Which Lexus is so popular that there is a one year backorder?

I hear it's more popular than the Audi R8.

American stupidity at it's finest. It's interesting how the US market is the only market where Lexus is seen as a true contender.

With the right marketing spin, you can sell an American anything--even a piece of dog shit off your neighbors lawn. Call it luxurious, smooth, smells great...and they'll buy it!

It's sad that Audiboy is so upset that Lexus outsells Audi literally 10 to 1 in North America that he has to resort to calling Americans stupid to feel better about the situation...

This makes what, the 12th time you've done this?

As if people buy BMWs and Audis just because they're "great cars." lol.

I'd say Americans are pretty smart if they're not falling for the BMW/Audi "magic" marketing tricks.

AUDIMAN4 - You are a Hater! The same could be said about an Audi. Let's be honest, a Lexus is an upscale Toyota; and an Audi is an upscale VW. Now that we have that in the open, which would be the better choice from a reliablity and resale perspective? Hmmmmmm....Compare a Passat to a Camry for example, which is the wiser purchase?
AUDIMAN4 open your eyes and realize for a moment that Lexus is a true contender, and in many respects a better consumer choice than an Audi.
The fact that a 15 year old Lexus LS still carries any value, and drives the same as the day it was first bought makes me feel that it is not only a contender but more importantly a top pick! What is a 15 year old Audi V8 worth? Hmmmmm, I don't think I would take one if it was given to me! Over the years Lexus has been consistant in offering a rich, luxurious, dependable, and supreme product. The same could not be said about the other German marks, especially Audi which at one point was killing people! Give your head a shake AUDIMAN4 and stop being such a hater...accept that Toyota is going to be the number one manufacturer in the world very shortly.
By the way I think Audi builds beautiful looking cars, and is the benchmark when it comes to interiors. The fact that their entire line (R8 excluded) uses FWD based platforms derived from VW products tells me that there is still room for refinement.

Audiman, with the right marketing spin, you can sell ANYBODY anything. Why do Americans buy Rolex? Marketing. How about Swatch? Same, marketing.

And yet, with all its marketing, why is Audi unable to dominate the American consumer? Ooooh yeah, because American consumers still remember that Audi SCREWED UP MARKETING in 1987 and has yet to learn how to fix its fiasco of the late 80's.

Hey Audikid - I just cannot believe your comment. Where do you live? In Europe or the US? It never fails me with the number of petty Europeans that talk so much trash about Americans and are trying their hardest to gain citizenship here. And you have the right to box us a complete ideaology because you are upset about a competent Japanese automaker that is working on dethroning your Audi.

I love the new Lexus LS, however I still like the Audi R8, but I had to make the purchase I would get the Lexus...sorry Audiboy...you and your European prestige are losing ground fast.

Wait is AudiMan the same one who calls Americans stupid all the time. Don't you have anything else to make your brand seem better than the others? Is that all you have left now? You've using the same one for ages and calling Americans stupid. Can't come up with another one. No fresh materials.

Wannabe European.

With the right marketing and 500K mile warranty, you could sell maybe an Audi for every five Lexus. I like Audi but lets not stoop to that level of ignorance. The LS is an awesome car, so is the A8, if you can afford to fix it. Right?

what in the world does an R8 have to do with an LS600h? one's a huge sedan and the other is a 911 challenger .

Mazman, the A8 hasn't been on sale for 15 years.

Otherwise, I'm hearing the same old dribble that they all say. There seems to be a broken record everywhere I turn.

We have about 20 deposits which for us would be about a year and a half of allocation.

Very well stated and accurate Mazman.

Lexus has only been on sale as Lexus for a couple of years in Europe, so your argument is flawed logically.

