Road & Track on the Lexus LS460 Sport
02-12-10, 08:21 AM
#16
02-12-10, 08:22 AM
#17
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I generaly agree, but there are some potential LS460 buyers who want more responsive handling/braking. The Sport model is for them, not the average LS460 buyer.
Having said that, however, I myself feel there was no need to go to stiffer tires on the latest-generation non-Sport model. For those who are NOT interested in the Sport model (and they are probably the majority of LS460 buyers), ride comfort is one of the most important issues....for them, the tires should be as soft and high-profile as is feasibly possible.
02-12-10, 08:22 AM
#19
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As a side note I see a lot of GSs out here even though they're "slow selling" elsewhere.
02-12-10, 08:23 AM
#20
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02-12-10, 08:27 AM
#21
I'm also in NJ and I see quite a few LS, even some 600hLs, but you're right that the S class is king out here. But I still think the LS is number 2 in our area. I don't see 7 series that often and A8s are pretty rare.
As a side note I see a lot of GSs out here even though they're "slow selling" elsewhere.
As a side note I see a lot of GSs out here even though they're "slow selling" elsewhere.
7 Series and A8 are really rare.
The S class is the world's best selling luxury flagship sedan.I really like the S Class.Great styling and so classy looking but oh that reliability may be in question a bit..
02-12-10, 08:30 AM
#22
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Sales are always difficult to look at when comparing the LS to the BMW and Merc flagships. The starting MSRP of the LS is a $64K while the 7 series starts at $82k and Mercedes starts at $87k.. A fully optioned LS460 does even top the BMW's starting asking price. Some could argue based on simply price that the LS does not belong with the LS or MB....I certainly do believe it does belong. When I compare the LS to 7series or S-class in reminds of how the Genesis is in the same category of car type as the GS but stills starts for a lot less.
If the LS started at $85k with the current option level, would it still do as well?
If the LS started at $85k with the current option level, would it still do as well?
Last edited by pagemaster; 02-12-10 at 08:34 AM.
02-12-10, 08:35 AM
#23
Sales are always difficult to look at when comparing the LS to the BMW and Merc flagships. The starting MSRP of the LS is a $64K while the 7 series starts at $82k and Mercedes starts at $87k.. A fully optioned LS460 does even top the BMW's starting asking price. Some could argue based on simply price that the LS does not belong with the LS or MB....I certainly do believe it does belong. When I compare the LS to 7series or S-class in reminds of how the Genesis is in the same category of car type as the GS but stills starts for a lot less.
If the LS started at $85k with the current option level, would it still do as well?
If the LS started at $85k with the current option level, would it still do as well?
02-12-10, 08:36 AM
#24
Sales are always difficult to look at when comparing the LS to the BMW and Merc flagships. The starting MSRP of the LS is a $64K while the 7 series starts at $82k and Mercedes starts at $87k.. A fully optioned LS460 does even top the BMW's starting asking price. Some could argue based on simply price that the LS does not belong with the LS or MB....I certainly do believe it does belong. When I compare the LS to 7series or S-class in reminds of how the Genesis is in the same category of car type as the GS but stills starts for a lot less.
I think most wealthy people go for a Benz and pay more.
It's just a more classy car that turns more heads.
I've driven and rode in my son in law's LS 460L many times.It's very nice.Great ML system too.I like the car but just don't love it.It's kind of blah.
Last edited by Joeb427; 02-12-10 at 09:13 AM.
02-12-10, 08:43 AM
#26
I also want to point out, pagemaster, that you seem to be stuck on price and are not actually examining the merits of each of these cars and considering what they offer.
Because the Mercedes and BMW cost more, does that inherently make them better cars? This argument negates your sentiments regarding the "overpriced" LFA. Since it's 2x the price of the 458 Italia, that must mean it's 2x better, right?
Is an Abercrombie and Fitch $80 polo better than a $12 one from Target, when they are both made at the same factory but finished with different logos?
