Test Drove an LS 500
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
Test Drove an LS 500
Last week I test drove a new LS 500 for the first time. It was sort of on a whim, I have a 2019 ES 350 Ultra Luxury I purchased last year so I don't really "need" a new car per se. It's mostly driven by my curiosity to see just how good of a deal I could work out on one, given that the LS has been a slow seller since the redesign (and as all sedans have been) plus the way the automotive sales have fallen off of a cliff the past two months plus.
I took a fairly long drive, and I was really impressed. It's drives great! Buttery smooth powertrain with power to spare. The example I drove had the air suspension, and I found the ride-handling balance supurb. Calm, confident, and composed. A lot of damping, I can see why previous LS owners would not be happy with this style ride as it's not the plush, magic carpet ride the LS used to have. It even has a little bit of steering feel!
Already having the redesigned ES with the same track pad, I'm used to it so that's a non issue to me. What struck me was how the two are almost the exact same size inside! Being a bigger car, I expected more space in the LS and I'm most disappointed in the headroom. I'm only 5'10" and my hair brushes the headliner sitting up straight with the seat all the way down! Granted, I have the same issue with my ES 350 and have an acceptable work around moving the seat back slightly from optimal so my head is more under the sunroof cutout...I just was surprised it wasn't roomier. The extra width and shoulder room was nice.
As an enthusiast, I understand the finer points on the design and material differences between the ES and LS. Comparing them directly to each other doesn't exactly seem fair. No question the LS is the engineered and built vehicle, yet that doesn't take away from the goodness that is the new ES in its own right. I'm curious though, do current gen LS owners like their cars, and why/why not? All you folks who've lived with your 18+ LS, what do you think of it?
I've got a lot to think about...I'm tempted to make the jump
I took a fairly long drive, and I was really impressed. It's drives great! Buttery smooth powertrain with power to spare. The example I drove had the air suspension, and I found the ride-handling balance supurb. Calm, confident, and composed. A lot of damping, I can see why previous LS owners would not be happy with this style ride as it's not the plush, magic carpet ride the LS used to have. It even has a little bit of steering feel!
Already having the redesigned ES with the same track pad, I'm used to it so that's a non issue to me. What struck me was how the two are almost the exact same size inside! Being a bigger car, I expected more space in the LS and I'm most disappointed in the headroom. I'm only 5'10" and my hair brushes the headliner sitting up straight with the seat all the way down! Granted, I have the same issue with my ES 350 and have an acceptable work around moving the seat back slightly from optimal so my head is more under the sunroof cutout...I just was surprised it wasn't roomier. The extra width and shoulder room was nice.
As an enthusiast, I understand the finer points on the design and material differences between the ES and LS. Comparing them directly to each other doesn't exactly seem fair. No question the LS is the engineered and built vehicle, yet that doesn't take away from the goodness that is the new ES in its own right. I'm curious though, do current gen LS owners like their cars, and why/why not? All you folks who've lived with your 18+ LS, what do you think of it?
I've got a lot to think about...I'm tempted to make the jump
The following 3 users liked this post by AllinCLE:
#2
Last week I test drove a new LS 500 for the first time. It was sort of on a whim, I have a 2019 ES 350 Ultra Luxury I purchased last year so I don't really "need" a new car per se. It's mostly driven by my curiosity to see just how good of a deal I could work out on one, given that the LS has been a slow seller since the redesign (and as all sedans have been) plus the way the automotive sales have fallen off of a cliff the past two months plus.
I took a fairly long drive, and I was really impressed. It's drives great! Buttery smooth powertrain with power to spare. The example I drove had the air suspension, and I found the ride-handling balance supurb. Calm, confident, and composed. A lot of damping, I can see why previous LS owners would not be happy with this style ride as it's not the plush, magic carpet ride the LS used to have. It even has a little bit of steering feel!
Already having the redesigned ES with the same track pad, I'm used to it so that's a non issue to me. What struck me was how the two are almost the exact same size inside! Being a bigger car, I expected more space in the LS and I'm most disappointed in the headroom. I'm only 5'10" and my hair brushes the headliner sitting up straight with the seat all the way down! Granted, I have the same issue with my ES 350 and have an acceptable work around moving the seat back slightly from optimal so my head is more under the sunroof cutout...I just was surprised it wasn't roomier. The extra width and shoulder room was nice.
As an enthusiast, I understand the finer points on the design and material differences between the ES and LS. Comparing them directly to each other doesn't exactly seem fair. No question the LS is the engineered and built vehicle, yet that doesn't take away from the goodness that is the new ES in its own right. I'm curious though, do current gen LS owners like their cars, and why/why not? All you folks who've lived with your 18+ LS, what do you think of it?