Your putting one of the best ultra sports cars in the world in the same category with the Lexus LS600L. I'm not going on no waiting list for a car that is being built by a car company thats been in business 17 years. Yes. Lexus does outsell Audi in North America ONLY! Audi produces 1.3 million cars worlwide compare to Lexus 400k. The reason is simple. Toyota decided to market its high end car in the US. The Americans enjoyed Toyotas reputation for quality and dependability. Now, they are trying to market the car in the rest of the world and they are failing. Because everyone in the rest of the world see it as an expensive Toyota. Thats per Lexus, not there competition. Lexus builds a great car. But they have to earn a reputation for refinement and prestige before they can really make an impact in true drivers garages around the world.

Such rediculous statements. Audi never killed anyone. Only the person driving the Audi. Here's another statement. Recalls on Lexus every other week. How the hell do they make the top 10 most reliable? Toyota is going to be number one. But it will not be because of Lexus.

actual deposits is impressive.
but i'd say that marin is probably not the average market. hybrid-happy market. no?

hey mitch.
you're usually right on, but in this case you're mistaken.
lexus launched in the UK at the same time as in the US. on july 5, 1990 according to lexus.co.uk.

But under the name Toyota- no?

450hp, AWD, 25+mpg combined, >6.0L v12 performance, v6 fuel economy and low emission, super quiet, ultra luxury, most technique advanced, who wouldn't like it?

well...a lot of people wouldn't like it. why, you ask?
1. it is not awd (audi and mb are only cars in class with awd)
2. the v8+eletric engine produces 430 hp, less than any of its competitors
3. the battery inside the car is more harmful to the environment than any gas engine because it doesnt disolve
4. its takes, on average, 5-6 years to gain back money from fuel by paying for a hybrid engine
i dont think i need to go on

Of course you and other hybrid-haters will hate any hybrid, let alone a full-size sedan Lexus hybrid. However for the rest of the eco-conscious consumers and potential luxury car buyers, the pros outweigh the cons.

Also, I'd suggest you do research on car batteries in general before you make generalizations like that.

will ... he is right about the fuel economy and such in regards to hybrid's . How is the trunk space on the LS in the hybrid version? It is not that hard to have something sold out for a year when they are only planning on building 500 to 1000 versions of it. BMW & Mercedes have been doing that for years.

1. It is AWD, mechanical full time AWD with 40front/60rear power distribution.

2. ICE+ motor will have immense torque!

3. The NiMH battery can be recycled.

4. It will be cheaper than competition v12 and offer all around better performance (minus v12TT S600) and luxury.

More safety and comfortable features.... better build quality.

where are these stats from?

You are a fool,LS600hL comes standard with AWD so get your facts straight!!

From Lexus Press release.

just checked the lexus website:
it's 430hp not 450.
they don't make any MPG claim.
they say power of V12 (a baseless claim)
and the fuel efficiency of V8 not a V6.

do your research.

Do you know what the word "over" means? Which v8 has combined 25+mpg for such a big car?


From Lexus PR:

This state-of-the-art powertrain technology will equip the LS 600h with an
unequalled balance of performance and environmental efficiency. A peak
combined output rating of OVER 327 kW/445DiN hp (*) offers the power
and performance of a normally aspirated V 2 engine. Conversely, the hybrid
Lexus flagship offers a class-leading combined fuel consumption figure of
less than 9.5l/ 100km(*) and CO2 emissions below 220g/km(*).
(*) Pre-homologation data, based on in-house testing

Ha... equally fast, in your dream. Which of these can run 0-60 under 5.0s? Which one can be sold in CA right now?

torque = off the line acceleration.
interesting that lexus only released a hp rating and not torque.
i'll believe it matches an S600 or A8 W12 when i see it.
until then, baseless claims.

i'm sorry but did i miss the 25 MPG claim you speak of?

Can't you read?

"a class-leading combined fuel consumption figure of
less than 9.5 Litre/100km"

The 600HL is not about fuel economy. It is about extreme power with decent fuel economy and low emissions, which sells from a moral perspective.

because of the batteries most people are predicting 4-5 more cubic feet than the GS450h, putting it around 12 cubic feet of trunk space. That's about what a Honda Civic or BMW 3-series offer and about 33% less than the other cars in the class. And considering this will be probably be a "trip car" or something people routinely get picked up from the airport in, the trunk space will likely be more important an issue than the gas savings.

again, what's the MPG rating?
can't recall the proper mulitplier to put km/l into MPG.

