The Ultimate Showdown: LS460l vs. S550

As a loyal lexus fan and current owner of an ls430, I have dreamed of owning the new ls ever since the first information was released about it. We all know lexus is capable of building phenomenal vehicles, and would stand up to their reputation with the new ls. The sheer attention this car alone has recieved on this websites through posts and articles is innumberable, which says alot. After test driving a new ls, I am dazzled and amazed by the smooth ride, 8 speed transmission, detailed exterior refinement, and arguably class leading interior aura and egronomics- not to mention the innovative world-class technology.

However, every hero has a rival, and for the ls, the clear opposition is the mercedes s550. The more I look at this car, the more I like it. Nothing bothers me more than people who state their biased opinion as fact, and even though I love lexus, I honestly have to say that recently I have been drawn to the s class and it's incredible presence. Seeing one in person is simply breathtaking. It screams luxury and looks expensive. As usual, the one drawback is that it is, in fact, expensive, and if you want one that will stack up to the ls, you're going to have to pay a good 10k more for it. Were talking a fully loaded lexus at about 93k and comparing it to a fully loaded s 550, topping 100k. And still, the s won't match the lexus on paper. Is this difference in price worth it? Would you hesitate to pay 10k more for a car that can't do as much as the lexus, or give in because you know people will double-take when they see your ride. Sophisticated refinement, or the "make a statement" approach. You choose. This post isn't designed to re-ignite the ongoing war, just so that you all can express your OPINION. Which would you rather have, and WHY.

NARunner - 12/18/2006 12:17:42 AM

+2 Boost

agree with jmr...although the executive seating package in the lexus is very nice. I just prefer the styling of the S550 and it drives nice, as well as rides real nice in the back--dual reclining rear seats :D

I think the more refined and low key styling of the lexus is nice, just not my taste. I would, however, take the A8L over either of these two, due to the Quattro, primo interior, and lower price tag than the MB.

lexusis350 - 12/19/2006 12:03:10 AM

+2 Boost

"I think the more refined and low key styling of the lexus is nice, just not my taste."

I agree with you there. Except I'm just the oposite. I think the S-Class' design is a little bit in-your-face. It's a nice car though. But I think that's the major reason people buy Lexus over Mercedes, not because of the name, but their taste in cars. You like the flashy and agressive design, but I like the subtle design.

brianlamar - 12/18/2006 12:55:24 AM

0 Boost

I am a huge fan of Toyota/Lexus products and Mercedes.. Although I like the LS460L Touring, when it comes time to spend my money, I most likely will always buy a Mercedes. I've become more of an admirer of Toyota/Lexus. They're not like they used to be back in the 90's where that had a lock on the sports cars, technology gadgets no one else had, and killer engines. Although the latter have made a comeback, I just like the way the S-Class looks doesn't look like anything on the road and has a huge presence. I like the LS460 as well in black with the touring rims. It would be a huge toss up for me. I just wish they would have used the grill from the LS600hL concept. The one they use makes the front look so bland.... I love both cars but I would settle with the S-Class....

The thread didn't ask what we would rather have, he gave us two choices... I could say I would rather have the Aston Martin DB9, but he didn't ask that did he?

brianlamar - 12/18/2006 3:19:49 AM

+12 Boost

Wow, ok name calling wasn't necessary. This is how flames get started I'm going to let this go becuase that was totally immature.

lexusis350 - 12/18/2006 1:25:49 AM

+3 Boost

I would take the Lexus, of course. Not because I hate Mercedes though. As a matter of fact, I agree with sexylexy460, I really didn't care much for the S-Class when it came out, but once I really looked at the car, I saw what the rave about it was. It is a good looking car. But all in all, I would take the LS. Not because the Mercedes isn't as good, but because I trust Lexus a little bit more.

Lexus - 12/18/2006 1:43:19 AM

+2 Boost

Got to go with the LS460L/LS600 Hl, I would definitely wait another year or so and get the Lexus LS600 Hl. Just love those gorgeous triple zeon light on the LS600 Hl Lexus.

Lexus

brianlamar - 12/18/2006 2:18:10 AM

+7 Boost

I think you meant xenon headlights, they're LED's not Xenon's...

