Car And Driver Audi a6 vs 2013 Lexus GS350
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,219
Likes: 12
From: Boston, MA
Car And Driver Audi a6 vs 2013 Lexus GS350
Another head to head for the new A6 and and another win. Although this one was very close, the GS350 came in 2nd, but the reviewer called it a draw. The GS350 did a lot better than I thought against one of the segment leaders.
As suggusted in the article, the GS line was almost killed off until a few passionate supporters inside Toyota’s North American operations made a case for another chance. This may be the GS' last chance, its do or die time and the GS came out swinging.
As some of us pointed out earlier, the GS' busy front end is a disappointment to the reviewer as well as usually numb Lexus steering. The GS' new interior is superb and the handling is world class. Of course with the improved handling, the ride a bit too stiff. The A6 has the advange in ride quality as well as accelaration. In my opinion, I still like the A6's interior better than the GS. The missing link here is build quality, the A6 is build like a tank. As nicely build as Lexus is, it is just not as solid as a German car.
http://archive.caranddriver.com/revi...mparison_tests
As suggusted in the article, the GS line was almost killed off until a few passionate supporters inside Toyota’s North American operations made a case for another chance. This may be the GS' last chance, its do or die time and the GS came out swinging.
As some of us pointed out earlier, the GS' busy front end is a disappointment to the reviewer as well as usually numb Lexus steering. The GS' new interior is superb and the handling is world class. Of course with the improved handling, the ride a bit too stiff. The A6 has the advange in ride quality as well as accelaration. In my opinion, I still like the A6's interior better than the GS. The missing link here is build quality, the A6 is build like a tank. As nicely build as Lexus is, it is just not as solid as a German car.
http://archive.caranddriver.com/revi...mparison_tests
Last edited by The G Man; Feb 9, 2012 at 05:42 AM.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 311
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa,Canada
Another review for 14 luxury vehicles showed A6 ranked # 1, covering all aspects (interior,exterior,...etc)
http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com...rucks/Audi_A6/
I did not test drive GS350 yet, but looks promising.
Audi has been a leader for sporty handling for a long time, Lexus GS trying to get into this area, while BMW F10 (2011) moving into luxury segment, I got my new A6 and could'nt be happier, overall I think A6 is a clear winner and best value in the market.
I still have BMW 535i (E60), I find A6 steering is not as sharp as BMW but even new F10 BMW lost the steering feel. In Canada Lexus is priced very close to A6 (basic) so will see how they do in sales and how they can take a share from top 3 (Audi, BMW, Mercedes).
http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com...rucks/Audi_A6/
I did not test drive GS350 yet, but looks promising.
Audi has been a leader for sporty handling for a long time, Lexus GS trying to get into this area, while BMW F10 (2011) moving into luxury segment, I got my new A6 and could'nt be happier, overall I think A6 is a clear winner and best value in the market.
I still have BMW 535i (E60), I find A6 steering is not as sharp as BMW but even new F10 BMW lost the steering feel. In Canada Lexus is priced very close to A6 (basic) so will see how they do in sales and how they can take a share from top 3 (Audi, BMW, Mercedes).
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 369
Likes: 2
I initially got into the market for a new for, for the GS350 F Sport... I went to "kick the tires" in the A6, and loved it. I am still going to the Lexus event next week to make sure I made the right decision.
Great Article BTW-- Thanks for posting
Great Article BTW-- Thanks for posting
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: CA
IMO, build quality is not just about structural integrity or even how solid the doors feel when closing, but about reliability. I've owned an IS300 and my father the LS and they are both solid and problem-free. My IS is at 135,000 miles, never had a mechanical issue, and drives like new. Although Audi has made significant improvements in reliability, I'd still give Lexus the advantage.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 311
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa,Canada
Reliablity was a bit conern for me before buying A6, my BMW 535i did not show any fuel pump failures or injectors that plagued BMW forums, also found BMW dealer very responsive to minor issues I had. To get peace of mind will probably get extended warranty on A6 once warranty expires.
I found cars exhibit different reliability patterns even they are from same vendor, could be quality control, how they're driven, road/weather conditions, how well is maintainence,...etc. but will not worry too much about it, I think Lexus GS stayed on the conservative side mainly with same engine,transmission (6 speed), same output power/torque, like old model, that may show slightly better reliability
results but A6 from what I saw on forums improved their service, for now I still feel A6 is a clear winner.
I found cars exhibit different reliability patterns even they are from same vendor, could be quality control, how they're driven, road/weather conditions, how well is maintainence,...etc. but will not worry too much about it, I think Lexus GS stayed on the conservative side mainly with same engine,transmission (6 speed), same output power/torque, like old model, that may show slightly better reliability
results but A6 from what I saw on forums improved their service, for now I still feel A6 is a clear winner.
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,219
Likes: 12
From: Boston, MA
One thing I find funny about the new GS350 is that for years, Lexus have been the worst handling car of the big four, BMW, Lexus, Audi and MB. Lexus have been working hard to reverse that image. Now that the new 5 series have gone soft, the GS350 is the best handling of the four, A6, GS, 535i and E350. By doing so, the new GS350 now has the worst ride out of all 4. It seems to me Lexus might have over shot their goal as far as handling and made the suspension too stiff. In my opinion, the A6 has the perfect combination of ride comfort and handling.
Trending Topics
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: NoVA, USA
Looks like GS has changed quite a few things. Have not seen it lately but the last time I went to drive it (2 yrs back when I bought the A6), I could never imagine I'd buy it due to it's boring console. In my views, in technology/looks:
1- Audi
2- BMW
3- Infiniti
4- MB
5- Lexus
In build, I'd say:
1- BMW/MB
2- Audi
3- Lexus
4- Infiniti
Overall I'd own Audi & BMW over any other car. Looks like Lexus is shaking up things, which is great. Ofcouse above is my personal experience with owning cars. Don't flame me but I am biased towards german manufacturers. Had them for over 12 years and would love to...as long as I can afford them
1- Audi
2- BMW
3- Infiniti
4- MB
5- Lexus
In build, I'd say:
1- BMW/MB
2- Audi
3- Lexus
4- Infiniti
Overall I'd own Audi & BMW over any other car. Looks like Lexus is shaking up things, which is great. Ofcouse above is my personal experience with owning cars. Don't flame me but I am biased towards german manufacturers. Had them for over 12 years and would love to...as long as I can afford them
Last edited by dcmetro; Feb 9, 2012 at 12:35 PM.
AudiWorld Stories
Bringing Audi to Life for Audi Fans
2027 Audi Q7 and SQ7: Audi Upgraded EVERYTHING!
Michael S. Palmer
Audi Unveils Absurdly Cool New Supercar: 10 Things You Need to Know!
Verdad Gallardo
The Highs & Lows of Every Audi C-Class Generation
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Audis Ever Sold on Bring-A-Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Audi Features & Options We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Audi Recreates Crazy-Looking Speed Record Breaker From 1935
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilder Recreates the 1995 Audi TTS Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Every Audi V10 Car Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
9 Audi Designs That Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: CA
Overall I'd own Audi & BMW over any other car. Looks like Lexus is shaking up things, which is great. Ofcouse above is my personal experience with owning cars. Don't flame me but I am biased towards german manufacturers. Had them for over 12 years and would love to...as long as I can afford them