It is most definitely AWD.

I would still take an S8 or S600.

Gas guzzlers, offer less for much more!

When you have money like that, what does the gas bill matter??? Don't give me the enviornmentalist crap, yeah it gets great gas mileage, but it uses more raw materials than a small home. Its a great piece of technology and works for some people, but ill have bad ass S8.

There's a reason Hollywood celebrities bought the Prius and it has nothing to do with value or performance. Some buyers just want to feel "environmentally responsible" and if they think that getting luxury with power can also allow them to claim some environmental awareness, then they'll go with it. It's not about the money in this case and all about the perception of "green". Neither the S8 or S600 are very green compared to the LS.

Out of this group of cars, which one will get the best fuel economy and emissions?

Issue resolved.

LS600h will be a lot faster than Audi S8 too.

"LS600h will be a lot faster than Audi S8 too. "

yeah, sure.
an aluminium bodied, 5.2 litre V-10 with 450 hp will be beaten by a steel, heavier 430 hp v8?
Don't be fooled into thinking the LS will be "green". It will be more economical, but they appear to be carving a niche that nobody asked for.
I know I'm speaking from a European perspective, but cars like the S8, S600 and 760 are all about image. Lexus doesn't have much image here (not neccessarily a bad one, just little brand awareness). And in cars like this, fuel efficiency is the last thing on people's minds. People who want fuel efficiency can buy a 730d, S 320cdi or A8 3.0 tdi, and those who want performance and fuel efficiency can buy an A8 4.2 tdi (faster than 4.2 fsi), and in continental Europe, an S 420cdi and I believe a 740d.
Personally, I'd take the S8 if i wanted a sporting ride, and for luxury an S600. An LS 600h wouldn't be the car I wanted.

The S8 is money all day long....when it finally starts.

I saw an S8 today. The new one, of course. I believe it's the fifth I've seen- they've all been black and grey, except for one dark blue.

No matter what color, the car is stunningly elegant. Its proportions are perfect, the bodykit is just aggressive enough to cure any criticism against the A8's style, the exhaust note is the sound-equivalent of "luscious," and with the S8-exclusive dark wood trim, the interior is unbelievable.

It is quicker than an LS600hL, for any nay-sayers.

0-60mph in 4.7 seconds- best I've seen.

I'd be surprised if the LS hybrid made 5.5.

all of these cars are environmentally reckless. try do say otherwise is dishonets. but hey...we all have are bad habits. for most of us it's cars that are fun to drive but, unfortunately, don't get prius mileage.

The dust to dust energy of a Prius is the same as a Hummer H3 effectively killing the "Prius is better for the environment" argument and the notion that a hybrid in any fashion negates it from making excessive emissions during its life. http://www.cnwmr.com

The Mercedes S-Class is the first car ever (beating the Insight and Prius) to receive an environmental certificate from the German Commission on Technical Compliance (TÜV), which confirmed its environmentally friendly development in accordance with requirements of the International Standard Organization (ISO). The S-Class uses lots of recycled steel and processes which are better for the environment. I agree that it's still a pig but no more so than a hybrid of any form.

Maybe not for you, but the envirnment crap is what people care about.

yeah, because that's why people buy $100k luxury barges -- to pollute a smidgen less and save pennies on gas. Undoubtedly those are the major determining factors, it has nothing to do with image or prestige or the "I can afford whatever I want so I'm going to pick the one I want" mentality that rich people usually have. You're right, it's emmissions and pennies on gas. Issue resolved indeed.

quizz ... I cant believe you bring the hollywood celebrities into the conversation. Like anyone wants to associate with the psycho path Tom Cruise or mental masturbation of Hilton and her cronies. Who cares what hollywood says? For all we know they probably are influencing this ridiculous article. While we are on it, how long is the wait time for the Ferrari 599? 2= years or something like that. Now that is a car to wait for

An ordinary person can't just go an buy a new Ferrari - they make you buy used ones until they let you have a new one.

