2007 Lexus LS 460L Review- Still the best?

Of all the cars in this category the LS is the least appealing visually to me, but it is the most reliable which is priority to me.

It's actually common knowledge Lexus makes reliable automobiles.

Most reliable based on Consumer Reports, JD Powers, which compares luxury makers MB, BMW, Cadillac, Jaguar, Audi, etc.

The Lexus LS model consistently ranks far and above the MB S-series, BMW 7-series and Audi A8 as the most trouble free car. Of course, compared to the Toyota Avalon, the LS certainly is not perfect, but compared to the other elite models, the LS has consistently been more reliable.

1995e34 - Lexus is most reliable, and you know that. What other brand did you have in mind that has outdone them in the reliability record? I know you wont dare utter BMW, Mercedes or Audi.

The new LS in my opinion is one of the most prestigous, innovative vehicles that on the road. Yes Benz and Bmw have great flagship sedans, but the new LS is just more appeasing!

Best part of the article is the final paragraph:

"Sworn enemy of the BMW 7-Series and Audi A8, the Lexus LS 460 may not yet offer the same sporty driving as its rivals, but it largely makes up for it with unparalleled luxury, highly advanced technology and outstanding efficiency. As a result, the Lexus LS 460 is undoubtedly one of the finest full-size sedans in the world."

This is what some people here fail to understand. The new LS is one of the finest sedans in the world. There is a huge difference between "one of the finest" and "the finest". Acknowledging the Lexus as one of the best does not mean it has to be your best. The best, the finest, etc. are all up to you the individual.

Being sporty is not a requirement for being a great car, it is only a requirement if that is what you desire in a car.

Great comment answer but you can stop trying to be the caring parent.

Best comment here.

I agree... somewhat.

"One of the finest" is quite vague. They might as well be talking about the new Honda Civic sedan. When it's not definitive, it doesn't really mean anything IMO.

Also- in my experience, the A8 does offer just as much luxury as the LS460, if not more. However, it ALSO has handling. Just an added bonus. How would I know, you ask? Well, a friend of mine traded an A8L for an LS460 SWB. He wanted the S550, and it's a long story as to why he didn't end up with one, but he eventually settled on a silver LS460. I had been driven in both his A8L and I've gotten a ride in his new car. Both are quite comfortable, well-built and attractive on the inside. LS has a more "comfy" ride, but the A8's interior is more attractive. The A8 also has the adjustable air suspension, so you actually can set it to "comfort" if it pleases you.

I've also taken the A8 SWB on two test drives. I came away very impressed with the vehicle.

it should be considered one of the best. Lexus spent lots of time and money into developing the successor to the LS430. There were super high expectations for the LS460 before it was even released. Lexus themselves said they were going to create a 'splash' similar to the Lexus debut in 1989. Lexus, unlike Acura, is doing all the right things. They have totally expanded their lineup with new models and engines. They have kept the superior quality, but have now dramatically improved the styling. They are entering new vehicle classes with the intro of the LS600hL and the new F-series. Lexus is definitely the up and coming luxury brand. It's hard to find fault with Lexus, save perhaps they could probably improve the steering feel somewhat.

Well all the others have pretty much same or better quality, all the interior and exterior gadgets and so on. So there is nothing special with this Lexus when compared to an S class, A8 or 7 series. Maybe the lack of feelings, as a driver. It is a great car with extreme luxury, but that is what's supposed to be. And not that Lexus knows how to show luxury better, is the others car makers who know that too but they also add some other "small" things that may matter so some. And I would never buy a Lexus because I am hitting for the best car in it's class. So for $80-100k I want a lot of luxury, power, sportiness, feelings, etc. So when I choose to relax I can relax, but when I wanna drive I want feel that I DRIVE. I need to feel the car, to know that if I touch the brake I feel exactly were the car it's gonna stop and so on. You just don't feel anything with Lexus (tried all brand new L sedans, nothing yet). If people don't care about that (I have my brother in law who is just a mellow guy, can't even run when playing some racquetball - not fat, he just do NOT wanna run) than they have a great choice with Lexus LS..

