Test drive Lexus GS 2005 - 2008 sedan

Life was a success

At least financially
It seems to you really succeeded. Anyone who is able to pay so much money for the wheels is clearly not the last. And the manufacturers, trying to please the spoiled customers as much as possible, offer them not just a business class, but a swing car. They offer a symbol of the status of its owner, according to which acquaintances and strangers, friends and enemies, envious people and (dream) well -wishers will be identified.
 
Who is what
Audi A6
The price of a tested car is $ 71,000
Max. Power 218 l. With. at 6300 vol./min
Max. speed 240 km/h
Acceleration 0100 km/h 7.9 s
Lexus GS300
The price of a tested car is $ 65 900
Max. Power 245 liters. With. at 6200 vol./min
Max. speed 240 km/h
Acceleration 0100 km/h 6 s
Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic
The price of a tested car is D71 500
Max. Power 272 l. With. at 6000 vol./min
Max. speed 250 km/h
Acceleration 0100 km/h 7.1 s

ERGONOMICS
All three here are direct and irreconcilable competitors. True, the newest of them Lexus GS300 has a rear drive, and the apologist of a similar layout of the Mercedes-Benz E350 arrived in us in a 4Matic all-wheel drive. Yes, and the motor here is new, 300 cubic meters are more than the previous 3.5 liters. Well, for the solid Audi A6, a more familiar option is QUATTRO. And besides, the three -liter engine standing here came from the previous model and is significantly inferior to competitors in horses and, accordingly, dynamics. More powerful (37 liters) of 3.2 liters with supposedly too tender FSI injection are supposed to other markets to other markets.
 
You climb into A6, and the first feeling: I am at home! Audi I forgive even flat external pens, when everyone has already switched to pens under the natural grip. And with what sound the doors of the low breast oscillation clap. In the cabin for years, the gained style has crystallized into simple, familiar and almost perfect forms and proportions. The hard triangle of the back-front-shooter helps to feel like a part of the car. It is convenient for me to pull out the column far over myself (I also fit well behind myself), and then the left leg is clearly on a wide supporting platform located at the right angle. Plastic is traditionally expensive and in the touch, to touch it more pleasant than other skin. The combination of colors and the textures of the audible gut is also impeccable. But with a review worse than the dimensions (the largest in the three) are guessed here with parking sensors, simple intuition does not help out. And I am completely upset by the algorithm for the work of a round handle of MMI. Probably, I’ll get used to it in a month, but for a couple of days I take the car for the third time, and any installation sets me up on an exciting journey through the wild menu's wilds. I don’t want to be distracted from the road for a long time, and I look forward to red light to adjust the desired mode of the climate system or configure the sound of the receiver.
 
The next searches of the Toyotovites did not go so far as to make the new Lexus once again completely new. His style is more or less supported, but the roll in favor of an even larger Asian cannot but upset. On the other hand, the cluster of GS is not kichevaya, but noble-explosive. The plastic of the salon here liked more than a tree, especially a slippery tree on a steering rim. The saddles are no worse than the Avdotians, and the internal purge makes the movement on them in the summer heat generally magnificent. The spaciousness in the Lexus salon is much smaller than that of competitors. The ceiling presses on the head all the riders, and on the second row is closely and legs, especially the feet. There is no rear review (aerodynamics, design), and in other directions it is very decent. To the left of the steering wheel, on the torpedo, there is a retractable panel with a microlift on which a dozen small buttons crowded: mirrors, tank, trunk, etc. They were sent there so that they did not loom here and there, did not overload, so to speak. But they combined painfully closely, under the ladies' fingers, you constantly poke the wrong way. The engine here is launched by the button (the key lies in your pocket), but it works without any silently whether it has launched or not. Therefore, sometimes you have to press this button again and longer. But on A6 a short turn of the key and the starter knows how much you need to spin to start!
 
