jdr1000

I am in the middle of desicion making for a purchase. Although this forum might be biased towards Mercedes, I will ask anyway

What are the pros and cons for each of these cars based on your experience?

I will post on a Lexus forum the same question and see what we all come up with.

The only thing that is making me wait a little longer is that the GS is comming with a new engine next year GS450 and the E with a facelift.

My research tells me to go with Lexus because it is a problem free brand and service centers are staffed well.

The MB E500 will only be 10% more than the GS430. I have always been a Mercedes owner and was happy with them until I read the E has had a lot of problems.

Thanks for your help.

DWP

I can tell you three things that are generally agreed:

1. The upcoming "facelift" of the E-Class will be so minor that most people won't be able to tell the difference.

2. Current-model Lexii are, on average, more reliable than the comparable current-model Mercedes. You could still get an unreliable Lexus (although it seems unlikely) or you could get a reliable Mercedes, like I did.

3. The Mercedes can be driven harder than the Lexus because, although it's no BMW, it doesn't have the overagressive, non-switchable stability control program of the Lexus. The Lexus GS, notwithstanding Toyota's advertising for it, is designed more for people who don't like to drive.

Beyond that, nobody here can really tell you which car to buy. You have to take long drives in both cars - rent a GS or an E-class for the weekend, if you have to - and decide which cars suits your style and your taste better.

ClayJ

I agree with all four. [emphasis mine]

platinumsc

These type of questions are always too tough to answer realistically because only you know what your preferences are....unless you tell us.
Here's my take:
E500 pros
power and torque, can't argue that.
several aftermarket options available

Cons
sort of bland styling, compared to the other benz models
reliability issues

GS430 pros
styling
reliable
more features available at lower price

Cons
not much available from the aftermarket yet

These cars are pretty equal in a lot of ways. I like the luxury interiors of both. Both have smooth luxury ride. If brute power is your first love, get the e500. If good power with a smooth riding, modern luxury car is your thing, get the GS. Once the aftermarket catches up, the handling can be improved which will make it more attractive to many. Can't go wrong with either.

Kar don

i personally find the E500 to be a better car. Smooth highway cruiser riding on airmatic but doesn't hesitate to be thrown in a corner. I drove the Gs430, it felt very lazy to react and the steering/handling was so bad I almost hit all the cones (at the taste of lexus event), I hated the car.

ruykava

design-wise, i personally would go for the E - the interior is just a lot more to my taste. to me the GS still looks too "normal" - doesn't feel like you've made it to the executive class yet (although it does have lots of toys and is high quality). basically i just feel a lot more care has been taken in designing the E.

as for reliability, i don't know but my E has never given me a problem, and it is a first year model. though i hear a lot about E issues i've never known anyone PERSONALLY (i don't count those on this board) who has had an issue. but in terms of probability, yes i guess you'd have more issues with the E than the GS, although chances are nothing would happen. given the car's been out for 3 years now i'd expect there to be little if any problems.

cdiken

Better resale.

More torque.

Way better economy.

And be sure to tell Lexus USA you'll buy one when a diesel is imported.

MB Fanatic

That's if Toyota can design a powerful, fun to drive, fuel-efficient, and quiet diesel in our lifetime.

W210

I wonder if the MB will use the larger V8 in the S550 in the E550 next year?

MB Fanatic

They better to best the BMW and its 550i.

zam2000

If owning experience is more important, go with the Lexus GS430.

If driving experience is more important, go w/ the E500.

You might want to look at the Infinity M45, it has a good combination of both.

MB Fanatic

The interior of the M45 is like that of a 5 series IMO. Too much plastic, and they arent all that great.

VBlaster_W211

E500. I just like the look and handling, although admittedly, I've never been on an E500, only and E200K and E240. Never liked the way Lexus looked and handled.

FThornton666

the E500 is much quicker than the GS430. PErsonally i would wait for the new GS460 Model see how that feels and then go from there.

Braheem

I'm wondering where everyone is getting this from? GS430 0-60 is 5.7 Secs been the same for the past 8 years, what's the 0-60 in the E?

luxury1

I hope I don't offend you but the GS does nothing for me. Given the heavy discounts right now on the LS, I would go that route if I had to make the decision since the two cars (E500/LS430) will be in the same price range. If not, go for the Benz. So much more prestige, better handling and an overall more solid car.

CE750

If Reliability is the most important, get the Lexus..I personally find the MB to be reliable enough, and afterall I do have a 50,000/4 warranty..

If driving experience, handling, and chassis solidity is the most important to you.. get the Benz!

cdiken, I agree the CDI is the way to go, but lets face it, it's not got the power "curve" of the V8, so if he's looking for over all performance, and no concern for milage, the E500 is not going to disappoint.

But if he's willing to give up a 1/2 second on 0-60 for an additional 20mpg, and a bit more noise on initial acceleration, then the CDI is the only way to go.

CE750

I"ve seen 5.6-5.9... MB claims 5.9.

FThornton666

there are more important things than 0-60. The E500 grows a second pair of legs up top.

allen_7

I believe the 5.9s claim was made with 5-speed transmission. With the new 7-speed tranny it should be a few tenth faster.

Braheem

They're also both low 14 sec 1/4 mile, maybe it's the larger V8 in the E that makes it feel faster

slk55lvr

It's the better low end torque that makes the e feel faster. Also, so much care is spent in making the lexus "quiet" you never hear or feel the motor. I tried both before I bought my E,a dn frankly the gs430 just left me wanting. Steering was awful, suspension felt floaty, and although quick you never felt it.

I agree with one of those posts on here, you should add the infiniti to your test drive list. That m45 is no looker, but it sure does perform like a champ.

vraa

That GS looks disgusting. Needs a drop and some decent rims!

CE750

When you consider the CDI with no governor can do 151mph.. the E500 must be well north of 160.. These kids of speeds aren't practical on a toyota chassis designed for Japanese and American 65mph limits, even if achievable.

MB Fanatic

You make a great point about the chasis Sam. While its not the GS, my sisters SC430, felt very floaty, disconnected, and dangerous to drive at speeds around 80mph. Japanese cars IMO just werent designed to be driven at high speeds IMO.

However, my TL and Odyssey feel very different from Toyota/Lexus cars as Honda IMO is more of a drivers car than Toyota per say. Toyota needs new chasis all around.