MunichRob - 12/18/2006 1:58:32 AM

-2 Boost

One could argue the ultimate showdown would be between the S8 & the S550 being closer in price & not to mention better vehicles.

ryaajus - 12/18/2006 3:02:13 PM

+1 Boost

Why is it that someone asks for a comment on specific vehicles, some clown always has to bring up a different car? Please explain that to me.

lexusis350 - 12/19/2006 12:04:21 AM

+2 Boost

How are they better vehicles?

Bill - 12/18/2006 5:42:29 AM

+4 Boost

Both are great vehicles and possibly the best in class, but it comes down to individual preference. What attracted me to MB was the heritage of the company and the feeling that all those years of experience in motorsports, innovation etc. made their way into the S-Class.

I own an S550 and I've also driven the LS460. Both are superb, but it really comes down to what the driver prefers. I found the S550 a tad more involving to drive and the styling has presence. The LS is a little too conservative for my tastes.

You can't beat the money value of the Lexus though.

In this class I'd also give props to the Audi A8.

lexusis350 - 12/19/2006 12:06:21 AM

+2 Boost

Finally, something non-biased from you Bill. I'm impressed. And I agree with you, it all depends on the person's taste in style which car they would buy. For me, however, I like the conservative look of the LS.

EL34 - 12/18/2006 11:35:49 AM

-4 Boost

In fact, you think the LS460 is better than a fully loaded Rolls-Royce Phantom, don't you?

lexusis350 - 12/19/2006 12:07:18 AM

+2 Boost

I do. And for 1/3 the price too! The only thing you don't get is the V12, but who needs that big of an engine?

MunichRob - 12/18/2006 7:57:27 AM

+3 Boost

"SexyLexusDude" your tottatly off...The fact you'd take a Infiniti Q (which doesn't even qualify in this class) over all the major luxo-barges except the LS...MAKES YOU IRRELEVANT!

lexusis350 - 12/19/2006 12:08:13 AM

+1 Boost

The Q! Honestly? When are they going to discontinue that car? They probably only sell ten nation-wide.

mstangpny07 - 12/18/2006 8:18:13 AM

0 Boost

S550

EL34 - 12/18/2006 11:30:30 AM

-3 Boost

Will, just get the LS460L, because why do you need the extra power?

EL34 - 12/18/2006 12:28:07 PM

-1 Boost

What cars are used for taxis in Tokyo?

Infinibenz - 12/18/2006 10:18:17 AM

-1 Boost

What's with all the pictures of the LS's reclining rear-passenger side seat option that shows the seat reclined but only with the front passenger seat moved as far forward on its tracks and bent forward?!? In other words, you can't even use the reclining rear seat feature if someone is sitting right in front of you unless you obviously have that front seat passenger sitting so way forward that his/her head is practically resting on the windshield.

Infinibenz - 12/18/2006 10:23:39 AM

-1 Boost

The S550 for me... at least the dual reclining rear seats can be used without requiring the front passenger or driver for that matter from having to step out of the car... which explains why Lexus only put it on the passenger side... can't really force the driver to stand outside the vehicle in order to use the reclining rear seat.

EL34 - 12/18/2006 11:32:56 AM

-1 Boost

Myself, I prefer the lines of the Mercedes S550 over the Lexus, but I do like the reliable Lexus for that one reason.

BTW, is the name Lexus a Japanese word or did they hire a name research company to create the name?

EL34 - 12/18/2006 12:29:46 PM

+1 Boost

Do you think Lexus has more luxury than Rolls-Royce?

If so, can you point out the differences?

lexusis350 - 12/19/2006 12:43:00 AM

+2 Boost

"...is the name Lexus a Japanese word or did they hire a name research company to create the name?"

They took the German word for luxury, which is luxus, and then changed the u to an e. I think that's how it went. I can't remember.

answer - 12/18/2006 2:03:42 PM

+1 Boost

The name Lexus comes from a mix of "elegant" and "luxury", that's per the people at Lexus themselves.

I would choose the LS over the S, but that is because I am a Lexus fan. There is nothing wrong with the S at all. I love the night-time interior lighting in the Benz and I really am fond of that piano black wood trim available on the S.

Again we have a comparison where there is no loser. Both are kick-ass vehicles.