The gut of Mercedes is a cozy classic. But without boredom, despite the gloom of a continuous black interior. True, the imagination and memory draw me light, more cheerful options for performing gray, beige. The chairs here, according to tradition, are not so gestures and are not so clamped by lateral support. The average owner of the E-class is apparently the largest owners of A6 and GS300. Including in height. A noticeable scope here is everywhere: above the head, and from behind, and even for the fifth rider. And the doors open wider than everyone. The main complaint of creepy quality skin, almost leatherette, it would not decorate the car and is three times cheaper. But, probably, thousands of thousands of kilometers will not last practically. The second disadvantage: that acoustic comfort that competitors have no mention here. Even on idle shocks and sniffs, of course, relative to rivals. But the best visibility and a sense of dimensions are not shy, not before, or even more so, otherwise why did you attach the sight there?
DYNAMICS
Who would argue that modern business class cars with 33.5 liters of engines are required to be not only comfortable, but also fast. Or is it still fast with mandatory comfort? Moreover, pure acceleration numbers to a generally accepted hundred coincide on two models. And even the slowest A6 accelerates as it should be a square machine with four rings on a grille, bite with all the wheels into the asphalt. And in the acceleration, the driver takes no less part than all the rotating and rubbing elements of the power unit and transmission. Even more in-depth tactile and vestibular sensations are facilitated by steering wheel petals of switching of the Communist Party. A short movement on yourself, and the instant, but smooth groove of the box. I want to manage the programs here on my own, and the driver has subconscious associations with sportsmen, where no less depends on you than on technology. But inhibition does not cause a sense of comfort, although it is a direct continuation of the entire corporate style of behavior. Slow down are distinguished by noticeable squats on the nose and pronounced overloads for the crew.
 
GS300 in contrast to the Audi ideal of smooth sorted acceleration. On the one hand, you think how he leaves! And on the other hand, you constantly underestimate the genuine speed. A fleeting thought how it is easy for one hundred and fifty still does not have time to take shape, and the eyes are already fixing the speedometer arrow, which slipped around 200. And about this speedometer itself, one could write a separate story, not even a medium -sized poem. I dare to say: the instrument shield of this lexus is written with a capital letter of the SC, and it exceeds the same products of all the known cars to me. But it’s better to see once. And the owner of the GS receives this happy opportunity to admire the devices daily and every minute ... Against the background of extremely soft acceleration and completely invisible switching, the brakes seemed to me somewhat harsh. Periodically, with partial pressing on a rather soft pedal, Lexus began slowing down almost in emergency mode, but after the first day of the races you get used to such a lackey haste.
 
Mercedes, contrary to the current stereotypes about the image of a solid car, struck his mischievous custom. A light touch to the accelerator pedal causes a storm of emotions, a surge of revolutions and an eager transition to a lower step. And even if you stomp on the floor, the gelding breaks into an unbridled and sometimes unexpected flight. No, not in vain compared to the predecessor E320, he acquired the extra 48 (!) Horses. It was them that was not enough to say the power of the car sufficient. I will particularly emphasize a little comparable sensation of traction, when the motor easily draws the tachometer arrow through the entire range of revolutions from the bottom. But it is worth a little drop in the gas, as a heavy sedan begins to slow down with an engine. And what is nice, it goes on the next program exactly when you want. He feels the driver more than others, and his algorithm quickly adapts to your temperament. Special thanks to highly effective brake mechanisms. If you do not use measuring equipment, but to evaluate the peephole, it seems to me that the E350 will slow down much faster and more willing to competitors, while maintaining exchange rate and longitudinal stability.
CONTROLLABILITY
The current A6 in behavior is seriously different from the predecessor and the younger sister of A4. She became softer and impressive, but lost part of the driver high. A light steering wheel, a cotton suspension, perhaps in demand behind the ocean, but certainly not progress for a series of models from Ingolstadt. Although if you didn’t go to other Audi before, it is quite good. The car will definitely steer and willingly enters the given trajectory, largely due to the complete drive and uniform weight weight. And does not even fall too much with significant lateral accelerations. But when passing the irregularities, the suspension breaks through quite willingly. Such a controversial cocktail. The relatively high location of the car over the road is also comforted.
 