"JackArsch" you are the biggest moron on Autospies!!

"I drive a Toyota Corolla without leather" & "I'm 24 for Christ's sake. Can you?"

Maybe the people where confused you know. It isn't that obvious that you can drive, otherwise you'd refrain from comparing a Toyota Corolla without leather (you corolla seems to be the implied comparison here especially when looking at the first comment) to a Lexus LS 460L.

no e and c classes are chryslers

This is one of those cars you just wish would be more attractive and sportier. I'm not talking 7 series sporty, just S-class sporty. And we're not talking 7-series avante-garde styling, more S-class, Jag elegant, beautiful style. It's just too bland right now.

With Mercedes reliability problems, the value and dependability it offers makes it a hard car to ignore...if you're in the market for this type of vehicle.

If the S-Class and 7-series didn't exist, I'd get this car.

Uh oh. A "best" article. Here it comes. I rarely participate in these kinds of shoot outs, but I’m bored today, so I’ll bite.

Before answering though, the LS must to be put into context. If you have ever been asked "What would you like to do this weekend" and never replied with "Absolutely nothing would be ideal," it’s probably difficult to understand what Lexus set out to accomplish. Serenity is not boring, and to many it means separation from the outside world. You know, like to the executive types who have enough money to buy one of these… for instance.

With that, the LS is compared to an S Class, 7, or A8 in every article… but it’s priced like an E, 5 or A6. If you have the means and desire for ultimate luxury, the LS isn’t knocking anyone off their pedestal; but if you’re looking for a "serene" luxury car in that price range, the LS is clearly the best.

One thing that was wrong with your post: price.

WARNING: Base prices are misleading!

There was a recent C/D test involving an LS460L costing over $90,000!

It EASILY passes $70K (the LS460L starts at $71K or something), and even $80K.

Otherwise, I agree.

agreed, the LS a good choice for luxury, quietness and serenity. no surprise that most buyers are in their sixties. it's just a bit bland looking and boring to drive. personally i like something more engaging.

however, you are right that it's quite a deal. even loaded the regular wheelbase version is in the mid-70s vs. a loaded S550 at 110.

Did you not read my comment that I JUST posted?

It tops out at over $90K... not the 70s.

I'll build one online right now, in fact:

http://www.lexus.com/lexusConfigApp/pub/setPackage.do

Here you go. If the link doesn't show the fully-loaded version, I can just give you the price. It's $94,316.

yes, S4, i read your comment.
my point is that the LS is still value priced relative to the S-class.
an LS460L with every conceivable option costs low 90s while the S-class BASES at $89K with the gas-guzzler tax and tops out at$120K with every conceivable option.

LS = S-class for 30% off.

The S-Class starts at a bit under $86,000, but I see your point.

Why was I de-boosted so horribly, Lexus fans? For telling the truth about the price of the LS460L?

Handling, AWD and a more attractive interior. As well as more customizable features- there are four or five different types of rims on the A8, and you can get a custom interior color, custom wood inlays, and even a custom piping color.

I am stretching the price comment a bit when it comes to the L version (pun intended?); but it isn’t too difficult to get the E550, in particular, up to 70K. It is base on LS-L, but not exactly stripped; while the price of admission on German rivals averages about 90K, which is a different price class, even in that class.

I’m not sure who de-boosted you, S4, but it looks as though the tides have turned.

No. Did I say anything along those lines?

He asked what the A8 has over the LS. I replied, decider_shrub.

Your opnion. I think that the A8's interior, although this is a cliché, is more special on the inside than the LS. It radiates a sense of occasion. On the other hand, you might as well be inside an IS350, because the design of the LS460's interior is so similar.

I have to agree with S4 here. The LS 460L do run around $90k when I read the reviews by C&D and Edmunds.com.

in this class, you get what you pay for.

Before this develops into a 173 comment flame war, each car in this class has a specific strength and weakness and are targetted at different segments of the same market. I won't go into details because I know many of you won't get it.

