We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

2009 Lexus GS Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Lexus GS 350 vs. Mercedes Benz E320 Bluetec by AG

Member4877

2

Sign in or join to like this review.

Reviewed: 2009 Lexus GS

4dr Sedan 303-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD

Compared: 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD

Why the 2009 Lexus GS?

  Compared to the E-Class
Quietness
Quietness: Much better Better Worse

The cabin is quite hushed with no wind noise and only a little tire whine from the concrete highway. I went to the dealer intending to buy a W211 (2009) MB E320 Bluetec but the MB was disappointingly loud at highway speeds and the clatter of the diesel engine protruded into the cabin at low speeds. I also test drove a Cadillac CTS Wagon on the same day. It was much quieter than the MB and a bit louder than the Lexus.

Materials & workmanship
Materials & workmanship: About the same Better Worse

The plastics are soft, the wood is rich and the leather is thick. Although the car is 3 years old with almost 40k miles, I have not heard a squeak or a rattle despite Houston's cratered concrete highways.

Fuel economy
Fuel economy: Worse Better Worse

I have been averaging 26 MPG (indicated) in mixed suburban and highway driving, which I think is pretty good.

Ride smoothness
Ride smoothness: Better Better Worse

Compared to the MB E320 Bluetec, the Lexus feels considerably smoother, although less stately and a little less posh. The quiet cabin contributes to the perceived smoothness of the engine.

Why Not the 2009 Lexus GS?

  Compared to the E-Class
Driving position & visibility
Driving position & visibility: About the same Better Worse

The seating position is a bit low for my taste and it has taken me some time to find a comfortable driving position. My brief search on the interwebz reveals that I may be alone in this opinion. Leg room is good, and the adjustable lumbar support is adequate. Compared to the full-sized SUV I traded in for it, I do feel like I am sitting on the floor.

Conclusion

I bought the Lexus instead of the Mercedes Benz because of the superior quietness of the Lexus and the more intuitive control layout. I was also influenced by the absence of a pass-through in the MB trunk.

Return to top

Sign in or join TrueDelta to post your own thoughts.

Return to top

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans
See TrueDelta's information for all Lexus models.