JUGNU - 12/18/2006 2:21:17 PM

+2 Boost

Wht are u talking about EL34 and sexylexusdude ???
Be realistic and sensible.

Sexylexusdude your firt comment is just unwise.

Ok Some will agree with u that LS460 is a better car or choice but that doesn't make the S550 nowhere.
It's on the same level.One of the toughest rival for sure.

EL34.
I don't understand what u mean ?
Are u comparing Rolls to a Lexus?

Even MB can't compete with Rolls for that matter.That's why they have revived a forgotten brand, Maybach to sit up above MB and compete with the mighty Rolls.

Stop degrading and bashing Lexus by saying Can Lexus beat this or that.

BTW what we can expect this from a guy who always said "Even Buick is better than Lexus".So shut up.

Now coming to the topic,I'll give the edge to Lexus LS460 over S550 because of Quality,Reliability,specifications and price factor.

But remind u,i even love the S class.If we give numbers to them then the difference will only be in decimal/point.


JUGNU----->THE CARMAN

EL34 - 12/18/2006 2:37:08 PM

-1 Boost

JUGNU, what qualities does the LS have over the S-Class?

To me the Lex interior has that same quality as the Honda Accord with the same buttons and colors in the same places.

What say you?

ryaajus - 12/18/2006 3:14:00 PM

+1 Boost

In Japan, the taxis are normally Toyota. Germany still uses primarily E classes...for some reason when I moved back to the U.S., it was very hard for me to want a Mercedes because of that. They just seem so common to me. But I'm the type that doesn't like my neighbors to have the same car that I drive. But as I said before, I'm not Merc bashing. I own a S430, but I love my 99 Q45 more believe it or not.

EL34 - 12/18/2006 3:21:52 PM

-1 Boost

So if you were to ride in a big yellow Lexus LS460L taxicab in Fukuoka, Japan that would forever stay in your memory and you would never want the car because of it's use as a taxi?

07mcs - 12/18/2006 7:10:57 PM

+2 Boost

and mostly the diesels

SixxFive - 12/18/2006 7:34:05 PM

+2 Boost

S Class definitely over the Lexus due to it's character, presence, engineering and history of being a benchmark in its segement longer than I have been alive.

theman - 12/18/2006 8:09:06 PM

+1 Boost

S class hands down, the best luxury saloon ever..There will never be a better executive 4-door car in the world..And this new one is astonishing both in and out..

Lexluther - 1/2/2007 6:53:20 PM

+1 Boost

the man

S class hands down, the best luxury saloon ever..There will never be a better executive 4-door car in the world.

I beg to differ. The Bentley Flying Spur is a better exective car than the MB.

Lexapeal - 12/18/2006 8:18:11 PM

+1 Boost

Ive driven the LS460 many times and the ride is something out of a cloud. The s class has incredible looks. Simply jaw dropping. I cant say that for the LS. The look to me is just average. The performace of the LS is takes you by surprise. I dont know much about the MB but at first glance I would take the MB.

IZZIE06 - 12/18/2006 9:56:41 PM

-1 Boost

S-class by far, as someone who has worked for both Lexus and M-B not to say that lexus isn't a great car, but when your up at that level especally in the 600 range the LS, Very respectfully is the " your almost there car" The S class definitely sets the bench mark in this class

weaponX - 12/19/2006 12:02:39 AM

+1 Boost

I'm in the market for this type of car.

As much as I really like the S-Class looks, prestige, peformance and ride, it's hard to ignore the value of the LS460L. The S-Class is great and you're gonna pay for it.

If the LS460L exterior styling was just a little less bland, that would seal it for me.

If I had to pick one of the two, I'd probably spring the extra dough for the S-Class.

beverlyhillsvalet - 12/22/2006 12:09:06 AM

+1 Boost

That has to be the most ridiculous opening talking point I have ever read. Lexus make a very nice car but has nothing and I mean nothing on the Merc. If you do not believe me go drive both and you will see what I am talking about. $10k difference between the two cars is immaterial. The Mercedes name is worth the extra goodwill alone.

Dieter - 12/22/2006 9:03:48 AM

+1 Boost

I agree with beverlyhillsvalvet: The Lexus is a nice car but no competition for the mercedes