Lexus' Brilliant BMW M5 Rival Can Be Purchased For Less Than $50k
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- Later GS Fs Are Worth The Extra Outlay
- The GS F Comes With Impressive Tech
The BMW M5 is one of the most legendary performance cars ever produced, as it revolutionized the executive sports sedan market when it first hit the market in 1985. It has had to deal with a swarm of rivals trying to cash in on the lucrative sector since, though BMWs M Division has continually moved the bar ever higher to ensure the M5 retains its crown as the king of the mid-size premium sports sedan.
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2020 Lexus GS F
This doesn't mean other rivals haven't gotten close, with one particular example being the Lexus GS F. It went out of production in 2020, but this only means you can secure one for a fraction of its MSRP on the used market. CarBuzz decided to shine a light on the M5's forgotten challenger, and why it's a good alternative if you fancy something a little different.
This article explores the Lexus GS F, and why it is a good alternative to the much-loved BMW M5 sports sedan as a used purchase. Having been off the market for five years, the newest used GS Fs are 2020 models.
The GS F Was Designed To Beat The M5 At Its Own Game
For most of its early history, Lexus tended to focus on the luxury aspect of its vehicles, rather than the sporting side. Some models, like the SC300 coupe, were a little more performative in nature, but they still angled more toward the smooth and silky side of the coin. Looking to expand its customer base, Lexus decided to establish its very own performance arm, called F, in 2006.
2020 Lexus GS F White Front Angle
The F department took a two-pronged approach to jazzing up Lexus' cars. It developed a range of F-Sport trim lines for lower-end models, which brought along mildly hot aesthetic and engineering enhancements, though the full-fat F cars were the ones for the true gearheads. These featured powerful naturally aspirated V8 engines, and focused chassis tuning that ensured they could take the fight to cars made by BMWs M division and Mercedes-Benz's AMG department.
Lexus RX F Sport front 3/4
Are Lexus F Sport models comparable to BMW M or Mercedes-AMG?
No, Lexus F Sport models aren't in the same high-performance category as BMW M or Mercedes-AMG. These F Sport models have sportier styling, but the badge doesn't always correlate to any increase in output or performance, whereas a BMW M model will always be quicker than a non-M version. F-badged Lexus models like the older IS F and current RC F are more comparable to BMW M and Mercedes-AMG products. Do you think the Lexus F Sport badge is misleading?
While the Lexus IS F was released in 2007 to take on the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63, it took until 2015 before Lexus unveiled a challenger to the likes of the M5. Wanting to be seen as a serious option alongside the mighty M5, Lexus pulled out all the stops to ensure the GS F could battle its German rival in its own backyard. Unfortunately, the GS F was short-lived, as it died along with the rest of the GS lineup after Lexus decided to retire the model in 2020. As a result, the only way to get one now is by purchasing a used example.
A Well-Looked After GS F Can Be Had For Under $50,000 In 2025
2020 Lexus GS F Blue Front Angle Driving
Given its position as a range-topping executive sports sedan, the GS F wasn't exactly affordable when it was new. Even without any options selected, the GS F demanded over $85,000 from its buyer's bank account, though it must be said that even this was nearly $20,000 less than the M5's $102,000 price tag in 2020. As is usually the case with expensive vehicles that suffer steep depreciation, the value of the GS F have taken a tumble since then.
2016-2020 Lexus GS F | 2018-Present BMW M5 F90 | |
|---|---|---|
Engine | 5.0L NA V8 | 4.4L twin-turbo V8 |
Power | 467 hp | 600 hp |
Torque | 389 lb-ft | 553 lb-ft |
0-60 mph | 4.5 seconds | 3.2 seconds |
KBB Used Values | $38,120-$59,457 | $47,029-$59,010 (Until 2020) |
Later GS Fs Are Worth The Extra Outlay
While Kelley Blue Book values a solid 2020 example at $59,457, earlier model-year cars can be had for significantly less. Bear in mind that the pre-2017 MY GS Fs didn't come with the marque's Adaptive Variable Suspension system, which is well worth having. It uses sensors to monitor the kind of road surface the GS F is traveling over, which can then select one of 30 different damper settings to suit. This ensures that whether the car is attacking a corner on a track or dealing with a rough road, which requires a smoother ride, it can change at a moment's notice.