Flame on...

Yeah save your breath... comments such as yours haven't made much difference in the past.

been in the car. the recliner is a total gimmick. even with the front seat all the way forward (making it useable only for a short person or child), nobody over 5'9" can comfortably use the recliner.

why would i get de-boosted for telling people about my experience in the car? above statement holds.

The point is not that this is or isn't a great car, it's what features/attributes does this car have that classifies it as "one of the best" luxury sedans on the market.

Anyone who cannot agree that the LS has some of the best attributes of a full-size luxury sedan is just a hater.

Agree

Lexus cars have never excited me. I respect Toyota for all that they have done for the car industry. My mother bought a '92 Camry (which is still in service today with 200k miles). Aside from a faulty alarm back in '96 the car has only needed routine wear & tear maintenance. The design of the car was also a far notch above the domestic vehicles in even the day to day usage. When it came time for me to buy my first car I decided to buy a Honda Accord. Why? Because Honda holds the same reputation as Toyota but the cars are a little more sporty and have a little more personality. For this same reason I favor Acura to Lexus (Honda - Toyota) while overall my favorite cars are German (Porsche, Audi, BMW). The Germans don't have the reliability of the Japanese when it comes to electrical and (some) mechanical components - but what they do have is character. Most importantly they are DRIVERS cars. I am a driver - not just a "focus group". I drive because I enjoy it more than I do for transportation (in NY a car is sometimes a burden). While I like luxury and convenience - I don't need a car to give me aroma therapy or shut out the world. I greatly respect Toyota - but I have no love for Lexuses. I realize that the vast majority of the population have a license and drive everyday - but they are not DRIVERS or an enthusiast - so I can't fault them for loving Lexus. Toyota makes fine vehicles - they just don't excite me.

Toyota and Lexus use electronical components and to a degree software manufactured by Osram, a GERMAN company.

And German mechanical reliability is just fine and their electrical reliability is also fine. R&D cost cutting has resulted in their electrical reliability taking a dive.

Good comment! I agree.

Look like we have another winner from Lexus, which to me is no suprise at all;) Just wait until the Lexus LS600 hl come out, it take the crown for sure. The Lexus LS600 hl is definitely a masterpiece from Lexus.

And you're stating this like the LS460 is a brand new vehicle.

For the - I need to recline and close my eyes/ have a massage/ don't want to hear anything/ want to smell vanilla - world this is a great car and it should be for $95K. Lexus knows it's demographic very well.

the average driver of an ls is over 60...come on drivers car? it drives them what straight to the hospital and then helps them park with the self-parking system? I think the tech goodies in the car are great but they Lexus's are bland and plain...everyone has their own tastes and my tastes sways to the Germans

What a DB.

I saw this car a few times in real life. It's a different beast in person and I don't get that people complain about it's blandness... I beg to differ... It's way better than the previous LS models in terms of design... It's priced just right and I would pick this car over its competition without a question. That's not to say the other cars aren't great cars, but it makes more sense to purchase this over the competition because it's just so much bang for the buck. Never mind performance... this car's no slacker though!

im sick of clowns using "DRIVERS or an enthusiast" as an scape goat, lexus DOES have character, its a luxury car, IT DOES WHAT IT SUPPOSE TO DO, simple, IMHO why do i want an 60-80K car speeding in the city going where?, is u !@#$ing stupid! unlike most of u fools, i rarely see people push there "sports luxury car to the limited" unless there drunk or on drugs, lol but whateva, like it or not, theres a toyota 460L thats getting better than cars THAT ARE SPORTS LUXURY, unlike other car companys, im like toyota, i see GREEN, your car can be better, look good, drive good, but were getting MONEY on what others are suppose to be best at, lol----FACT

Face reality - Lexus does not make sport cars. If you read my post earlier you would see that I said most people just want to drive around town. They don't drive for excitement. I DO!! - and I assure you I'm not crazy nor do I use drugs. I said Toyota makes good cars and I can see why people buy them. I said that they just don't excite ME!!