I have spent plenty of time driving LS 460s, LS 460Ls, and even LS 600hLs, as well as S550s, S55s, 750is, 750iLs, A8s, A8Ls, and I can honestly say that the 7 series and the A8 actually feel a cut below the LS and S class in my opinion. I guess part of that is my thoughts and preference for ultra high quality interior materials and luxury abound. I think BMW puts more money into suspension and performance than they do interiors, and I think it also shows when you drive the car. The A8 is great but about 9/10 of the way there. There is really no doubt that the LS is a legitimate contender with the other two, and driving any of the three of them for 5 minutes would tell you that. Even sitting in one is really all it takes.
Your argument about the Genesis is really kind of off base too, as Hyundai got a lot of it right at face value but fell short in several other key areas- the areas that matter to people who buy, own, and are serious about luxury cars.
Because the Mercedes and BMW cost more, does that inherently make them better cars? This argument negates your sentiments regarding the "overpriced" LFA. Since it's 2x the price of the 458 Italia, that must mean it's 2x better, right?
Is an Abercrombie and Fitch $80 polo better than a $12 one from Target, when they are both made at the same factory but finished with different logos?
I have spent plenty of time driving LS 460s, LS 460Ls, and even LS 600hLs, as well as S550s, S55s, 750is, 750iLs, A8s, A8Ls, and I can honestly say that the 7 series and the A8 actually feel a cut below the LS and S class in my opinion. I guess part of that is my thoughts and preference for ultra high quality interior materials and luxury abound. I think BMW puts more money into suspension and performance than they do interiors, and I think it also shows when you drive the car. The A8 is great but about 9/10 of the way there. There is really no doubt that the LS is a legitimate contender with the other two, and driving any of the three of them for 5 minutes would tell you that. Even sitting in one is really all it takes.
Your argument about the Genesis is really kind of off base too, as Hyundai got a lot of it right at face value but fell short in several other key areas- the areas that matter to people who buy, own, and are serious about luxury cars.
02-12-10, 08:59 AM
#28
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
That's because Cadillac and Lincoln are phasing out their TRUE full-size passenger-car limo platforms, 
and some limo firms are being forced to turn to much more expensive ones from other automakers such as the S-Class. The Buick Lucerne might be a good (though slightly less-plush) alternative, but even the Lucerne may not be around much longer.
Chrysler unveiled a prototype, Rolls-Royce-like Imperial a few years ago that would have also, possibly, made another good alternative, but, unfortunately, never followed through on it.....possibly because of the looming bankrupcy.
and some limo firms are being forced to turn to much more expensive ones from other automakers such as the S-Class. The Buick Lucerne might be a good (though slightly less-plush) alternative, but even the Lucerne may not be around much longer.Chrysler unveiled a prototype, Rolls-Royce-like Imperial a few years ago that would have also, possibly, made another good alternative, but, unfortunately, never followed through on it.....possibly because of the looming bankrupcy.
Last edited by mmarshall; 02-12-10 at 09:02 AM.
02-12-10, 09:01 AM
#29
Lexus Connoisseur
Sales are always difficult to look at when comparing the LS to the BMW and Merc flagships. The starting MSRP of the LS is a $64K while the 7 series starts at $82k and Mercedes starts at $87k.. A fully optioned LS460 does even top the BMW's starting asking price. Some could argue based on simply price that the LS does not belong with the LS or MB....I certainly do believe it does belong. When I compare the LS to 7series or S-class in reminds of how the Genesis is in the same category of car type as the GS but stills starts for a lot less.
If the LS started at $85k with the current option level, would it still do as well?
If the LS started at $85k with the current option level, would it still do as well?
02-12-10, 09:12 AM
#30
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Check out that chrome Flying-Lady hood ornament....a R/R copy, yes, but still classy.
Last edited by mmarshall; 02-12-10 at 09:16 AM.