Tilt&Slide Moonroof $1000
Power Rear Sunshade $210
Ventilated/heated Front Seats $200
Intuitive Park Assist $500
I thought these would be a part of a package, but it looks like most will arrive from the factory with these options as "standard" in true Lexus fashion. The only real options are sonar, ML stereo/Nav. The "base" model with the above options stickers at 46,600.
Thanks,
Eric
Not a lot of headroom. Windshield sloped at such an angle A pillar intrudes somewhat on forward vision.
Ironically, in this area (Chicago), 95% of 300s being shipped this month are AWD.
Still unclear what options will be available with RWD. ML, in fact, may not be available. Salesman told me Lexus has had focus groups with Lexus owners who, in a blind test, could not distinguish between the standard Lexus audio and ML.
What a coincidence.... I also drove a new 2006 GS300 today. This is one nice automobile!
Will have to agree with you that the interior seems a little cramped. Also found the seats to be quite firm with little thigh support. Was a bit disappointed in that area.
Drivability was very good and the new V6 engine and 6-speed tranny work well together. The suspension is set up on the firm side which I prefer. Trunk size is limited.... even smaller than my wife's '98 ES300.
It is obvious that Lexus is seriously going after the 530i and E320 market with the new GS300.
Martin T.
Lexus has gone with just a warning system, advising driver when a tire has low pressure, but without providing visual pressure reading for each tire.
Also, what's with their XM radio antenna? Instead of the shark fin on the roof, apparently they are just fastening some kind of black box to the trunk lid. Looks weird and tacky.
oac, "Luxury Performance Sedans" #801, 19 Feb 2005 9:18 pm
The Acura RL has this feature and it really improves visibility through the rear window/rear view mirror.
Of course the GS430 had the nicer alloys which finished it off.
The M35 - When we pulled into the lot, she said, surely you're kidding; this looks about as good as a Camry. But to me, when I opened the door, I was home. The M35 interior beat the Lexus hands down. This one had a black interior piqued in gray. Simply elegant. The outside is somewhat unassuming, but with the upgraded alloys (i'm a wheels man), makes all the difference. The silver V8 I saw was sold but the car can't pick it up till March 1.
The perfect combination would be the Lexus exterior, with the M35 interior.
On another note: Have you guys noticed how blank overall these next generation Japanese cars look. The RL, GS (albeit sleeker) and the M35 seem to just blend in with the rest of the pack. The RL looks about as nice as the old generation to me. As far as sheer innovation and bling go, I think the BMW 5 series - love it or hate it, and the TL are far more attractive, with the head turning appeal.
My 97 LS400 and my 95 Volvo 960 look just about as good as the new stuff rolling out, relative to the dollars you have to shell out.
I'll probably get one of these rockets in a few years once they make it to the used market, but they don't move me enough to part with $60K present day.
Maybe the GS430 would be a better match for the M35/45?
I'm know it is prettier than the M.
The interior is very safe, even more so than the last GS (I like green gauges).
Comparing the 280HP M to the 245HP GS maybe unfair at this point, as far as driving impressions go.
The Infiniti seems to have do better inside, Lexus better outside.
DrFill
I like the 5-series styling, compared to what's out there. The E and 5 are the best styled cars out in this class.
HATE the head and taillights on the M.
DrFill