But Lexus landing has lower and risks risking his bottom in the bottom of the entrance to the garage or a fat lying posture. But the rest is a great car, the leader of the test. A sensitive steering wheel, together with a capacious, elastic suspension, allow you to control literally one finger, but thoroughly control the maneuver. In the extreme passage of the GS turn, it does not break into the skid for a long time, as if holding the road not only of the rear drive of the axle, but some other invisible forces. And then it goes out of turn smoothly and predictably. And along ordinary city streets it goes like a glove, allowing the owner not to strain too much on the topic of sometimes disgusting surrounding reality. And also, there, in traffic jams and lanes, the angle of rotation of the front wheels was greatly pleased with the steepness of the steepness. Lexus fits into any hole, if only in width crawled, because most often there is precisely the radius of rotation.
 
In recent years, Mercedes on the style of behavior on the road literally changed places with his main opponents from Munich. Star Meresa became powerful, accurate and nursing. Well, cleanly specifically. And Boomer tried so hard to get away from the gangster image that they created a whole bisexual galaxy. E350 is not an exception to its suspension, rude and sharply, an amplifier of moderate force, and the turnover of the steering wheel at 360o twists the wheels to the maximum corner in comparison with the competitors. Even with active work by the steering wheel, Eshka remains in tight contact with the road and gives the owner confidence in his actions. Yes, and he doesn’t care for him, the main thing! The real driver, on which it is a sin to plant a hired driver.
SUMMARY
This is the rare case when the winner is not revealed too much three different. Probably, as a driver, I would prefer Mercedes if not to look into the price tag. And if you look at the fight. Lexus will definitely appeal to those who want peace and prosperity. And Audi fans will reasonably object that the Teutonic style and spirit are fully expressed in A6, and you can’t argue with them. It turned out somewhat political correctly, but, believe me, I did not be cunning.
 

A6 second model after A8 W12, whose face was decorated with a high grate-trapping. And then it rushed
 
Engine:
Working volume 2976 cm3,
Compression degree 10.5: 1,
Max. Power 218 l. With. at 6300 about/min,
Max. moment 290 nm at 3200 rpm/min
The drive is complete
Suspension
The front is multi -link
The back is multi -link
Gearbox aut. 6th.
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h 240
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 8.1
common data
A mass of equipment./Full, kg 1570/2150
Fuel consumption (EPA): 7.2/13.9 liters per 100 km
Fuel tank volume: 80 l
The number of places 5

For 20 years of training, it seems that the masters from Ingolstadt brought their products to the ideal. What is the next revolution?


By ease of use, there is one remark of the flash handle. Strange, because more old A2 and T2 under the natural grip

Maximum volume: 546 cm3. Again, study. The trunk is not just great, but correct in shape. Flat panels, no protruding niches, an easily cleaning short pile. Bravo! Six on a five -point scale
 
 
 
This car is a leader in confident passage of turns. The only one, by the way, is monotive!
Engine:
Working volume 2995 cm3,
Compression degree 11.5: 1,
Max. Power 245 liters. With. at 6200 vol./min,
Max. moment 310 nm at 3600 rpm/min
The rear drive
Suspension
The front is multi -link
The back is multi -link
Gearbox aut. 6th.
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h 240
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 6
common data
A mass of equipment./Full, kg 1655/2120
Fuel consumption (EPA): 9.8 liters per 100 km
Fuel tank volume: 75 liters
The number of places 5

For 2005, quota for Russia is 500 cars. In the future it can disperse more if only oil flow

Lexus trump card modest price. And you can also save $ 4000 instead of the Premium version take executive

The front panel in the oriental style is rich, variegated, qualitatively and varied. Many people like it

Maximum volume: 430 cm3. The most modest result. But, in addition to naked numbers, the loading process interferes with a short yawn of the lid, limited by very sloping rear window. Well, beauty requires victims
 
 
 
The fact that the E-class traditionally takes into German taxis almost the best advertising of Mercedes