Can we ban Decider Shrub? He's full of BS and his annoying me with his claim that Toyota's motorsport heritage beats BMW and Mercedes combined. In your dreams...

i can hardly control my laughter.

Mr. Dre3000,

If you're reading this, I demand a mature response from you to my questions in this thread.


http://www.autospies.com/news/Toyota-s-TRD-Product-Development-to-Expand-In-Australia-13074/

"I'm an open-minded car enthusiast..."


Sure.

An open minded "car enthusiast" would not say the garbage you have spoken in that thread. Nice try.

Great way of chickening out by the way...

I've been against Lexus fans claiming Lexus is the best and all that. However I can agree on one thing. They are one of the best luxury cars in the market. Why? well it's quite simple. The A8, 7series, S-class, LS they are all one of the best. That's why they even have buyers. To say which one is best is truly up to the individual since performance/luxury/quality is all subjective. So in saying this, i'm sure all of the German fans as well as the Japanese fans can agree that they are all priced fairly well for a reason. There's also a reason why all of the Lexus fans and the German fans fued and have flame wars. It's all for a reason. The luxury cars in this market is so competitive and so good that people have to choose one to support. That's why it makes this site so good. Everyone's views may not always be the same but in the end I believe that when you spend $100K for a premium luxury saloon as all of the cars in this segment are, they are all very well above par.

I'm not here to call a truce as I'm a Mercedes fan at heart but i also respect the A8, 7series, and LS as they are all good cars. No one can really lose when driving one of the listed. All are unique and special in their own ways.

-Agent63

I agree. The LS460 has supreme comfort, and the styling is about 200% better than the last generation.

The 7 Series's interior is contemporary and artistic, and it's the best-driving of the group. It also looks almost sexy with the sport package.

The A8 is beautiful inside and out, cosetting its occupants while going from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds. The handling is an added bonus.

The S-Class does everything well. That would be my pick. In this company-- you do get what you pay for.

I agree. that picture of it burning rubber aint to bad either.

Yep, just as a top 3 I'd go for S-Class No1, A8 No2, 7series and Lexus as No3.

I agree. I love the LS also but I can help but to admire the bold stature of the S-class, or the perfect symmetry of the A8, or the complexity of the series. they are all good in their own way..

In this segment I go with the lovely and stunning beauty of the Lexus LS460. Especially, the Lexus LS600 hl, it would be my first choice, than 2rd 760i, and 3rd Audi A8. They are all great "Lexury" LOL :) okay it "Luxury" cars, it just a matter of taste and preference. Each and every single one of this car is special and unique in it own way.

I agree. Except, the LS, "stunning beauty"? It's a nice, inoffensive design, but far from beautiful. I prefer it in black or dark blue, myself.

Well, the LS just has smooth surfaces.

i have to agree with some others on this site. everyone im sure understands that all 4 of the luxury cars have their own "best" and "worst". It really depends what your looking for.

as a side note, i feel the lexus looks great, and is NOT bland at all. dont know what people are talking about. If they would just remove their biased vision from lexus for a brief second, im sure that some german fans would agree the lexus does look decent or better. im a lexus fan, but i love the S class as much as the LS. However, i can honestly say the 7 series is bulgy and ugly. I have no idea why others are saying the interior of the audi's are the best. my own opinion. Im sure some others here will differ and im fine with that, and you should be too.

I would take the Mercedes S-Class based on design, but I'm waiting to see the new BMW 7 Series.

As a result of my boosts, finally there is some agreement here with the Germans and Japanese. One that I have yet to have seen ever since I joined this website. :) good job guys. I felt like I needed to make a neutral statement for once and we all came together to show some similarities in viewpoints.

No other car does that? I disagree. I would say all cars in this segment accelerates very well. None is perfect, not even your beloved LS. As for BMW's they are known to be more sport oriented where as the LS is 'floating' oriented. The S-class is a mixture of both. It doesn't float so much that the car feels really sluggish nor is it too stiff to feel like it's a sports car. It gets the bumps over with very quick to move on to the next.

