Lexus LS

Drove one, it's feels like an IS packed and ready for a family vacation. The features are nice though.

 

Neighbor has one. The 460L version. I test drove one.

As for driving, I prefer the MB CLS55 and the S550 sedans, and the 7series BMW's.

With the long wheel base package and the executive seating option in the back (of the LS), the back seats of the lexus are incredible, but if I bought one, I would never be back there...

 

I really have to look at them now to see which model it is. They're all so similar and the lower end models look a lot like Camrys. I've owned two Lexuses - I like the LS460 on the inside.

RMX

 

The car is very well apointed inside and there are lots of gadgets available in some of the packages (intuitive auto park, lux rear seats, etc.) At a base price I think that the car is a tremendous value, however when a fully equiped vehicle approaches 90 grand it puts Lexus into a whole new catagory of competition.

I prefer several of the German vehicles (7 series, S class, A8) over the LS for that kind of money

 

Ive been in 3 now, and the fit and finish were so far beyond anything germany offers, I would be forced to choose one by this alone...

 

from the brief experience I had in the LS460L, it was pretty darn quick for what I had expected.. however, the acceleration isn't very noticeable, in true Lexus fashion (the only thing you really notice is the speedometer needle creeping higher and higher, and the tach bouncing back and forth as the car switches through its 8 gears). It's smooth, and relatively muted. But that's what buyers of these cars tend to prefer. if they wanted something with good road feel and sports-car handling, perhaps they'd spend their money on a quattroporte or an M5. these cars aren't certain to see 19/27 mpg though.

the styling is not really agreeable to everyone, as evidenced by the earlier posts. it is pleasant looking, but isn't as emotional as say, a QP.

the one thing that really impressed me was the audio system. the one i drove had the mark levinson package. it's 15 channel w/ 19 speakers.. and has a 450 watt output, which is pretty good for a stock system. i don't know if it would measure up to the A8's bang & olufsen... but then, it's not a $10k option either.

 

Your first point was the same feeling that I got. It is VERY insulated...you hear almost nothing and feel almost nothing.

The Mark Levinson sounds systems in the Lexus line are great, but they aren't chump change either. I am sure that it is available as a stand alone option, however the car that I had driven had the Levinson sound system, Nav system, bluetooth phone hook-up, power rear shade, back-up/pull-up sensonrs, heated/vented seats, heated wheel etc. for about $8 grand...as I said you could probably get it as a stand alone option, however the cars at the local Lexus store were all pretty much equiped at this level or above.

 

Buzz, I agree with you, in that most dealerships are incented to order the cars w/ full-out options, as that's where a lot of their margins can lie. also, a fair number of the shoppers are leasing, so the effects of a big option package is not as noticeable to them..so the more, the merrier.

As far as the levinson sound package option, it's around $2500 separately, the last i checked. that is a decent amount of $ to pay for any type of sound system (beyond what already comes stock on a luxury car..).. but it's a few multiples short of the Audi system.

 

My main objection to the LS460 is it's braking performance. 10-30 ft worse from 60-0 than any other lux sedan (depending which test results you believe...)

Unacceptible and IMO a complete dealbreaker!!!

 

i read about that in the car & driver article. that is a problem; not sure how they screwed that up... i wonder if brembos would fit on the car.

 

Great car, but maybe when I am a little closer to a 6 foot dirt nap.

 

You choose a car based on this???

Do you drive your cars or sit in them and marvel at the fit and finish?

As wonderful and reliable Lexus cars are they are still very boring and disconnected compared to their German counterparts.

A S550-600 or 7 Series will run circles around a LS.

And the LS looks very much like the new Camry.

 

Yes, I do choose my cars based on quality, particularly luxury cars...I really couldnt care less about what a full sized luxury sedan can do with respect performance wise to another...I guess you do have the option to "drive" the germans more; straight to the dealership for warranty repairs...

 

If you mean the 745 (a comparable V8), simply not true. In terms of weight/power, the Lexus LS460 will scalp it (LS = 11.2 lb/hp, 745 = 13+)

The 760 - much more of a match, but then it's up four cylinders. Power to weight very similar to the Lexus, but more torquey, so the Bimmer probably has it in a straight line rolling race. But the weight matters in handling agility, and the Lexus is almost 700 lb lighter. "Run circles"?? - I think not. The LS460 is a very quick sedan, with luxury and Toyota reliability to boot *and* it's cheaper.

No argument about the "disconnection" from the driving experience, etc. but these comments are strange coming from someone who would choose a 7-series. If you wanted enthusiastic motoring with a modicum of luxury, shouldn't you be in an M5?

 

a LOT cheaper!

 

Run circles..........as in turning!!!!! Any 7 series will outhandle a LS, anyday, anytime, anywhere and feel much better doing it.

I really admire and respect Lexus for building such high quality cars but they are just too boring too drive.

I have owned my 2006 E55 for over a year now and have not had a single problem with it yet..........other than smoking my brother in his 360 and having to hear him whine about it!

Lexus are great cars, but they are lacking in the dynamics department and that is what I base my CAR purchase on!