I Drove the new LS460...and now I'm Wondering???

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11-03-06, 06:05 AM

rjm

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I Drove the new LS460...and now I'm Wondering???

Let me say up front I love my LS430. I came from Mercedes and BMW's and I love the quality, reliability, and comfort of my LS430. So I went and test drove the new LS460. Drove it about 15 miles, on streets, country roads, and interstate highway. It is a wonderful car and drove great...absolutely no complaints...........but............I did not see that great of a difference between the LS460 and my LS430. I expected the steering feel to be much improved after talking with the salesman, but I could not detect any significant difference. Power was greater, the 8-speed transmission shifted more often, but frankly, I think I prefer my LS430. I would be interested to hear the impressions of you who currently own an LS430, and have driven the new LS460. What differences did you notice, and if you liked it better, why?

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11-03-06, 07:01 AM

scott rand

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I have a 2004 LS which I also love although I wasnt wild about the exterior styling. I've had my new 460 for about a week now and my impression is that it is a pretty significant upgrade in most areas. It is faster, smoother, and I think it handles better even though I had the sport package in my 430. The Nav system has significantly more capability, especially with the ability to add destinations through the voice control while in motion. Same is true with the bluetooth implementation which allows voice dialing. The ML system is another big jump with 19 speakers (better sound in all seats), ability to play DVDs, and I really like the built in Hard Drive - I've got about 25 of my CDs recorded already and it is a great way to listen to your favorite music. My neighbors are blown away by the back seat reclining and heated/air conditioned seats. OBTW - My neighbor is a LONG term MB S class buyer and his reaction was - "this might be the best car I've ever been in". I think the external styling is great - it just looks longer, sleeker, and more agressive. From the driver's seat it gives me more of a "cockpit" feel which I like (my other car is a 2005 corvette) and I really like the small touches like the brake hold button on the steering wheel. That is something I didnt think I would ever use but after a week I really like it. My only negative is a slightly smaller trunk than the 430 (I frequently carry 4 sets of golf clubs and carts). The only other thing I was disappointed to find is that the "credit card key" doesnt seem to be available. I was looking forward to just carrying my key in my wallet.

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11-03-06, 07:22 AM

ghmundt

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We picked up an LS460 for my wife about 2 weeks ago and I have inherited her 02 LS430 as my backup car when I don't want to drive my good car. I have fallen in love again with the LS430. While it doesn't have the techno gizmos of the 460, I love the driving experience. I feel like I am getting into my old BMW 2002 with the great fishbowl vision in all directions. Maybe because it is nicely broken in, but it just feels moe responsive and "tossable" in all directions on the road. Don't get me wrong, the 460 is a phenominal car, but everytime the power door closers clamp down on my driverside door, I feel a little like I am getting locked from the outside into a crypt. I think I will grow into the 460 as I did into the 430 5 years ago, but for right now I am enjoying the pure driving experience of my old, new friend the 430 more than the techno laden 460.