Gbp

I agree with most of this except that an average Camry owner might be satisfied with the Camry. At least looking at myself, I've had Camry-level cars most of my life: cars that had features generally not found in the lower priced cars, good reliability and utility. For the first time, I really wanted what I perceived to be a luxury vehicle: a car that went beyond being "practical" and fine for daily driving to a car that made the driving experience a pleasure -- not a "canyon carver" or a high-performing car, but one that offered comfort and features beyond a Camry or even Avalon.

The quality of the leather and wood in the LS460 is (naturally) far ahead of the same, not just in a Camry, but most vehicles. The ergonomics and attention to detail is great. I appreciate the small things, such as the sunglasses holder. The solid "thunk" of a door closing. The overall refinement.

All hardly practical, but that what makes me want to drive my LS460 on a car trip or to the supermarket. I doubt most people feel that way about their Camrys, at least after the initial thrill of new ownership.

roadfrog

Amen to that brother!!

jainla

Agreed but it's going to be hard to go back to a 'normal' car after owning the LS. My mother had two Camrys and loved them but every time she lands at LAX she's happy the LS is there. The Camry is a great car but the details (and the refinement) are not at LS levels. And for less than half the price that's reasonable.

I haven't driven the new S Class (W222) but the prior W221 felt like an old man's car. Fast yes but stolid, serious and imposing (like Darth Vader). The LS460 and BMW 7 series were much more athletic.

With ABC the S might feel more athletic; but there's no hiding the fact that these are 2 ton + cars. The Laws of Physics still apply somewhat. So in comparison to almost any normal car these cars will probably feel a little more....stately.

On a DIY note though whenever the LS430 feels sluggish I disconnect the battery and reset the throttle control computer. It seems to return the throttle to the default mapping and the car feels peppier.