I'm sure tires will be a big part of the handling characteristics......thank goodness for double wishbones all the way around...think of it as more precise and not as soft as the GS300/400. One article says that you can toss it around and still feel in control, and another (German Biased Publication) said it's not as "user friendly" as a BMW 3er. Thje proof will be in the ride and drive training that I'm heading to on June 2nd in Chi-Town!!!