2018 S Class Please Stop Comparing the LS
#17
Lexus Fanatic
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Originally Posted by Mr. Burns
The S-class Mercedes is easily the most overrated car on the market, there is absolutely NOTHING special about it nor is it a league above its competition in any way.
25-30 years ago, yes. Today, no.
25-30 years ago, yes. Today, no.
It's the best driving car on the road below $200,000. It just does everything better, its smoother, quieter, interior uses incredible quality materials, it's got the most prestige, the most presence on the road. It's just the best luxury sedan you can buy.
But, it costs a lot. One optioned even conservatively for me is $110,000. That's $15,000 more than a 7 Series optioned in a way I would be happy with. $30,000 more than my LS which I'm happy with obviously. Leasewise, $1,400 a month. That 740 is $1100, my LS is $950. That's a lot of money. Is it worth the money to me? Most likely not. If you offered me a choice of an LS, S550, 7 Series or A8 would I choose the S550? I wouldn't even hesitate, yes I would.
Aside from the money one of the trepidations I have about getting one is the ostentation factor. Being in sales you're always cognizant of appearing like you make too much money. I sometimes even feel that way in my LS (people make comments), and I certainly would much moreso in an S550.
If we get the S450 V6 sedan here and I can get one optioned the way I want for $95k, I'd have to seriously consider that.
#18
Lexus Champion
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I would say you haven't driven one.
It's the best driving car on the road below $200,000. It just does everything better, its smoother, quieter, interior uses incredible quality materials, it's got the most prestige, the most presence on the road. It's just the best luxury sedan you can buy.
But, it costs a lot. One optioned even conservatively for me is $110,000. That's $15,000 more than a 7 Series optioned in a way I would be happy with. $30,000 more than my LS which I'm happy with obviously. Leasewise, $1,400 a month. That 740 is $1100, my LS is $950. That's a lot of money. Is it worth the money to me? Most likely not. If you offered me a choice of an LS, S550, 7 Series or A8 would I choose the S550? I wouldn't even hesitate, yes I would.
Aside from the money one of the trepidations I have about getting one is the ostentation factor. Being in sales you're always cognizant of appearing like you make too much money. I sometimes even feel that way in my LS (people make comments), and I certainly would much moreso in an S550.
If we get the S450 V6 sedan here and I can get one optioned the way I want for $95k, I'd have to seriously consider that.
It's the best driving car on the road below $200,000. It just does everything better, its smoother, quieter, interior uses incredible quality materials, it's got the most prestige, the most presence on the road. It's just the best luxury sedan you can buy.
But, it costs a lot. One optioned even conservatively for me is $110,000. That's $15,000 more than a 7 Series optioned in a way I would be happy with. $30,000 more than my LS which I'm happy with obviously. Leasewise, $1,400 a month. That 740 is $1100, my LS is $950. That's a lot of money. Is it worth the money to me? Most likely not. If you offered me a choice of an LS, S550, 7 Series or A8 would I choose the S550? I wouldn't even hesitate, yes I would.
Aside from the money one of the trepidations I have about getting one is the ostentation factor. Being in sales you're always cognizant of appearing like you make too much money. I sometimes even feel that way in my LS (people make comments), and I certainly would much moreso in an S550.
If we get the S450 V6 sedan here and I can get one optioned the way I want for $95k, I'd have to seriously consider that.
Incredible quality materials? Yeah in some places, but you start to look harder (on non designo models mind you), and it's in no way a league better than the competition. Door panels are hard, headliner is cheap, the damn engine start button is cheap plastic. It's in the same ballpark as anything else in the segment.
Presence on the road? I see these things every. damn. day. In downtown Vancouver. They are big black taxis. Incredibly bland. They have none of the presence of classic S-classes. No one fears these things. No one turns to look at them. There is nothing to look at.
Every S-class since the W140 has been grossly overrated.
W220? Terrible.
W221? Hilariously bad.
Of course when each of these cars came out, the media was all over them. "The best car in the world". Right. History hasn't been kind to that claim.
I have no doubt the W222, while vastly improved, will meet a similar fate. It's just not that special anymore. All that's left is the Mercedes and S-class nameplate. Put another name on the W222 and watch the real ratings come in.
#19
Lexus Test Driver
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The LS costs a lot less than the S Class. I don't think it's fair comparing the two. Also reliability can't even be said in the same sentence of Mercedes. In the real world, even with the wealthy, I would assume things like monthly payments, service costs, and reliability go a long way in making purchasing decisions. But in the end, I truly believe it's the name that sells the S Class. There are Mercedes fans, and this is what they get when they want the ultimate.
Another way to look at it: Smart money vs. Spending money. Smart money is when you want luxury, but fly under the radar (LS). Spending money is making a statement to others about your riches (MBZ).
Another way to look at it: Smart money vs. Spending money. Smart money is when you want luxury, but fly under the radar (LS). Spending money is making a statement to others about your riches (MBZ).