An "ordinary person" with money can buy people who can buy any car they want. It's not about what you want, it's about who you know. "ordinary person"...c'mon - I guess Ferraris are only for extraordinary people. I know what you meant by the way - just having a little fun.

Just to tell that we were at Geneva autoshow last wednesday for press and actualy the New LS600H for europe has 444hp and not 430. We know actualy that the base price will start around 170'000 swiss francs and already 29 orders are registered even before knowing thae exact prices. This from Automobil revue source from Switzerland.

Yeah, it really comes down to this:
If you want to be environmentally/socially responsible, you wouldn't be spending 90k on a car. You would be spending that money on stopping rainforests from being cut down, stopping aids from spreading further or curing poverty throughout the world. It’s ridiculous to say that you care a whole bunch about the environment and then go spend 90k on a car. Oh and here is an article depicting how much Toyota/Lexus really cares about the environment.
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=417227&in_page_id=1770

You wish the LS600hL cost 90k,thats what a regular LS460L cost for the LS600hL your looking at spending well over 100k to start!!

Will...

"It's sad that Audiboy is so upset that Lexus outsells Audi literally 10 to 1 in North America that he has to resort to calling Americans stupid to feel better about the situation..."

Really? That's a BIT of an exaggeration. Audi outsells Lexus 2 or even 3 to 1 worldwide, and they barely make a 10:1 ratio in world:NA market. I had no idea Leuxs now sells 1,000,000 cars worldwide while they only sell 50K in Europe, but I guess whatever you say is right, right?

Scratch that-- it's 1,000,000 just in the AMERICAN market!

So they sell 1,050,000 worldwide!

The more you know...

Ya and we buy lots of Audis also which doesn't make us any smarter

Again some comments about audi being a vw. That is really primitive. Porsche also uses vw parts and lets not forget that audi uses lambo engines. And BTW this lexus looks good.

man this car is like the whole pakage and its a lexus.

"However, most high-volume Lexus cars cost significantly more than Audis. (i.e. $35K A4 vs $42K ES, both have no options yet)."

Considering the only low-cost Audis are in Europe and the ES isn't on sale there, that's an invalid comparison.

You can lease an ES for just as cheap as an A4, if not cheaper... and, I'm sure you know this, that's how must entry-level luxury cars are sold. Cheap leases.

lexus isn't actually "doing well" globally. they're doing miserably in japan (less than 50% of sales objective) and have barely made a mark in europe after 15 plus years. lexus isn't "slanted" toward north america....it wouldn't EXIST without north america

and what's with A4/ES comparison? they don't compete. the IS goes up against the A4...retirees drive the ES.

Nice spin. In all of Europe, Lexus barely sold 50,000 units, compared to Audi's 90,000 units for the US.

70% of those sales were in the US, and of that, more than 60% were made up of CAMRY BASED models--ES and RX.

I do believe Toyota makes good cars, but I believe they are overrated in the US. Plus, they sell more volume in the US than brands like Mercury, Subaru, and Hyundai. How is that exclusive?

Lexus has been sold in Europe for less than 2 years...

hey mitch.
you're usually right on, but in this case you're mistaken.
lexus launched in the UK at the same time as in the US. on july 5, 1990 according to lexus.co.uk.

It's not about what you save at the pump!!!!!!!

Is it so unheard of for someone to want a luxury car that leaves a smaller footprint? This is the future people. Benz, Bimmer, Porsche and now perhaps even Bentley know this. You can be environmentally responsible while still plunking down 100 grand. And in the LS600h, you'll look damn good doing it, and be having a lot of fun as well. And if you cant fit one extra suitcase because of the battery, you can likely afford to have it overnighted. That's a small price to pay. (Those savings at the pump should cover it)

oh please....nobody who gives a damn about the environment would buy this car. talking about a 5,000 pound car that "leaves a smalller footprint" is like buying an 8,000 square foot house instead of a 10,000 square foot because you want to do the right thing and save energy on heating and cooling.

this car presents a ridiculous proposition. it's trying to be all things to all people.

my prediction; it will see well for perhaps a year because of the "new factor" and then lexus will have a hard time maintaining sales.