2024 Lexus RC F - exterior
The Most Powerful Lexus V8 Ever
Lexus has produced its fair share of V8 bruisers throughout its history, but this is the most powerful of the lot.
You can save a little money by going for the 2016 MY cars without the system, which are valued at $38,120 by KBB, but the $42,000 2017 MY cars aren't a whole lot more expensive. Interestingly, the value of the GS F closes matches that of similarly aged M5s. A 2018 M5, the first year of the F90 generation model, is valued at $47,029 as per KBB, while a GS F from the same year comes in at $48,508.
The GS F Offers A More Raw Driving Experience Than The E90 M5
2020 Lexus GS F Gray Front Angle
For those looking for outright pace over a purely thrilling driving experience, it'll be difficult to see past the M5. The F90 version of the model introduced in 2018 comes with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 packing 600 hp, which thoroughly decimates the 467 hp naturally aspirated V8 found under the hood of the GS F. As a result, while the M5 can hit 60 mph in a blazing 3.2 seconds, the GS F gets there in 4.5 seconds. Both come with automatic eight-speed transmissions.
Lexus IS 500 F 5.0L V8 Engine
That said, the Lexus' V8 offers a much more exciting sound than the rather muted tones of the M5's twin-turbo unit, making it feel a little more alive when you hit the throttle. The GS F is also rear-wheel-drive as opposed to the all-wheel-drive BMW, which helps ensure the Lexus tips the scales at around 300 pounds less. For those looking to get their pulse racing, these rawer elements may prove more appealing than the efficiently quick M5.
The GS F Comes With Impressive Tech
Aside from the useful AVS suspension setup, the GS F also comes loaded with other handy kit such as a powerful Brembo braking system. It was also the first Lexus sedan to come with torque vectoring, which sends more power to the outer rear wheel to help keep the nose nicely tucked into the apex through a corner, as well as enhance agility when changing direction.
The M5 may be the superior car from a pure performance standpoint, but the Lexus will arguably bring a broader smile to your face.
The GS F Is A Durable Sports Sedan Purchase
2019 Lexus GS F White Front Angle
Aside from providing a thrilling drive, the GS F can also be trusted to get you to your next destination. While this shouldn't come as much of a surprise given Lexus' reputation for bulletproof reliability, as illustrated by the brand topping the 2024 J.D Power Dependability Study, it's always good to make sure. While a 4.8/5-star reliability score through KBB allows it to start off on the right foot, while RepairPal estimates the V8-powered beast should only cost around $499 a year to maintain. Its strong performance continues when you consider the National Highway Transport Safety Administration's records.
2016-2020 Lexus GS F Reliability | |
|---|---|
NHTSA Complaints | 0 |
NHTSA Recalls | 1 |
KBB Reliability Score | 4.8/5-stars |
RepairPal Yearly Maintenance | $499 |
The US Government-run department, which ensures every car sold in the US is safe, has yet to receive a single complaint regarding the car from an owner. One recall was filed for the vehicle by Lexus, which concerned the high-pressure fuel pump fitted to certain GS Fs made between 2016 and 2018. The component's cover could crack under load, which risked leading to a fire. All vehicles affected should already have had the fuel pump replacement carried out, but make sure when looking at a used example to confirm this.
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All in all, the GS F positions itself as a worthy alternative to the BMW M5. It may not be able to match the German sedan from a pure performance perspective, but it certainly can in terms of the purity of the driving experience. Clean examples can be had for a similar price, and they are likely to be more dependable day today than an M5. Throw in its underdog status into the mix, and you've got the recipe for a rapid sports sedan that's just that little bit different.