A friend of mine owns an LS and it wasn't to my liking at all. The way it "floats" sacrificed handling and the car shifted left or right a bit when going over bumps. It wobbled a little as well much like the old Toyota 4Runner did when it made turns onto a road where roads weren't even.

This is all based on my experiences not is not my opinion.

-Agent63

Do you have an LS430, or an LS460, decider_shrub? Or have you just had an extended drive of one? Because I don't think either has an air suspension. The A8, XJ, 7 and S do, but I don't think the LS does. At least not an adjustable one.

I doubt you've driven the new S-Class, saying that about its suspension.

Some people don't like how quiet (translation-boring), smooth (translation-for seniors) and "effortless" (translation-I can't drive) the LS is. I prefer the excellent balance of comfort AND sportiness, in the S550.

I've already answered your question.

Why do you keep posting the same comment?

And please, TURN OFF THE CAPS LOCK.

There's a BUTTON ON THE KEYBOARD.

I just recently went on a luxury sedan search with my brother. He ended up not buying one but we looked at the LS460, A8, 7 series, XJ, and the S class. The styling of the LS just does not stand out in its class. It was the only one we did not test drive because as soon as he pulled up he looked at me and said that doesn't look like its even expensive and certainly not $80k. For me I am a huge fan of the XJ and the way it drives very nice and sporty. But the S550 and 600 are amazing! Much quieter on the road than the XJ, amazing power and handling from even the 550. A better interior and user interface than the 7 series and overall it looks like big money. The S class lets others know you have arrived in a big way. There is no mistaking what it is unlike the A8 or LS460.

"Very quickly, our thesaurus ran out of synonyms for "splendiferous!" From exterior styling to handling, fit and finish, comfort, and technology, the A8 L earned top marks in our voting. In the overall scoring, it wasn't even close: The big Audi was way ahead of an otherwise tightly packed field."

-Motor Trend

IMO comfort with poor handling isn't what you pay $80k or more for. If you want comfort a Deville with standard 16 inch wheels or a Lincoln Town car will give you the same for alot less money. And they are intstantly recognizable! But like the LS they can't ride like they do and handle.

most of the luxury cars sold in europe are also sold with diesel engines .Just wait till lexus gets its diesel game on ,and those bmw 530d and MB CDI are in for a wild ride from lexus.Most europeans drive small pathetic patrol if not diesel cars engines smaller than 1.8 litres (fiat punto ,opel corsa,citreon,vw polo etc)because fuel is expensive .Lexus just made there first diesel with the IS220d .Its a matter of time lexus is going to be ruling the luxury game in europe .

This is the MOST debatable car that's why you see so much comments in its form. For me this is the car and nothing else. I've driven and owned all, nothing comes close to the LS.

When a lot of people who own Lexus are more of an elderly age they want that floating quiet ride. I've seen a handful of elderly couples in the ES and LS models.

But whoever said the S-Class drove and rode like a 3-series he obviously did not test drive one. To say Lexus is like no other is an over statement. But to say the LS is crap is way overboard as well. It's a good car but it's not the best.

Like i've said before on many occasions that no car in this market is the best. It's truly based on brand loyalty as well as the cars design being subjective. At the hefty price you pay for these full size luxury saloons you're getting what you're paying for. Comfortable luxurious cars. Their so good people HAVE to fuss about which is better. It's only normal.

-Agent63

You would think with all the development time they had they could get a LS460 to actually stop in a reasonable distance. And as far as Audi goes its amazing that car as throwback as the XJ has one upped Audi in the aluminum car building game!

Edmunds liked the air suspension on the LS 460 L, and tried it in Normal, Comfort, and Sport modes...saying "The ride motions are beautifully controlled in any mode, even at triple-digit velocity."

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Followup/articleId=119408

Seems this was an improvement over the air suspension on the LS 430 and LS 400.

Decider_shrub,

Rarely do any Lexus buyers mod out there cars. The only car would be the IS which is a sports sedan. If you're comparing you 10 year old LS to the new 7 series I assure you no one would care about how fast your LS is with the mods. I don't agree with you that it is more "kick ass" than the new 7 series.

