German Car Zone

It was by chance that I discovered this. I was on the way to visit a couple of buddies of mine when I passed one of the local castles: Schloß Tüßling. The local Toyota-Lexus dealer was showcasing the new GS450h hybrid, primarily, but they included all other Lexus models except for the LS, and of course the ES and LX because they are not sold here.

This is Schloß Tüßling on the outside. There’s a nice stream that runs past it where my dog, Frankie, sometimes loves to swim.


Schloß Tüßling inside. This is my first time inside the castle. My parents know the owner very well. She is a baroness, very wealthy and drives a base model Volkswagen Golf SDI (N/A diesel).


I took the opportunity to check out some of the new cars. Here’s the quick review.

IS: Lexus showcased the IS220d and IS250 here. I only sampled the IS220d in detail. I was disappointed with the interior space: pretty small. I am 6’4” and I was pretty cramped inside the IS, even with the seat pushed back. The transmission tunnel IMO was a little fat upfront and took away precious leg space. The interior was well-made, but when comparing the Audi A4 and Lexus IS interiors, I find no winner. Both have excellent interiors, best in class.






All of a sudden a salesman approached me. I knew the guy too. Last summer, he was still working for the local Mercedes-Benz dealership, Smart division, selling Smarts. Good, I could talk to this guy. I mentioned how the IS220d lacks an A/T transmission option and he admitted that some buyers were complaining about that, especially elderly customers. He also confessed that the IS250 was quite popular, but that some buyers had questioned whether Lexus would ever add more gasoline and diesel engine choices to the range. So, what have I been saying here? Lexus needs more engine choices, especially smaller ones.

GS: My favorite Lexus. There was only one “totally underpowered” (aka C&D definition) GS300 on show, all the other ones were GS450h’s, which they were really trying to aggressively market. A lot of people showed interest in the hybrid models, but I did overhear some questioning if a diesel engine might someday come along? The GS has a beautiful interior, definitely well made and IMO tied for first place with the Audi A6 in this class for the best interior. The GS also offered a comfortable interior space feeling, although I have to say that our ‘02 Mercedes E320 feels a slightly bigger on the inside. Lovely car though. And guess what? Using my ex-Mercedes pal turned “traitor” ( ), I BOOKED A LEXUS GS TESTDRIVE, possibly a GS450h.

BTW, in this picture, that is the "Royal Family" bathing and sunning themselves behind the GS.










RX: Took a few shots, and that’s it. The RX doesn’t appeal to me at all. When I shop for an SUV, I want a diesel engine and some off-road capability. The Lexus salesman was telling me how the hybrid version get’s 7.9 L / 100 km… I told him “Yes, but in the city.” This threw him off balance for awhile and he saw that I knew something about the car. He then changed rhythm and claimed that most folks who buy the hybrid RX live in the city… Anyway, not appealing to me because of the lack of diesels and it get’s stuck as soon as it rains.







SC: Aside from the pictures I took, I totally skipped this car. It just didn’t interest me. No offense, but this thing is just incredibly boring, styling wise. You really need to look twice to distinguish between the front and rear. It is also not very popular here for one because there’s no V6 option, and the styling doesn’t appeal to everyone.







Here are some GS450h’s. They had a total of about 10 there. See my album for more pictures.





IS250








Videos. Hope my English is understandable…

Video 1: http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...Video_ 01.flv

Video 2: http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...Video_ 02.flv

Video 3: http://s68.photobucket.com/albums/i3...Video_ 03.flv


Hope you liked the little review. I can’t wait to testdrive the Lexus GS and see how it compares with our E320, although this is a bit unfair since the GS is newer. However, I also used my contacts at the Mercedes dealership to testdrive a facelifted W211 E-Class soon. Did I mention I love my life?

Make sure you check out the Imagestation album for more detailed shots.

Lexus Show @ Schloß Tüßling Photo Album: http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2104000818

You're not thinking of switching sides now, are you Chris?
The GS is indeed an attractive car, I like it the most so far of all the new Lexus lineup. Can't wait for the "GS450h VS. E500" thread by you

Oh no, I'm an MB-Fan for life.

The Lexus GS just happens to be my favorite Lexus. I don't really care much for the rest at all though the new LS460 looks pretty nice. And the comparison will most likely be GS450h vs E220 CDI.

Very nice report wimmer although you shouldn't waste your time on Lexus events.

LOL

They're very nice, very well made cars, but they're the dullest looking lineup of any luxury car brand hands down. Not even the SC430 inspires any lust. I'll take a IS350 though, had a lot of fun driving it at the Taste of Lexus last year!

The grille on this RX is just plain ugly, looks like something that would shear your fingers from your hand if you touch it:



The SC430 is almost good looking from this angle, it doesn't reveal the bathtub look as bad in this shot.



M

I think the IS is the new design direction of Lexus and truly, in my opinion, is the correct direction for them. The car is really nice and honestly will eventually be something to consider.

I only like the GS.

Great job with the picture Chris. I can't beleive I have missed this thread. Personally the looks of the GS don't do it but I'm a fan of the IS.

No problem Luwalira.

I'm not to crazy about the IS, but the GS is a hotty. I found the IS to be a bit too small. A Mercedes C-Class actually offers more space upfront!