I've got a lot to think about...I'm tempted to make the jump
I took a fairly long drive, and I was really impressed. It's drives great! Buttery smooth powertrain with power to spare. The example I drove had the air suspension, and I found the ride-handling balance supurb. Calm, confident, and composed. A lot of damping, I can see why previous LS owners would not be happy with this style ride as it's not the plush, magic carpet ride the LS used to have. It even has a little bit of steering feel!
Already having the redesigned ES with the same track pad, I'm used to it so that's a non issue to me. What struck me was how the two are almost the exact same size inside! Being a bigger car, I expected more space in the LS and I'm most disappointed in the headroom. I'm only 5'10" and my hair brushes the headliner sitting up straight with the seat all the way down! Granted, I have the same issue with my ES 350 and have an acceptable work around moving the seat back slightly from optimal so my head is more under the sunroof cutout...I just was surprised it wasn't roomier. The extra width and shoulder room was nice.
As an enthusiast, I understand the finer points on the design and material differences between the ES and LS. Comparing them directly to each other doesn't exactly seem fair. No question the LS is the engineered and built vehicle, yet that doesn't take away from the goodness that is the new ES in its own right. I'm curious though, do current gen LS owners like their cars, and why/why not? All you folks who've lived with your 18+ LS, what do you think of it?
I've got a lot to think about...I'm tempted to make the jump
The following users liked this post:
LexNYC83 (01-10-21)
#4
Moderator
iTrader: (20)
Last week I test drove a new LS 500 for the first time. It was sort of on a whim, I have a 2019 ES 350 Ultra Luxury I purchased last year so I don't really "need" a new car per se. It's mostly driven by my curiosity to see just how good of a deal I could work out on one, given that the LS has been a slow seller since the redesign (and as all sedans have been) plus the way the automotive sales have fallen off of a cliff the past two months plus.
I took a fairly long drive, and I was really impressed. It's drives great! Buttery smooth powertrain with power to spare. The example I drove had the air suspension, and I found the ride-handling balance supurb. Calm, confident, and composed. A lot of damping, I can see why previous LS owners would not be happy with this style ride as it's not the plush, magic carpet ride the LS used to have. It even has a little bit of steering feel!
Already having the redesigned ES with the same track pad, I'm used to it so that's a non issue to me. What struck me was how the two are almost the exact same size inside! Being a bigger car, I expected more space in the LS and I'm most disappointed in the headroom. I'm only 5'10" and my hair brushes the headliner sitting up straight with the seat all the way down! Granted, I have the same issue with my ES 350 and have an acceptable work around moving the seat back slightly from optimal so my head is more under the sunroof cutout...I just was surprised it wasn't roomier. The extra width and shoulder room was nice.
As an enthusiast, I understand the finer points on the design and material differences between the ES and LS. Comparing them directly to each other doesn't exactly seem fair. No question the LS is the engineered and built vehicle, yet that doesn't take away from the goodness that is the new ES in its own right. I'm curious though, do current gen LS owners like their cars, and why/why not? All you folks who've lived with your 18+ LS, what do you think of it?
I've got a lot to think about...I'm tempted to make the jump
I took a fairly long drive, and I was really impressed. It's drives great! Buttery smooth powertrain with power to spare. The example I drove had the air suspension, and I found the ride-handling balance supurb. Calm, confident, and composed. A lot of damping, I can see why previous LS owners would not be happy with this style ride as it's not the plush, magic carpet ride the LS used to have. It even has a little bit of steering feel!
Already having the redesigned ES with the same track pad, I'm used to it so that's a non issue to me. What struck me was how the two are almost the exact same size inside! Being a bigger car, I expected more space in the LS and I'm most disappointed in the headroom. I'm only 5'10" and my hair brushes the headliner sitting up straight with the seat all the way down! Granted, I have the same issue with my ES 350 and have an acceptable work around moving the seat back slightly from optimal so my head is more under the sunroof cutout...I just was surprised it wasn't roomier. The extra width and shoulder room was nice.
As an enthusiast, I understand the finer points on the design and material differences between the ES and LS. Comparing them directly to each other doesn't exactly seem fair. No question the LS is the engineered and built vehicle, yet that doesn't take away from the goodness that is the new ES in its own right. I'm curious though, do current gen LS owners like their cars, and why/why not? All you folks who've lived with your 18+ LS, what do you think of it?
I've got a lot to think about...I'm tempted to make the jump
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#5
Instructor
We purchased a 2018 LS500 hybrid that was a CPO. It is super luxury all the way with the Luxury Pkg, ML sound system, 23 way seat adjustments with a massage function (that's way over the top). While it does not have the twin-turbos that the non-hybrid has, it still has plenty of pickup, especially in Sport mode. But i like that it gets 24-25 MPG in town for such a large car. What I do not like is that there are no manual controls for the seat heaters. It is the White Pearl with the darkened vapor chrome wheels. It's a real looker.