#20
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I think the S Class has both the name and the styling.
No one, including 7 Series, A8, LS or XJ has managed to match the S Class for stately styling.
No one, including 7 Series, A8, LS or XJ has managed to match the S Class for stately styling.
#21
Pole Position
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A bit premature since no one has had seat time in both cars to really compare.
Seems like OP just wants to brag about being an S class owner or is considering getting the new S class and is pre-emptively gassing up his choice in bragmobile.
Seems like OP just wants to brag about being an S class owner or is considering getting the new S class and is pre-emptively gassing up his choice in bragmobile.
#22
Racer
Thread Starter
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I don’t have time to brag. The video/car speaks for itself. The car is in a different league. I’m a car enthusiast. I just feel the S class is a notch above its competitors. If you have the money you can customize this car like a spaceship. Just look at the doors on the MayBach. Its levels
#23
Lexus Fanatic
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Originally Posted by Mr. Burns
I have driven it and I disagree across the board. Yes it drives well, but a league ahead of its competitors? No.
Incredible quality materials? Yeah in some places, but you start to look harder (on non designo models mind you), and it's in no way a league better than the competition. Door panels are hard, headliner is cheap, the damn engine start button is cheap plastic. It's in the same ballpark as anything else in the segment.
Presence on the road? I see these things every. damn. day. In downtown Vancouver. They are big black taxis. Incredibly bland. They have none of the presence of classic S-classes. No one fears these things. No one turns to look at them. There is nothing to look at.
Pull up to your friends in an S550 and see how they react. The prestige is there I promise you. I know how people react when I pull up in the LS...and I think of you polled people which car was more expensive overwhelmingly they would pick the S550.
have no doubt the W222, while vastly improved, will meet a similar fate. It's just not that special anymore. All that's left is the Mercedes and S-class nameplate. Put another name on the W222 and watch the real ratings come in.
You say the press fawns all over the car. I've probably driven 5 of them, and I can't see one thing I've read from the press that I didn't also find to be true about the car. I'm not an S Class fan overall either, the previous generation didn't appeal to me at all.
I'm sure the new LS500 will improve upon the 460 in many ways, material quality will get better, will it's demeanor be smoother and quieter or edgier and sportier? We'll see. It's not going to touch the S Class for prestige though.
Last edited by SW17LS; 08-04-17 at 06:51 AM.
#25
Lexus Fanatic
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I would say 99% of S550s bought are driven by their purchasers.
It's a great car to drive. It feels lighter actually than the LS...despite riding better.
As for not comparing the LS, why? Of course people will compare the LS, they're cross shopped. Look in the LS forums, multiple members who came from the S Class and moved on from the LS to the S Class. Check out MBworld, lots of S550 owners had the LS in the past.
At some point in my life I will have one. Have other things I want/need to spend the money on now when a car as nice as the LS, 7, etc is available for significantly less. Hell, one of the LS guys just traded for a G90 for $630 a month!!! $800 a month less than an S Class lol.
It's a great car to drive. It feels lighter actually than the LS...despite riding better.
As for not comparing the LS, why? Of course people will compare the LS, they're cross shopped. Look in the LS forums, multiple members who came from the S Class and moved on from the LS to the S Class. Check out MBworld, lots of S550 owners had the LS in the past.
At some point in my life I will have one. Have other things I want/need to spend the money on now when a car as nice as the LS, 7, etc is available for significantly less. Hell, one of the LS guys just traded for a G90 for $630 a month!!! $800 a month less than an S Class lol.
Last edited by SW17LS; 08-04-17 at 08:17 AM.
#27
Lexus Fanatic
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Originally Posted by GSteg
I don't think I've ever looked twice at an LS460 driving down the street. Maybe it's because they're everywhere around my area. I'll take a 2nd look at an S63/65 though..
#28
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We can compare coupe with sedan, or sedan with SUV.
We can compare gasoline with diesel, atmospheric with forced induction, manual with auto, and FWD with RWD and even AWD.
We can compare Lexus with Hyundai Genesis - of course we can compare S Class with LS, and even XJ.
Those who wish not to compare S Class with LS are trying to assert that the S Class is that much better, there is no point for comparison.
We can compare gasoline with diesel, atmospheric with forced induction, manual with auto, and FWD with RWD and even AWD.
We can compare Lexus with Hyundai Genesis - of course we can compare S Class with LS, and even XJ.
Those who wish not to compare S Class with LS are trying to assert that the S Class is that much better, there is no point for comparison.
#30
Lexus Fanatic
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I agree, they are not the same. That in no way should diminish the LS, it is what it is and far above average. I just don't think that Lexus ever reached their potential--they were absolutely revolutionary in fall 1989, knocked everyone off their socks (actually that didn't come out right). We don't need to reiterate the 4 objectives of the LS400 that were met for the model year 1990, but 160 mph top speed should say something. BMW accusing Toyota Motor of selling the LS400 below cost should also speak volumes.