Top Gear Comparison: Lexus GS F vs. BMW M5 30 Jahre

Posted by Kevin on February 5th, 2016

Top Gear has a comparison of the 467-horsepower Lexus GS F and the M5 30 Jahre, the 30th anniversary 600-horsepower edition of BMW’s super sedan — despite the power difference, it was a close competition:

But what I’m trying to convey is that you shouldn’t write the Lexus off – in fact although this isn’t a very super-saloony comment, if the Lexus had a simpler, more satisfying interior design and a less hopeless infotainment system (the mouse set-up is utterly awful) it would have run the BMW closer.

The GS F is a less polished, honed and deft product than the M5, the Hyde side lurking closer to the surface. But there’s something to be said for that: it’s a little less grown up, arguably the more fun, thrashable and amusing of the pair.

ComparisonsCompetitorsLexus GS F: First Generation
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Comments
T
  • T
    Tinhinnh
  • February 5, 2016
GSF is what an M5 used to be 10 years ago
M
  • M
    Meth Jayasekera
  • February 5, 2016
They said that the BMWs seats were more comfortable! What a lie! They said the interior looked better too! Did you see the M5s ugly seats?
M
  • M
    MC Witz
  • February 5, 2016
Is it me, or does every critic have to bash the remote touch system as a form of legitimizing their review? I bet not one of them has sat with a tech specialist to actually see how it works....point and click...holy s*%t that's hard! Never was designed to be used while driving, but they still have to put in their "token" comment about it. Ridiculous.
F
  • F
    FormerLexTech
  • February 5, 2016
I only got halfway through the review to realize this was an unfair comparison.... BMW not being able to provide a 'regular' M5?! Oh, but they had a '30th Anniversary' edition with 40 more horsepower that is limited to only 300 units on hand?! Mmm hmm....and don't they usually electronically limit their cars to 155 mph (at least in the United States anyway, not sure about other countries)? I'm looking forward to a comparison between the GSF and the Audi S6, they seem to be more direct competitors...I'm not a fan of this review because it's not the base M5, sorry!
R
  • R
    rayaans
  • February 5, 2016
They've got their facts wrong. The Lexus GS-F here in the UK has a "limited" top speed of 168mph!!
C
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    Corey
  • February 5, 2016
Everyone on here has said everything right so far. The only thing I think I can add is that yes, the BMW has more speed and a higher top speed. However, the M5 does NOT come with a drive select mode. Meaning, the M5 will always be in that "M" mode. The GS F does come with a drive select mode, featuring eco, normal, sport, and sport +. As far as handling goes, the M5 has your basic track car traction control systems. The GS F has the VERY sophisticated torque vectoring system, which allows for turning/cornering at higher speeds and improved grip out of turns. I do like the route Lexus is taking, making high performance vehicles, but it will take some time for them to catch on as "performance" vehicles. When people hear M5, they think performance. When people hear, Lexus (whatever model, it doesn't matter), performance does not pop into their heads.
B
  • B
    BOSS
  • February 5, 2016
The interior lol....are you kidding me? Been in a few 5 series generation models (mostly the last one) and the average could not tell the difference between that and this years interior design, I'm sorry but it's mostly plastic and cheap leather, and very generic. 5 series are nice yes! but interior compared to the GS no!
R
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    Rob Grieveson
  • February 6, 2016
Why is the GS F slower? Lexus fans can complain all they like but it does seem that the M 5 is faster etc and BMW have this corner of the market pretty much to themselves.Lexus must wake up they introduce an F range and know very well what they have to do and then fail to crack it. Disappointed in Lexus a great car generally but if they want to be the market leader then they must be out in front!
meth.ix
It says the GS F has an auto and the M5 has a dual-clutch but doesn't the GS F have paddle shifters?
R
  • R
    Rob Grieveson
  • February 6, 2016
Lexus took on the Merc and BMW etc and failed to crack them and hence my disappointment. I too have been driving Lexus since 2006 and think they are really good motor cars. This is not being small minded at all it is time for Lexus to sort their problems out - I want them to be Best of Breed and they can do it and I am not pleased that the F range cannot take on and beat the opposition and for any one to say they are happy with second place is letting the Brand down. Please take the positive out of my comment Lexus can do better and this is a good place for all Lexus enthusiasts to tell them. End.
Dreski
I can buy any of these two, well maybe not the 30 Jahre. If money was not an issue, I still won't buy these current versions. I'd stay away from the F10 and GS-F and wait for the newer versions. #NotImpressed with either

D