You should mod another car and let the LS be the luxury saloon it was designed to be. It only makes you seem more immature to mod out a Lexus that has generally been more attracted by the older crowds.

I do like the new LS but to say it's more 'kick ass' than a 7 series, A8, and the S-Class that's getting too far.

I've sat in the older LS and I agree they are smooth and comfortable. BUT, it is no better than the NEW luxury saloons in this market. The NEW LS is a better comparison, not yours because the new one has features yours does not. Your 96/97 LS was behind in that generation of premium luxury sedans i'm sorry.

Is the Lexus your first car? if so that could explain why you are so proud of it and stand behind it 100%. I don't blame you though, i've known people who drove a Lexus as a first car and thought it was the best.

-Agent63

I disagree with that. The ones that tend to mod theirs cars are limited to the IS crowd (those few owners not qualifying for AARP benefits).

The LS crowd however, does not tend to be so inclined.

Decider Shrub: thats funny but im sorry bro, that old @$$ car will blow a few gaskets tryin to catch mines or any 7-series

Agent63: not all older people drive just lexus, they drive S, XJ8, 7s and A8 as well, not sure where u from but here in the city, more younger guys are into 3,5,E,CLS A4 A6 and IS's,GS's S-types, 300c etc....,

The Lexus LS460 is a great car. To say that it is not is irrational. But, I am a big fan of technology involving the mechanics and structure of the car first and foremost. Does the car have technological advances in mechanics and structure is what a "driver" should be asking? The question of electronic "bells and whistles" should be next. The A8 with its aircraft aluminium frame, Quattro, Direct Fuel Injection, 12.5 Compression Ratio, etc, etc, etc. BMW 7 series with its perfect weight balance, agressive styling, immense stopping power, etc, etc, etc. On the LS460, I only here about how pretty the car is and how sophisticated the "bells and whistles" are in the car. I never here about mechanical or structural breakthroughs. If it does, enlighten me. Until then, the Japanese Cadillac is going to need some work to compete with the Germans.

is it just me or did the body get way bigger, S-Class proportions?

its good to hear this and read that, but im a leader, i go see for my self, as a 7-series owner, im in need of a upgrade ASAP, and im looking at all these big sedans, i never was an LS fan till i rented an 04 LS430, "funny thing is, my i-drive was getting fixed, not once but 6 times, damed u Beamer" anyway, i notice these dudes "lexus" are doing there homework, just like most, i knew this big toyota cant ride like my beamer, like i said, i like to see for myself, had that car for 2 1/2 wks! "not bad at all" as of today i been to 2 lexus dealers, test driving the 460 and 460L and i must say, that car got balls, i had the salesman be quiet and watch the road, thats how hard i push it, LMAO at the salesman, he told me, i better off getting a M5/CLS55 if i wanna drive like that, screw him, u gotta drive it, who cares about the toys in it, u know what your getting, as far as the mechanical or structural breakthroughs, the car is build right, nothing on that bad boy is cheap, better wood, better leather, better sound system then its rivals, but not the best looking, easy everything, even the damed parking, like i said in my earlier post, your not going to drive 80k car like a fool, put some 22's and a nice kit on it and u can get the same respect/women/looks as in the others. lexus dont need to compete with the germans they did that 10yrs ago, the next 10 is for european market and diesel money, lol

There still competing with the Germans. They've only been around 17 years. There still in there teens. They have alot of growing up to do to compete with the older more prestigous German car manufactures.

The slightly overpriced Mercedes S-Class completely outshines the Lexus LS460 in the interior comfort department. The available reclining rear seat with footrest is only available in the more expensive long wheelbase version of the Lexus and is available for one side only. The independent seat cushion length adjustment for the front seats is available for the driver only. The front seats in the S-Class are, in any event, considerably more comfortable than the seats in the Lexus LS460. What is it with Asian car companies and their shortcuts on seats? For example, one cannot even order a power passenger front seat with proper height adjustment is small SUVs like the Lexus RX. model.