THe seat heaters can be adjusted using the seat button behind the shifter
#6
Door was not repainted; it's the shading from my garage that is covering the front. As far as the seat button goes it simply brings this option up on the display screen. So you still have to do adjustments using the track pad instead of an easy manual control.
#7
Driver
Thread Starter
Thanks for all your input guys. I always appreciate hearing from actual owners vs. the online blog "reviews" written by someone who maybe spent a few hours with the car and then regurgitated the manufacturer's press release (oh how I miss actual journalists!).
PCW and bigblack01, your cars look great! Those are probably my two top color choices for this car. My ES is white though, and I'm halfway convinced nobody will even notice I got a new car if I go with a white one.
I did encounter a bit of a speedbump with this dealership I visited. I made the mistake of going to the Lexus dealer that's only a few exits down from where I work, and I'm now reminded why I bought my last one from across town and 40 minutes out of my way. It's extremely off putting to me to be talked down to and virtually ignored trying to follow up and buy the car. If I didn't meet their criteria of who they're willing to sell an LS to, it makes sense why they're the only dealership with new 2019's still on their lot (I think they have 4 actually). So they can keep it where it belongs in their collection of past model year vehicles. It's a shame too, because I'm sure it's because I'm relatively young (under 40) didn't show up in a jacket and tie. I'd like to ask Lexus why risk alienating your bread-and-butter buyers by designing cars to go after younger executives (or who are otherwise successful) if your dealership model largely feels like it wants to filter us out?
Phew...now that I'm off my soap box and done ranting, I'm still going to keep my eyes open for another LS elsewhere that's optioned how I'd want. It's a sweet car I think I'd be happy to own, but until then I'll still enjoy my ES 350 UL.
PCW and bigblack01, your cars look great! Those are probably my two top color choices for this car. My ES is white though, and I'm halfway convinced nobody will even notice I got a new car if I go with a white one.
I did encounter a bit of a speedbump with this dealership I visited. I made the mistake of going to the Lexus dealer that's only a few exits down from where I work, and I'm now reminded why I bought my last one from across town and 40 minutes out of my way. It's extremely off putting to me to be talked down to and virtually ignored trying to follow up and buy the car. If I didn't meet their criteria of who they're willing to sell an LS to, it makes sense why they're the only dealership with new 2019's still on their lot (I think they have 4 actually). So they can keep it where it belongs in their collection of past model year vehicles. It's a shame too, because I'm sure it's because I'm relatively young (under 40) didn't show up in a jacket and tie. I'd like to ask Lexus why risk alienating your bread-and-butter buyers by designing cars to go after younger executives (or who are otherwise successful) if your dealership model largely feels like it wants to filter us out?
Phew...now that I'm off my soap box and done ranting, I'm still going to keep my eyes open for another LS elsewhere that's optioned how I'd want. It's a sweet car I think I'd be happy to own, but until then I'll still enjoy my ES 350 UL.
The following 3 users liked this post by AllinCLE:
Trending Topics
#8
Pole Position
Thanks for all your input guys. I always appreciate hearing from actual owners vs. the online blog "reviews" written by someone who maybe spent a few hours with the car and then regurgitated the manufacturer's press release (oh how I miss actual journalists!).
PCW and bigblack01, your cars look great! Those are probably my two top color choices for this car. My ES is white though, and I'm halfway convinced nobody will even notice I got a new car if I go with a white one.
I did encounter a bit of a speedbump with this dealership I visited. I made the mistake of going to the Lexus dealer that's only a few exits down from where I work, and I'm now reminded why I bought my last one from across town and 40 minutes out of my way. It's extremely off putting to me to be talked down to and virtually ignored trying to follow up and buy the car. If I didn't meet their criteria of who they're willing to sell an LS to, it makes sense why they're the only dealership with new 2019's still on their lot (I think they have 4 actually). So they can keep it where it belongs in their collection of past model year vehicles. It's a shame too, because I'm sure it's because I'm relatively young (under 40) didn't show up in a jacket and tie. I'd like to ask Lexus why risk alienating your bread-and-butter buyers by designing cars to go after younger executives (or who are otherwise successful) if your dealership model largely feels like it wants to filter us out?
Phew...now that I'm off my soap box and done ranting, I'm still going to keep my eyes open for another LS elsewhere that's optioned how I'd want. It's a sweet car I think I'd be happy to own, but until then I'll still enjoy my ES 350 UL.