The LS600hL is nice. I wouldn't have one, myself, because the three German twelve-cylinder competitors would tempt me away from it. Formidable car, nonetheless. Whoever owns one will be happy.

all this talk over a car with so little to go on....no performance stats have been released, no official MPG (irrelevant for this category of car anyway), no pricing, etc.

let's just see this thing before we decide it's the end all be all....i'm not holding my breath.

"Lexus sells more in the rest of the world (meaning Europe and Japan) than Audi sells in N.America."

Is that an achievement? Audi sells well over 10 times what Lexus does in the "rest of the world."

got it backwards huu....

lexus wouldn't exist without north american sales.

bmw/mercedes/audi sell the majority of their cars outside of north american and would exist quite nicely if they never sold a car here.

and we know it performs as good as a V12 because....

Wow I'm happy for Lexus and give the marketing team for the company some credit in capturing the attention of all the USDM as it is where it excels the most in the world markets.

I'm not going to continue this flame war because i'm a German fan more than a Japanese fan but that's quite impressive. Now it doesn't mean the car's a better because people tested them and wrote up a review. The main answer comes after those cars have been shipped out to the owners.

I'll always pick the A8, 7, and S-class but for the value you get for the money it IS more affordable.

-Agent63

The reason Audi sells so well worldwide is because they probably use them as Taxies!!

I've never seen an Audi taxi, and I have been to six European countries...

France, England, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and Ireland. I was most recently in Switzerland and Italy, last summer.

There are MB taxis, though. But that's not a dis to Mercedes. It's just true.

Unreal.........this is absolute madness.... of success. Congrulation Lexus for making a Master piece again. This Lexus LS600 hl is comparable to the Maybach, RR and Bentley in luxury.

another baseless comment.

Lexus,
I'm sorry but the Lexus LS600 hl is not a Maybach or Rolls Royce competitor. The quality of materials are different as well as the noticeable price gap. The Lexus LS600 hl is good value for money with the look of a Maybach without the hefty price. But no cigar my friend, the Lexus LS600 hl is for the mass the Maybach and RR is not. It's back ordered because of it's value for money. People who are into that will pick the LS because it's a good car that comes with options they like without having to dig to deep into their pockets.

-Agent63

That is not necessarily true.

there is good reason for this car to be sold out before it even hits the dealerships:

aside from space and comfort, a big reason for buying a limo is TO IMPRESS others.

NO OTHER LIMO can make an impression like this lexus, arriving or departing.

NO OTHER LIMO is capable of pulling up, and departing, in SILENT electric drive.

NO OTHER LIMO is as unique, in the combination of SILENCE and POWER.

i predict, like the Prius a few years back, this car will continue to BE BACKLOGGED ON ORDERS for at least a year or two.

"NO OTHER LIMO can make an impression like this lexus, arriving or departing."

Are you joking?

Do you live under a rock?

I'm honestly flabbergasted!

not really.
the GS450h may go fast in a straight line...but most lexus buyers don't care about speed. furthermore, the handling is numb and lifeless.

hence, it's been a sales bomb...lexus can't even move 2,000 of these things a year.

i think the 550i, M45 and E550 sell a few more units than that no?

You've driven one? I doubt it.

actually i have driven the GS450h. as stated it is impressive off the line, but loses me with a too-soft ride and numb handling. also, the electronic nannies engaged far too easily.

he's rather ridiculous.
he constantly makes exaggerated baseless claims.
and is always upset that lexus cars simply don't perform as well as their german competitors.

of course, that not really a bad thing. there's a HUGE market for those cars. just not amongst those who enjoy an engaging driving experience.

sorry, no cigar.
the LS (old and new) are very nice cars.
but there's a reason the average buyer is over 60....they're benign.

the S550, on the other hand does pretty much everything pretty damn well....standout looks, speed, size, handling, second-to-none ride (even boring consumer reports thinks so). a little too big for me....but still a beautiful car.

