Mercedes E500 or Lexus GS430 - Pros and Cons
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Mercedes E500 or Lexus GS430 - Pros and Cons
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.
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.
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'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
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.
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.
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Originally Posted by 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.
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.
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2006 Lexus GS300, 2007 Lexus GS350
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.
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.
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Mercedes-Benz
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.
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From: The Earth
Mercedes all the way!
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.
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.
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Originally Posted by cdiken
Better resale.
More torque.
Way better economy.
And be sure to tell Lexus USA you'll buy one when a diesel is imported.
More torque.
Way better economy.
And be sure to tell Lexus USA you'll buy one when a diesel is imported.
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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.
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.
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Originally Posted by 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.
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.
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Originally Posted by DancingBenzos
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.
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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.
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From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
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.
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.
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From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by 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?
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Originally Posted by 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?
there are more important things than 0-60. The E500 grows a second pair of legs up top.
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From: Southern California
2016 E350, 2013 C300 4MATIC, 2004.5 C230SS
Originally Posted by CE750
I"ve seen 5.6-5.9... MB claims 5.9.
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Originally Posted by DancingBenzos
there are more important things than 0-60. The E500 grows a second pair of legs up top.
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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.
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.
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From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by DancingBenzos
there are more important things than 0-60. The E500 grows a second pair of legs up top.
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.
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Originally Posted by 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.
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.
