Buick Flagship Sedan to Rival Lexus LS? Return of the Park Avenue
08-08-10, 07:54 PM
#46
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08-09-10, 12:39 AM
#47
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I've driven a lot of Buicks, but none have come close to the level of quiet in the cabin of my LS430. They are quieter than most other GM cars, though, even some Cadillacs.
BTW, I think Chrysler wins the title of least reliable (or quitest), especially once all that Fix It Again Tony engineering is introduced.
BTW, I think Chrysler wins the title of least reliable (or quitest), especially once all that Fix It Again Tony engineering is introduced.
08-09-10, 02:53 AM
#48
Pole Position
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Dave also makes a good point. A true luxury car, as I see it, places a soft, comfortable ride, soft seat cushions, plush trim, and a plush interior above all else. That is different from a sport-sedan/performance-car, which is meant for responsive feedback to the driver's inputs. Trying to combine the two, IMO, is like mixing apples and oranges, although some BMW, Mercedes, and Audi models have admittedly done a generally good job of it by good chassis engineering and variable-damping suspensions. Among those three makes, though, the non-AMG Mercedes S-Class is probably the best example of true luxury-car engineering, with superb ride comfort......Consumer Reports calls it the best ride they have found on a mass-production car.
S won MT's shoot-out for best super luxury sedan with A8L second, 750L third
Also, Caddy's offering BIG discounts right now
08-09-10, 04:33 AM
#49
Pole Position
08-09-10, 06:48 AM
#50
Lexus Champion
68 LaCrosse
70 Taurus
69 Genesis
69 ES350
08-09-10, 07:38 AM
#51
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Differences between the LS 430 and LS 460 are really negligible. One is not much louder or quieter than the other.
08-09-10, 09:44 AM
#52
Lexus Champion
Not sure how the ES is ugly. Lets also remember the ES is V-6 only and starts at 35k. The LAcrosse can be had with a 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder and starts at 27k. The ES like the RX is the standard in class. PERIOD. Its amazing to see the hate they garnish by people not interested in them and completely bashing them based on perceptions they have without even thinking for 2 seconds the cars are aimed at a different buyer and those buyers LOVE THEM.
It is a good effort but the interior is clearly not to Lexus/ES levels nor most anything else.
Is Lexus that hated? Where anyone can just say "its going after Lexus" and people insist the Lexus is worse and lost the battle?
Funny people bash Lexus for being Lexus but give kudos for Buick for being like a Lexus?
WTF?
It is a good effort but the interior is clearly not to Lexus/ES levels nor most anything else.
Is Lexus that hated? Where anyone can just say "its going after Lexus" and people insist the Lexus is worse and lost the battle?
Funny people bash Lexus for being Lexus but give kudos for Buick for being like a Lexus?
WTF?
08-09-10, 09:49 AM
#53
Lexus spent YEARS undercutting the competition on price, and building its reputation, which now enables it to charge $70K for its flagship. Buick can't do that. Buick can try to take on the LS, but the only way there are going to do that is by selling the Park Avenue for under $50k.
I'd go for a ford/lincoln before buick.
08-09-10, 09:58 AM
#54
I found the MKS ride, sound, and engine to be rather harsh compared to the LS and the best GM products. The ecoboost engine helps, but it's usually paired with a tire and suspension setup that doesn't do it any favors.
08-09-10, 10:49 AM
#56
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08-09-10, 11:26 AM
#58
Lexus Champion
Pricing on a luxury Buick will be critical. Hyundai is going through that now with the Genesis and upcoming Equus. Getting consumers to pay $40-$50k+ for the brand is a challenge.
08-09-10, 12:57 PM
#59
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what a lot of people in the states don't realize is that we are getting the genesis and equus at very close to the cost it takes to build the car. the mark up is very minimal.
unlike in korea, the genesis and equus go for a premium with standard mark up profits as other manufacturers here in the states.
unlike in korea, the genesis and equus go for a premium with standard mark up profits as other manufacturers here in the states.