I think this is a great car sweet design and awsome ride I now own one my only complaint is them shrinking the trunk from 20 to 18 cubic.

While I am a BMW fan and always will be, I admit that this is one hell of a car. It may not handle like the BMW or give you the same pleasure related to spirited driving, but it has the Bimer beat when it comes to luxury and so darn cool technology. I think Lexus did a great job with this car.

This is in addition to my comment above regarding lack of proper seat height adjustment in the Lexus RX model. Lexus may have solved this problem by now as the 2005, 2007 and 2008 RX e-brochures on Lexus' Canadian website state that both driver and front passenger seats have 8-way power adjustment. In any event, when looking at a new RX (did not check the model year) in the showroom at a Vancouver area Lexus dealership last fall, the salesman told me that the RX does not have front seat height adjustment. Also, my wife and I looked at a Lexus RX a few years ago in Ottawa and both banged our heads on the roof upon entry as there was no way to lower the seat even with the help of sales staff.
By the way, The Lexus e-brochures for the LS460 and LS460L fail to mention that Lexus cloned the Mercedes S-Class fully independent seat cushion length adjustment for the driver's side only. These brochures are weasel worded with reference to 16-way and 12-way power adjustments for the driver and front passenger respectively.

This is in addition to my comment above regarding lack of proper seat height adjustment in the Lexus RX model. Lexus may have solved this problem by now as the 2005, 2007 and 2008 RX e-brochures on Lexus' Canadian website state that both driver and front passenger seats have 8-way power adjustment. In any event, when looking at a new RX (did not check the model year) in the showroom at a Vancouver area Lexus dealership last fall, the salesman told me that the RX does not have front seat height adjustment. Also, my wife and I looked at a Lexus RX a few years ago in Ottawa and both banged our heads on the roof upon entry as there was no way to lower the seat even with the help of sales staff.
By the way, The Lexus e-brochures for the LS460 and LS460L fail to mention that Lexus cloned the Mercedes S-Class fully independent seat cushion length adjustment for the driver's side only. These brochures are weasel worded with reference to 16-way and 12-way power adjustments for the driver and front passenger respectively.

I had waited expectantly for the arrival of this car as I was seeking a worthwhile replacement for our Jaguar XJR, which has been a fine auto, although I dislike our local SJ dealer.

Drove the new LS, both regular and long. Liked the regular wheelbase better but options available on long wheelbase and not available on short base was a serious problem for me. Upgraded interior, electronic suspension was key to me. Many things about car were good, but disliked 8 speed transmission(seemed never to find a happy gear and was always "hunting" for the proper gear in normal urban driving. No one is able to make wood interior trim to look exactly as plastic as Lexus does in this car. Self parking is will be a feature on Saturday Night Live skit one day. Felt that regular seat in available in short wheel base was very uncomfortable for me. Upgraded material on long car seemed to not create pressure points in my thighs as badly. On the whole did not care for seats at all. Ergonomics of controls are far superior to German cars. My wife drives an Audi(great car with the worst ergonomics I have seen, no accessory postion on ignition, the most incessant annoying warning buzzer that never stops for anything,,,even when car is in park,,,etc). Reliablity of Lexus is probably going to be great, but so is oatmeal, of which more than anything, this car reminded me. Tire noise is very intrusive, perhaps because car is so silent.

So we bought a CL 550 Mercedes. Hate its I drive like system, its small mirrors and other minor nits. But love the car, the way it looks, the seat comfort, performance is very good, and the car exudes a certain quality of of component selection that Lexus does not. Will probably hate the reliablity index, but will be gone before out of warranty. Although we still have our 21 year old 560 SEC, which was and remains a great car for our needs. At 160,000 miles the only major repair has been an AC compressor. Very few even minor problems.

Roger

Lexus is the best car if you value reliability over all else. There are plenty of Avalon drivers out there that Value a nice powertrain in a flaccid chassis who would love the LS460. I personally like a little bit of sport with my luxury, thank you.