PCW and bigblack01, your cars look great! Those are probably my two top color choices for this car. My ES is white though, and I'm halfway convinced nobody will even notice I got a new car if I go with a white one.
I did encounter a bit of a speedbump with this dealership I visited. I made the mistake of going to the Lexus dealer that's only a few exits down from where I work, and I'm now reminded why I bought my last one from across town and 40 minutes out of my way. It's extremely off putting to me to be talked down to and virtually ignored trying to follow up and buy the car. If I didn't meet their criteria of who they're willing to sell an LS to, it makes sense why they're the only dealership with new 2019's still on their lot (I think they have 4 actually). So they can keep it where it belongs in their collection of past model year vehicles. It's a shame too, because I'm sure it's because I'm relatively young (under 40) didn't show up in a jacket and tie. I'd like to ask Lexus why risk alienating your bread-and-butter buyers by designing cars to go after younger executives (or who are otherwise successful) if your dealership model largely feels like it wants to filter us out?
Phew...now that I'm off my soap box and done ranting, I'm still going to keep my eyes open for another LS elsewhere that's optioned how I'd want. It's a sweet car I think I'd be happy to own, but until then I'll still enjoy my ES 350 UL.
#9
Driver School Candidate
This may be a thread derail, but for years, the closest dealer was 1 hour away, but they treated me like royalty. I was "a customer for life."
Now, I have one 15 minutes away, and it's just not the same. I think corporate should really try to make the experience more homogeneous, but maybe there's much more luxury competition in "the big city."
Now, I have one 15 minutes away, and it's just not the same. I think corporate should really try to make the experience more homogeneous, but maybe there's much more luxury competition in "the big city."
#10
I did encounter a bit of a speedbump with this dealership I visited. I made the mistake of going to the Lexus dealer that's only a few exits down from where I work, and I'm now reminded why I bought my last one from across town and 40 minutes out of my way. It's extremely off putting to me to be talked down to and virtually ignored trying to follow up and buy the car. If I didn't meet their criteria of who they're willing to sell an LS to, it makes sense why they're the only dealership with new 2019's still on their lot (I think they have 4 actually). So they can keep it where it belongs in their collection of past model year vehicles. It's a shame too, because I'm sure it's because I'm relatively young (under 40) didn't show up in a jacket and tie. I'd like to ask Lexus why risk alienating your bread-and-butter buyers by designing cars to go after younger executives (or who are otherwise successful) if your dealership model largely feels like it wants to filter us out?
.
.
Are you from Cleveland by chance? I was born there a long, long time ago...
#11
Driver
Thread Starter
When I first started looking at LS', Even though I came to the dealer in a newer BMW X6, one particular dealer wouldn't allow a test drive without running my credit. I didn't let them run it and they had that same car for over 6 months after I inquired about it. Also, I told them the type of deal I wanted and they didn't even consider it.
This may be a thread derail, but for years, the closest dealer was 1 hour away, but they treated me like royalty. I was "a customer for life."
Now, I have one 15 minutes away, and it's just not the same. I think corporate should really try to make the experience more homogeneous, but maybe there's much more luxury competition in "the big city."
Now, I have one 15 minutes away, and it's just not the same. I think corporate should really try to make the experience more homogeneous, but maybe there's much more luxury competition in "the big city."
I'm sure it comes down to money. Just call them every few weeks as they drop the price and make your offer. When I bought mine (2015 model year) they were dropping the price by several hundred each month it sat there.
Are you from Cleveland by chance? I was born there a long, long time ago...
Are you from Cleveland by chance? I was born there a long, long time ago...
I am indeed from Cleveland (well I work in Cleveland and live more in the Akron area). Love it here. I think the more I travel elsewhere, the more I appreciate Cleveland. Where's home now?
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MrDOS (05-22-20)
#12
I live in Boise Idaho now, but I've lived all over, including years in San Diego and Guam with the Navy. I left Cleveland when I was a child, but I've heard it's really nice city compared to what it was in 40-50 years ago.
#13
Test Drove the new LS
I am disappointed with the redesign. The twin turbo v6 is underpowered, the shifter is from a Prius, and the back seats are cramped. The runflat tires are not suitable for a vehicle like this. The powered vertical seat belt height adjuster is gone. The touchpad sucks. By the time you have gotten to train station in the morning you would have figured out how to turn on the heated seats. Foglights are gone too.
#14
Instructor
I am disappointed with the redesign. The twin turbo v6 is underpowered, the shifter is from a Prius, and the back seats are cramped. The runflat tires are not suitable for a vehicle like this. The powered vertical seat belt height adjuster is gone. The touchpad sucks. By the time you have gotten to train station in the morning you would have figured out how to turn on the heated seats. Foglights are gone too.