In your own world....

what are you smoking?
quit with the grand statments.
use some facts to back up your clams.

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lexusmaniac:
Were you that lexus_dude?

ya the 600H is amazing ... it has the power of a 760/amg/alpina/ but is super lux! and great price overall...hah its prob faster than the is-f too

Adaptive Cruise Control has been updated with Full-Speed Following Function

Complementary to the Advanced PCS system, the LS 600h also features
a new Adaptive Cruise Control with Full-Speed Following Function. As
with standard ACC, the system offers two modes -constant speed control,
and vehicle-to-vehicle distance control- but is now capable of operating at
any vehicle speed between 0 and approximately x0 km/h.
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance control system employs both the millimetrewave
radar sensor and stereo imaging camera of the Advanced Obstacle
Detection System. Thanks to the system’s full-speed range following
function, aclose proximity distance measuring ability, the new Low Speed
mode enables ACC to operate in slow or congested traffic for the first
time, and, with limited braking and acceleration performance, the system
can both bring the Lexus flagship to a complete standstill, and accelerate
away once the road ahead is clear.

The Active Stabiliser system features an actuator centrally located on both front and rear stabiliser bar.

Permanent All-wheel drive

The LS 600h’s all-wheel drive features a three differential configuration
and a propeller shaft, coupled directly to the hybrid transmission. A
permanently engaged mechanical transfer system distributes drive power
with a ratio of 40% to the front wheels and 60% to the rear. A TORSEN®
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) was adopted for its highly responsive
torque distribution qualities, enhancing grip, traction, stability and vehicle
handling under all road conditions, whilst delivering the rear wheel drive
characteristics essential to a dynamic, premium segment sedan.
in order to accommodate the gear transfer without sacrificing interior
legroom, Lexus engineers rejected even the smallest and lightest
TORSEN® LSD system currently available, developing a new unit some
0% smaller and lighter than any in existence, with both transfer and
differential housed in a single casing.

Hybrid Powertrain:

This state-of-the-art powertrain technology will equip the LS 600h with an
unequalled balance of performance and environmental efficiency. A peak
combined output rating of OVER 327 kW/445DiN hp (*) offers the power
and performance of a normally aspirated V 12 engine. Conversely, the hybrid
Lexus flagship offers a class-leading combined fuel consumption figure of
less than 9.5l/ 100km(*) and CO2 emissions below 220g/km(*).
(*) Pre-homologation data, based on in-house testing

Do you expect anyone to read any of that?

and your point is?

what's your point?

That's because I'm right!
So few people realise that...

yeah, English.
You?

Why?

If he were American, would you retract the statement about he being intelligent?

I've said it before...

We may have similar views on automobiles, but your views on people in general are pompous and off-putting. I don't remember any sane adults acting the way you do.

When I went to Italy over the summer last year, it was surely beautiful, but the people weren't as... welcoming... as I'd hoped.

I also went to Switzerland in the same two-and-a-half weeks. It wasn't as nice physically, but in my experience, they were quite hospitable.

How many of you drive luxury cars? At $80k would you put one in your garage? Lets see I don't care about gas mileage so I want my 510 hp all the time not when the moons align and the batteries are all charged. One S600 coming right up!

I was GOING to get an A8 4.2 for the wife. The '07 version. I was very impressed with the car and, of course, was going to take it to work on occasion. It would have been about $80,000 out-the-door, because $76K + tax. It WOULD have been worth every penny.

Instead, we're getting a new house. A much better investment. The car will have to wait until next year; whether or not she'll still want an A8 remains to be seen.

Yes an A8 is a luxury car, would you trade it in on the LS460?

