[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

Comparo: 535i Versus Just Announced 2013 Lexus GS 350

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The current generation Lexus GS 350 has been long in the tooth for quite a while now, but Lexus has just debuted the all new 2013 GS350, a car that's aimed squarely at the likes of the BMW 5-series, Mercedes E-Class, and Audi A6. What does the new GS 350 bring to the table this time around?

It features an all new chassis with more spacious interior, and is powered by a 3.5L V6 306hp/277lb-ft torque motor. Transmission is RWD and takes the form of a six speed sequential shift auto or optional AWD. The styling has been given a pretty radical overhaul and adopts Lexus' current styling language recently seen on the CT 200h compact hybrid and LF-A.

The GS 350 and F10 are fairly close in physical specs, although the GS 350 is notably lighter. Performance-wise the N55 engine launches the heavier 535i faster due to its torque advantage. Styling-wise, well, that's in the eyes of the beholder and for you to decide. See below.

	F10 535i	2013 GS350
Engine	3.0L I6 Twinpower Turbo	3.5L V6
Horsepower	306 hp	306 hp
Torque	295 lb-ft	277 lb-ft
Transmission	RWD, 6 speed manual / 8 speed automatic with steptronic	RWD, 6 speed sequential shift
Length	192.8 in.	190.9 in.
Width	73.2 in.	72.4 in.
Height	57.6 in.	57.3 in.
Wheelbase	116.8 in.	112.2 in.
Curb Weight	4,056 lbs	3,715 lbs
Brakes	Single piston aluminum	Four piston aluminum (front)
0-60mph (or 62mph)	5.8 sec (0-62)	Estimated 5.7 (0-60)
Top Speed	155mph	142mph
Price	$50,975 MSRP	$47,775 MSRP (previous gen 2011 model)

[Q4P]

I would love to drive the gs to see how it handles given that it's lighter.

[Trojan4evr]

I can really see the German vs Japanese argument here and let me tell you, I go German. 535 all the way.

[vexx786]

I like both the fronts, GS looks more aggressive; but side and rear go to the F10. I like both interiors too, but I will reserve final judgment until I see the GS in person.

[VWtoBMW]

That is a sharp looking interior! Unlike typical Lexus

[RMG]

At first glance the German design seems more mature, more harmonious. Still, for me personally everything revolves on how it drives and how safe the car is so I am looking forward for a test drive. The Lexus reliability would be a welcomed bonus.

[Greenkirby21]

5 series needs to go on a diet : )

[SE3P_to_E90]

That GS looks fantastic. however, that 5 looks exceptional. 535 pleas.e

[e92stance]

Originally Posted by VWtoBMW

That is a sharp looking interior! Unlike typical Lexus

What are you talking about? Looks exactly like my old 08 IS-F!!!! You obviously don't know Lexus very well

[BenTrovato]

535 on exterior styling, but I like what Lexus is doing with their interior panels. The F10 looks like it feels better inside to me though.

[Ash83]

535 all the way...

[JB135MDCT]

A BMW for 6% more cash than an ugly poor handling Toyota-Lexus? If I could only by BMW stock, I would be driving an M1.

[Evolution_GT]

Well... the 535i has a higher top speed... therefore it wins by default...

[ALPINA B5]

overhyped camry?

[tpipta]

Originally Posted by e92stance

What are you talking about? Looks exactly like my old 08 IS-F!!!! You obviously don't know Lexus very well

That looks nothing like an IS-F interior of any generation.

[tonmonde]

aesthetically on pictures alone, BMW wins, weight Lexus, everything else BMW.

[vantage_coupe]

the GS interior blows the BMW away in my opinion. Exterior the BMW wins. I've driven the 535i rwd personally and it handled GREAT. I doubt a Lexus would hold a candle to it for drive feel (even though it's lighter)

[E90 Skye]

meh to the lexus interiors until i see some changes. My wife has an 09 IS and my friend has a 2010 LS and i hate the interiors on both of em... the types of woods they use, and the feel of the leather... but its typical of Japanese luxury cars
where as the interior wood/leather quality on an audi/bmw/merc is on a totally different level.

Lexus is a great built car, very reliable, my wife's IS is quieter and undoubtedly will be more reliable than my 3, however i can't shake the feeling that i'm driving something a few steps up from a camry/corolla/avalon (which in most cases isn't a bad thing but when comparing to an f10 5....)

although the 300lbs it saves is nice to hear, and from what the road tests say sounds like Lexus is actually taking driving feel/performance more seriously in this latest gen.

still if i have 50k$ to blow on a mid size luxury sedan you'd have a very hard time talking me out of a 535, A6, or even an E350 into a GS

[SamS]

Dang Lexus sure is copying BMW LED tail lights!

[Q4P]

Originally Posted by vantage_coupe

the GS interior blows the BMW away in my opinion. Exterior the BMW wins. I've driven the 535i rwd personally and it handled GREAT. I doubt a Lexus would hold a candle to it for drive feel (even though it's lighter)

The 5 series handles great lol? The E60 5 series handles great, this generation is no different than the Lexus' of yesterday. If this GS350 has a retweaked suspension setup combined with the fact that its over 300lbs lighter, chances are that this car will handle better than the 5. if that's the case, then the only thing the 5 series has over it, is the engine and that's it. Looks are subjective by default so that can't be argued. The people that say this is an over hyped Camry are fanboys to the fullest

[theArgiope]

Never been a fan of Japanese styling... which is mostly just a slightly more aggressive twist on American design.

With that; BMW is still 10yrs behind the front of digital technologies, and the dash of that Lexus makes this even more obvious.

But, in the end, a car should be a machine first, so I'd always go German engineering. It sure would be nice if BMW's iDrive team was Tokyo based, though!

[theArgiope]

I did test an IS-F for due diligence before buying my M3. It was quite nice, but didn't have the beastly qualities of BMW. Lexus is just a bit too cushy for a driver that loves to feel like he's driving.

I will probably switch to Lexus when arthritis kicks in, tho... maybe...