Engine:
Working volume 3498 cm3,
Compression degree 10.7: 1,
Max. Power 272 l. With. at 6000 vol./min,
Max. moment 350 nm at 2400 rpm/min
The drive is complete
Suspension
The front is multi -link
The back is multi -link
Gearbox aut. 5-Test.
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h 250
Acceleration to 100 km/h, from 7.1
common data
A mass of equipment./Full, kg 1700/2300
Fuel consumption (EPA): 10.4 liters per 100 km
Fuel tank volume: 65 liters
The number of places 5

The price of an E-class begins with a modest $ 43,200 for E200K with a compressor engine 1.8. Here you think and whether to take a simpler version?

The mass of the same black buttons does not improve orientation in the space of the salon. But the instrument shield is light and amazingly informative

This Mercedes, like the Audi A6, went evolutionary. Taking into account the retrospective, the next Eshka should be revolutionary

Maximum volume: 540 cm3. Quite a solid result. But the picture slightly spoils the opening in the bottom of the opening. The rear lights with traditional Mercedes beards are to blame. But the consumer is not easier from this
HOW DO THEY LOOK
Nikita Rozanov
Audi A6.

The first show of the prototype 1997. The new version of 2004. The design led by Walter de Silva.
Lexus GS 300.

The first show of 1998. The new version of 2005 was the design under the leadership of Georgetto Jujaro.
Mercedes E.

The first show of 1984 was a new version of 2003. Design under the leadership of Peter Pfainer.

OUTSIDE
What names! De Silva, Jujaro, Pfaifer is their sculptures on wheels today compete for the title of the best. But one and the best will not be. By the level of professionalism of design and style, they are a single team that has been holding the border of the upper middle class for more than a dozen years, behind which the territory of reasonable sufficiency ends and the endless expanses of luxury cars begin. Of course, they are sedans, and, of course, they will be recognized from the face at a time, and it is impossible to confuse their brands in an image or in expressiveness either day or night. This property is provided by historical gratings of the faces of the radiators of the German couple and the harmony of the face of Lexus from Jujaro. Silhouettes are surprisingly diverse both in the roof outline and in separate details. For example, look at how varied and original the final line of the third side window is decided. At the back of the individuality and recognition, the rear lights are well held, which in this capacity work no worse than the legendary branded emblem. It is amazing that even the relatively young Lexus brand is not inferior in this comparison.
INSIDE
Here, border sentences in the group are felt stronger. Moreover, almost all participants in the test practically copy the architecture of their fellow tribesmen from the luxury class. But they do it more elegant. The architecture of instrument panels is traditionally like only in Mercedes and its constant opponent Lexus. Audi works out the sports charisma of the brand and builds a composition on the accent of the driver's place. From the traditions of the class to use a solid four -spoke steering wheel, with the exception of the Japanese, of course, no one retreats. And this is all the more incomprehensible, because the style of a Japanese car of applications for a sports style, except for this detail, does not.
SUMMARY
The first impulse at this place to put an ellipsis, because this time the choice of style is more subjective than ever and, most likely, is determined by image, emotions and addiction to the brand. Therefore, exhale and choose what you like. I would choose Audi design. Or not, lexus ... no, Audi, or still Lexus? Stop. But what about Mercedes?

LIKED
 
Audi A6 Quattro

The information content of the mirrors here is the highest. And adjustment handle on the spot
 
Lexus GS300

Ontitron, more than a stylish finish, rather than technology
 
MB E350 4MATIC

40%allowance for Mercedes is justified by the presence of an sight
 
DID NOT LIKE
 
Audi A6 Quattro

MMI control handle is not bad, but the jungle system itself for a beginner
 
Lexus GS300

Drinks in Lexus trim do not caress
 
MB E350 4MATIC

The steering wheel switches of the Mercedes parable in the tongue. But they are stubbornly sculpted on all models
 
Text Vladimir Smirnov
Photo Alexander Nozdrin
 

Source: Cars