So for all of you Lexus tail pipe suckers. Put your money where your mouth is. I don't expect to hear about how the LS460 changed the world until you own one. I however will continue to have my own opinion.

How ignorant. You will have your opinion, and they will have theirs.

don't drag me into this, I do not think myself above Europeans, I am a European.

Wow, huu, you're the most idiotic person I've ever met.

You do post facts sometimes, but it's mostly huffy posts about how horrible German cars are and how horrible the government is and that Toyota is the best thing since sliced bread.

So are we talking about Elisha Cuthbert here or are we talking about a car?

I'm the True Lexus here with the username "Lexus" the one and only. I have been with website for a very long time. I join this website when they use to have the old website.

unlike most, i own a flagship luxury car!

the only thing that piss me off when i go to europe is, why is my !@#$ing taxi a S550, i also saw 8 CLS AMG as police cars,

like it or not the LS600h will compete against its v12 friends.....FACT

Lexus will silently devour the competition- watch.

Another post party!

I think 200+ posts shows that Lexus is on to something.

It won't be putting Maybach out of business, and it won't erode sales of the German V12s, but it will be great in its own right.

Wow S4 why do u even bother posting? I've never seen so many negative boost before!

I am going to have to cancel my membership to this site. Its overrun by kids who think there Moms 1990 LS400 is cool so they have to stick up to people who can actually afford a luxury car.

welcome to the land of No Lock ,Sysop dosen delete posts , but flame posts is not one of those.... coz flame dose encourage traffic , dirty .... ppl visitz frequently to attack back

People are sheep, just like the housing boom everybody went and bought a house now they are dying a slow death. This Lexus is hard to tell from any other car so why would i want it, 75k and you have tell somebody what it is? I'm not crazy about Jag's but when you drive down the street everbody knows what it is.
Lexus is just so MBZ crazy that everything has to be taken for a S class or they think they didn't do their job and the foolish public just goes along for the ride why?

Just because you have trouble distinguishing between a Lexus and a Mercedes doesn't mean everyone else is as clueless as you are.

camry? ES? LS? too easy to mistake them all.

Toyota buying BMW? Give me a break. That's a comment that should be made by comedians. In other words, a JOKE!

Lexus make good cars but they aren't the best. Neither are it's direct competitors (Audi,BMW,& Mercedes). No brand is perfect. Audi is known for good interiors with good quality, BMW is known for it's sport luxury cars being true drivers cars, and Mercedes is known for it's innovations.

Lexus is trying their best to take out its competition and in the US it's doing the job. Well at least the marketing is doing its job. How often do you see an Audi, BMW, or Mercedes commercial compared to Lexus? Enough said.

In most parts of the world when someone thinks of a full size luxury saloon they will be looking towards an Audi, BMW, or Mercedes, not a Lexus. Lexus is the last option that comes to mind. If you guys agree you guys obviously live in the US and have been brain washed with all the marketing. But since the Lexus brand was made primarily for the USDM why wouldn't the US favor the Toyota brand. It's like how American's love their Ford and Dodge trucks. Same goes for Lexus.

very good point, but not all americans think like that, but this is 2007, if i would ship a LS600hl to "like you say PARTS OF THE WORLD" not 1 person in there rabbit @$$ mind would tell me im not in a fullsize luxury saloon, them fools is serious living in the past or a box, n lying to there self, thinking my car isnt that, i guess ill take a S550 taxi to the club/bar maybe ill feel like im in the box or something,

I didn't say the LS isn't good, but there are some Lexus fans getting too ahead of themselves thinking Lexus is a Maybach, RR, and Bentley competitor, which it is not. The LS i know is comfortable and drives well. It's just not as elite as the Lexus fans think. It's still an S-Class competitor along with the BMW 7 and the A8. But they don't respect that idea so they try to trick themselves to believing something that isn't true. Also just because Jeremy Clarkson compared the extended version with the tilting seats to a Rolls Royce or any elite brand people believed that as well.

