TTAC Runs The Lexus LS460L Through The Wringer

TTAC Runs The Lexus LS460L Through The Wringer
My wife struggles with two automotive tasks: finding her destination and maneuvering the car into a parking space. (Locating a parking space is another issue, but why make her sound any more spatially challenged than she is?) The only voice my wife follows without question emanates from her car’s navigation system. So, issue number one sorted. Until now, she has endured her parking problem by opting for garages or HUGE spots. When she heard about the Lexus LS’ new automated parking system, she sent me to the dealer to check it out.

I tried to wiggle out of the assignment by explaining that my review of the short wheelbase Lexus LS incurred the wrath of Lexus fans across the web. But this time it was personal. To further differentiate this review from the last, I located an LS quipped with the touring edition option, which adds nineteen inch wheels, variable ratio steering and an air suspension.

55_2007-ls-460.jpgLexus has been criticized for many things by car enthusiasts, but never for their marketing savvy. In the case of their large sedan, the handling package is only available on the long wheelbase LS. Europeans typically add the handling and engine mods to their short wheelbase cars; this contrast had me puzzled. Does Lexus reserve the choice option packages only for the more expensive models?


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SupraNeverBackSupraNeverBack - 5/21/2007 12:28:24 PM
+5 Boost
Had time to review the car, but didn't have time to take some pictures of it?

I do think it is really annoying that Lexus doesn't let people get the best in US. Touring package and Active Stabilizers should be available on both SWB and LWB.



Agent009Agent009 - 5/21/2007 12:40:46 PM
+4 Boost
A lot of times they have it just for a weekend... There are a few pics on the link.



S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/21/2007 1:12:17 PM
+2 Boost
Oh, so he says it's fun with the Touring package! That gives me hope that if we end up with an LS600hL, maybe I'll enjoy driivng it, and not just being driven in it... that would be nice.


Agent009Agent009 - 5/21/2007 1:26:04 PM
+4 Boost
That is a definite positive, TTAC would be the first to complain if the suspension was not up to par.


Will_Will_ - 5/21/2007 4:23:32 PM
+3 Boost
Not everyone cares for the touring package, where in many instances, refinement is sacrificed.


RupertRupert - 5/21/2007 5:15:49 PM
+1 Boost
The touring package is European spec, all LS are air-suspended and have variable ratio steering. But we don't get a LWB LS in Europe (only LS600hl, but we also get the SWB 600h).
We also get soft close doors, power close boot, heated rear seats, headlight washers, a rear sunblind and Nav standard, which apparently you do not. But our LS does cost 112000 dollars, which is 4000 dollars less than a 4.2 A8 (8000 more than a 3.7 A8), the same as an S350 (25000 less than an S550) and the same as a 740i.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/21/2007 8:44:55 PM
-1 Boost
Hardly, Will. Mercedes manages to combine superior handling with superior ride comfort- and with the Touring package, it appears that Lexus can do the same. It's not as if the majority of owners would notice a difference, anyway.

And I've reconsidered the LS600hL. I think I could sacrifice the AWD and "settle" with an LS460, because it would save me $35K and would be easier to get in and out of the garage. This will be a hard decision... and I still haven't even convinced my wife to look at another Lexus- she has some odd grudge against them, after having a very satisfying experience with her RXs.


mitchatlexusofmarinmitchatlexusofmarin - 5/21/2007 7:39:11 PM
-1 Boost
Shoes- call me.


mitchatlexusofmarinmitchatlexusofmarin - 5/21/2007 8:40:03 PM
+2 Boost
Thats because it has been displayed already-


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/21/2007 8:47:47 PM
0 Boost
No, mitch. You're thinking of the one where it only mentioned the LS460's score, or maybe even the one that 009 posted that said Toyota and Lexus were shut out of the top picks...

mitch, you can advise me on this. I'm having a very hard decision on LSs today. I'd like my wife to end up with one, as Lexus is the brand that most satisfies her needs, but she fails to see that. More on topic, I'm fighting myself between LS460 and LS600hL. I believe you know I live in the Chicago climate, so an AWD car would be ideal. But the LS600hL is not only very expensive, but it could be a bit too big to fit in our garage. A loaded LS460 is a very attractive $73K, but it still doesn't have RWD. Do you think my wife, an average driver, could get through the Chicago winter in a RWD LS460 with snow tires?


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/21/2007 8:49:07 PM
+1 Boost
*I'm having a very hard decision OVER LSs today...

*A loaded LS460... still doesn't have AWD...


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/21/2007 10:26:55 PM
+1 Boost
It's interesting to me that after all this time, after owning two Lexus cars and thinking of buying another one, and after proving each point I make with factual info, you still call me a Lexus hater.

So, it's a lose-lose, I guess. If I say I don't like a Lexus, you flame me. If I say I'd like to buy another one for my wife, you still flame me.


Bmw8terBmw8ter - 5/21/2007 10:29:28 PM
+2 Boost
Hey S4cabriofoxone....I live in upstate NY. If I can get through the winter with a mustang v6 manual with nothing more than traction control and some GoodYear GW3's, I'm pretty sure she'll be fine; considering all of the traction and stability devices the Lexus has.

GoodYear GW3's are what the cops use in the winter up here. I prefer them over Blizzaks, but they're going to run you atleast $1000 for 4; they're V-rated too. I used to have to commute between Toronto and Rochester every weekend for work. This is the only tire I'd personally recommend for a RWD in the winter.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/21/2007 10:52:41 PM
+1 Boost
Thanks for the info, BMW8ter. We'll have to drive it.


sewingmachinesewingmachine - 5/22/2007 1:31:39 AM
+1 Boost
i think xero was talking about hans.


mitchatlexusofmarinmitchatlexusofmarin - 5/22/2007 2:17:24 AM
+1 Boost
S4
I got by with much less growing up in Highland Park and then moving to Chicago pre ABS and VSC. Of course there was the time I hit the brakes on Sheridan in Evanston right where the observatory is and just plowed straight into the curb. I think the 600 is going to be really hard to get your hands on- we are telling people 1-2 years if they reserve now. I have friends there still in Chicago if you need help. I would go with an A6 or an A8 for her, or a GS350 Awd.
Mitch


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/22/2007 5:18:43 PM
0 Boost
Thanks, mitch. A SWB S550 4Matic or SWB LS460 AWD would solve all of our problems... if only Mercedes didn't think we only wanted massive cars.

So, it's back to the S550 4Matic in her mind, then. I love the car and would be thrilled if we ended up with it, but I'm just worried she'll have a hard time with the garage every day. We'll drive it again in the fall, after we get an extension of our driveway, so that the A3 won't be in the way, and see if the extra room makes a difference.


LexusKindaGuy12LexusKindaGuy12 - 5/21/2007 9:35:02 PM
+1 Boost
this sounds like a pretty flattering review...of the LS


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 5/21/2007 10:08:52 PM
-2 Boost
"My wife struggles with two automotive tasks: finding her destination and maneuvering the car into a parking space."

well she's found her car! the LS460 is perfect for those who can't drive!


EL34EL34 - 5/22/2007 9:38:20 AM
-4 Boost
What a shame the LS looks like a big Corolla than a competitor to the mighty S-Class.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/22/2007 5:19:12 PM
+3 Boost
I'm going to cross-shop the LS and S-Class, so I don't think so.
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