Comparo: 535i Versus Just Announced 2013 Lexus GS 350

Jason · 08-18-2011, 07:08 PM

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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)

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Q4P · 08-19-2011, 01:13 PM

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

Trojan4evr · 08-19-2011, 01:14 PM

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

vexx786 · 08-19-2011, 01:17 PM

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 · 08-19-2011, 01:18 PM

That is a sharp looking interior! Unlike typical Lexus

RMG · 08-19-2011, 01:32 PM

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 · 08-19-2011, 01:35 PM

5 series needs to go on a diet : )

SE3P_to_E90 · 08-19-2011, 01:35 PM

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

e92stance · 08-19-2011, 01:37 PM

Quote:

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 · 08-19-2011, 01:38 PM

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 · 08-19-2011, 01:39 PM

535 all the way...

JB135MDCT · 08-19-2011, 01:47 PM

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 · 08-19-2011, 01:49 PM

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

ALPINA B5 · 08-19-2011, 01:50 PM

overhyped camry?

tpipta · 08-19-2011, 01:54 PM

Quote:

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 · 08-19-2011, 01:54 PM

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

vantage_coupe · 08-19-2011, 01:58 PM

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 · 08-19-2011, 02:01 PM

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 · 08-19-2011, 02:02 PM

Dang Lexus sure is copying BMW LED tail lights!

Q4P · 08-19-2011, 02:03 PM

Quote:

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 · 08-19-2011, 02:06 PM

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 · 08-19-2011, 02:12 PM

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...

08-19-2011, 01:13 PM	#2
Q4P Colonel Drives: Too Much Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: World Posts: 2,301 iTrader: (0)	I would love to drive the gs to see how it handles given that it's lighter. __________________ 2jZ + RB26 + 4G63 + LS9 + N54 =

08-19-2011, 01:14 PM	#3
Trojan4evr BMW Collector Drives: '07 E90 335i/ '11 E82 DCT 135i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 1,586 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW/ E82 135i [0.50] 2007 BMW/ E90 335i [2.75]	I can really see the German vs Japanese argument here and let me tell you, I go German. 535 all the way. __________________ 1. 2011 E82 135i DCT M-tec 2. 2007 E90 335i JB Step(Gone but not forgotten---> grad school fund)

08-19-2011, 01:18 PM	#5
VWtoBMW Captain Drives: 2012 535i xDrive M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 765 iTrader: (5) Garage List 2012 535i xDrive [5.00] 2009 BMW 328i [0.00]	That is a sharp looking interior! Unlike typical Lexus __________________ 2012 F10 535i M-Sport

08-19-2011, 01:32 PM	#6
RMG RMG Drives: BMW 335i Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 103 iTrader: (0)	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. Last edited by RMG; 08-19-2011 at 01:49 PM.

08-19-2011, 01:35 PM	#7
Greenkirby21 Vrooom :) Drives: BMW 128i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Dream Land Posts: 1,767 iTrader: (1)	5 series needs to go on a diet : ) __________________ 2009 128i Coupe Crimson Red MODS: -Injen Intake-Magnaflow Exhaust-Carbon Fiber Spoiler - Carbon Fiber Grilles - OZ Ultraleggeras - CF Mirrors

08-19-2011, 01:17 PM	#4
vexx786 Private First Class Drives: BMW E39 530i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: California Posts: 198 iTrader: (0)	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.

08-19-2011, 01:35 PM	#8
SE3P_to_E90 Brigadier General Drives: E90 Msport + E83 Msport Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: MD Posts: 3,021 iTrader: (29)	That GS looks fantastic. however, that 5 looks exceptional. 535 pleas.e __________________ \|\| Full Mtech \|\| F10M5 Reps \|\| Euro Headlights \|\| Blacklines \|\| Eisenmann Race 2x76mm \|\| BMW Strut Brace \|\| Carbon Fiber Interior Trim \|\| \|\| BMW Alarm \|\| Spec's Tray \|\| BMW Nuvi PND \|\| BMW Perf. Intake \|\| M3 Lip Spoiler \|\| Sport eBrake \|\| Piaa LED \|\| Euro Switch \|\| MFD Scoops \|\|

08-19-2011, 01:38 PM	#10
BenTrovato Driver Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,446 iTrader: (4)	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. __________________ My Pics: Summer City Shoot \| 1st updates \| Fall Photo Shoot

08-19-2011, 01:39 PM	#11
Ash83 Major Drives: 05' 325i/10' 135i/10' Audi A4 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 1,101 iTrader: (1)	535 all the way... __________________ Alpine White, Coral RED , Glacier Silver Aluminum trim, M sport, 6MT, NAV, HiFi, USB-iPod, Bluetooth

08-19-2011, 01:47 PM	#12
JB135MDCT I'm just a cook Drives: 2011 135i DCT Join Date: May 2010 Location: MD Posts: 943 iTrader: (0)	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.

08-19-2011, 01:49 PM	#13
Evolution_GT Captain Drives: 08A22E93N52 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 856 iTrader: (0)	Well... the 535i has a higher top speed... therefore it wins by default... __________________

08-19-2011, 01:50 PM	#14
ALPINA B5 Private First Class Drives: the subway. otherwise the bmw. Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Malaysia Posts: 122 iTrader: (0)	overhyped camry?

08-19-2011, 01:54 PM	#16
tonmonde Second Lieutenant Drives: e82, e93 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 296 iTrader: (1)	aesthetically on pictures alone, BMW wins, weight Lexus, everything else BMW. __________________ e60, e90, e92, e82 : retired e93 n55: active F30 335 ED 09/10/12

08-19-2011, 01:58 PM	#17
vantage_coupe First Lieutenant Drives: e92 335 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Ontario Posts: 316 iTrader: (0)	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)

08-19-2011, 02:01 PM	#18
E90 Skye Lieutenant Drives: 2006 330i Jet Black Join Date: May 2009 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 445 iTrader: (1)	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 __________________ 2006 Jet Black 330i \| Premium Package \| ZF AT \| LUX 4.0 \| Jlevi M3 Front Bumper \| CF Mtech spoiler \| Gloss Black Grill \| Msport wheel \| Blacklines \| Koni FSD + Eibach Pro-kit \| BMS PBX

08-19-2011, 02:02 PM	#19
SamS Brigadier General Drives: 2013 ActiveHybrid 3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 4,106 iTrader: (0)	Dang Lexus sure is copying BMW LED tail lights!

08-19-2011, 02:06 PM	#21
theArgiope Private Drives: 2011 e90 M3 Join Date: May 2010 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 70 iTrader: (0)	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!

08-19-2011, 02:12 PM	#22
theArgiope Private Drives: 2011 e90 M3 Join Date: May 2010 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 70 iTrader: (0)	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...

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