-Agent63

Gee look gang i have a Lexus 600 in my gargage that is the ultimate? If that is your bag and you can afford it fine but to me this is the height of stupidity. If you have real money then go get your RR or Bentley, Jag, MayBach, Ocean Drive(what a name)? because you want the world to know you have made it. But $1,000 a month lease to drive around in a copy cat LS600 just shows me you can afford a little better Toyota then the neighbor can?

Gee look gang i have a Lexus 600 in my gargage that is the ultimate? If that is your bag and you can afford it fine but to me this is the height of stupidity. If you have real money then go get your RR or Bentley, Jag, MayBach, Ocean Drive(what a name)? because you want the world to know you have made it. But $1,000 a month lease to drive around in a copy cat LS600 just shows me you can afford a little better Toyota then the neighbor can?

Just to let you know a lot of high profile exec's lease their cars so they can write things off through the company. It's not a matter of not being able to afford a car. In the real world, real business types do not think about image. It's just your mind just like many others are saturated with the media and how celebrities live their lives. Flash flash flash, bling bling bling, and LOOK AT ME, I'm in a new BENTLEY! big deal. You would be surprised at how many people are much more wealthy than them and they live a better life without all the paparazzi trailing behind. What's the point in having a huge yacht and a heli-pad on it when you can't enjoy it because camera's are flashing from all angles.

You would also be surprised at how many wealthy people like to live the understated life. Elegance, comfort, and luxury in a more hidden side. Sometimes showing it off could get you killed. Jealously, envy, or an old enemy could get you back.

As much as I favor the German luxury saloons, I know someone else would consider a Lexus LS if they wanted to be less flashy and still drive or ride a comfortable car. It's just about someone's taste for cars and what they like. It's not always about what they can or can not afford.

-Agent63

My post was so good it got posted twice?

Best cars in the world>Tell that to people that have ruined engines due to sludge?

Lexus is not the best brand sorry to say. No brand is the best at everything. However there are many brands who do very well in what they produce. Some better than others.

Yeah the Lexus is as fast as its competitors. But not the S600 which has never been one of Lexuses competitors. Its in a completely different league.

very true, thats why the 600hl is there for, not just the S600 "very impressive car may i add, but i perfer a coupe" any flagship with a v12

in this class of vehicle, minor performance differences are trivial. those who make much ado about them still retain a boy racer mentality.

all that matters, as RR used to say, is the power is "adequate."

the qualities that DO matter, are luxury, comfort, amenities, and for some, technically advanced features. style is subjective. some want flash, some prefer quiet understatement.

given the uniqueness of this vehicle, it is to be expected it has found a niche. and the waiting list shows it will likely have quite a following too. sorta like a prius for the blue blood set!

all that matters... is that the power is "adequate."

from wikipedia, about the toyota model which is placed ABOVE even the lexus ls:

"The Century remains the first and only Japanese front-engine, rear-wheel drive production car equipped with a V12.

The Century has been Toyota's most luxurious model since its inception in 1967. In fact, it is placed above the Toyota equivalents of Lexus offerings in Japan. The Century is distinguished by different color options than the rest of the Toyota lineup.

Like other cars in the top of the luxury class, the Century is designed with a chauffeur in mind. Hence, the rear seats recline and the front passenger seat has a fold-down center section so that a passenger in the back may stretch his feet forward.

The Century is priced at ¥11,130,000 or approximately US$94,500 (as of 2006).

Although the Century is not exported outside Japan in large numbers, it is used frequently by officials stationed in overseas Japanese offices.

In contrast to other luxurious cars (such as the Maybach or a Rolls Royce), the Century has not been positioned and marketed as a sign of wealth or excess. Instead, the Century projects an image of conservative achievement. Marketing literature states roughly that, "the Century is acquired through persistent work, the kind that is done in a plain but formal suit." This image drove a good deal of the 2nd generation design as a traditional and tasteful update of the original.




it will be interesting to see what happens when toyota DOES attempt to compete with a v12 lexus/toyota century and go head-to-head against the established uber lux barges.