Hi Everybody!
Last week I've finally sold my previous car (2013 BMW 528xi) and became happy owner of brand new 2016 Lexus GS300h (EU version).
I'd like to compare both cars from my perspective, as 5 series is still alive in my memory and producer's lineup. First of all i have to mention, how excellent reviews of 5 series there are and how mostly bad reviews of GS i have seen across internet. Reality is "slightly" different. Both cars i purchased have the same pricing - 54000,-€ but very different equipment. BMW i owned was very basic. There are only two things my GS is missing - AWD and High performance. Performance and top speed of 250km/h is something i can't legally use, so it's not issue. Xdrive was great, but had almost no snow past 3 winters. So not a problem. In GS i got much more comfort and safety features which i missed in BMW:
1, Metallic paint
2, Leather
3, Sat navigation
4, not Mark Levinson, but much better audio system
5, LED headlights, much better than BMW xenons, automatic high beam
6, Full power front seats
7, Driver's memory seat
8, front seats heated and cooled
9, Huge screen
10, Auto folding mirrors
11, Dimming inside mirror
12, Keyless entry
13, power trunk
14, Lane Keeping Assist
15, Adaptive Cruise Control
16, Pre collision system
17, Rear Cross Traffic Alert
18, DVD player
19, DAB tuner
20, power steering column
21, reverse camera
22, Traffic Signs recognition
It is clear Lexus gives much more for the same money.
In the showroom among neon colored cars, the GS was little disregarded. Parked on street it makes heads turning, especially gentlemen.
Getting in Lexus is much different than getting in new bimmers. Nothing cracks, squeaks... You just feel that fine touch and nice flavor of smooth leather. I had no leather in 5 series, but i have Dakota leather in 1 series, which looks like leatherette beside Lexus leather. Seating position was good in 5 series, but is better in Lexus. Steering wheel was better in BMW, this one is great in size and shape, but could be softer.
The biggest critics I've read were all about infotainment.
I have to say, it is different than BMW but really not bad. It IS intuitive and equally easy to use. Plus here is much bigger screen. Remote touch Joystick is nice and accurate.
Another usual critics are about drivetrain.
1, Engine is smooth and quiet, much smoother and quieter than petrol BMW 4 cylinder. I can ride windows down without any rattling sounds coming from outside even when before engine warms up.
2, Engine is powerful enough. Despite I don't fell any force, car accelerates very nice and smooth, almost noiseless.
3, CVT is very different than standard Auto. For cruising it is great. For racing maybe not. But GS is cruiser, not racer
3, Fuel economy is great. 528ix took 8,1-8,2 l/100km GS300h takes 5,5-5,7 l/100km. It is about 29 US/34 UK MPG vs 42 US/50 UK MPG
And finally, everybody who tried both of my cars, likes GS much more than my previous car.