Is The Lexus LS460L More For "Riders" Than "Drivers"?

Is The Lexus LS460L More For
It's tough to pity Lexus LS owners. After all, Executive-Class luxury sedans don't exactly suck. We wouldn't blame LS drivers for feeling pangs of over-inconspicuousness whenever they see a Camry, though. Understated luxury is one thing, but when you're devoting something like two years of the average worker bee's salary to a frivolity such as a luxury sedan, it'd be nice to have at least some indication to the Serfs that you're the better man.

"Look at Me!" posturing is not what we have in mind. There are Lamborghinis and Excaliburs for that sort of disgusting bourgeois putrefaction. Exuding a bouquet of fine taste, class and craftsmanship shouldn't be out of the question for a car such as the LS, however. The LS 460L we drove failed to portray itself as what it aspires to be; the né plus ultra shark in the S-Class pool. Spend a few more seconds looking and the sheer size of the big Lexus sinks in, but gosh, from 30 feet away you need to concentrate to see something more than a Camry (or the new Hyundai Genesis for that matter).

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pacotacololpacotacolol - 1/9/2008 3:36:11 PM
+1 Boost
its gotta be a riders car. the driver does even park. technicaly, the driver is a rider too.


SHOWTIMESHOWTIME - 1/9/2008 12:52:55 PM
+1 Boost
Overall, I would say it's more for riders because of the super soft suspenssion.


pushrod27pushrod27 - 1/9/2008 1:07:27 PM
-1 Boost
You're all over the place dude. First: Every extended wheelbase luxury sedan is naturally more about passenger comfort than driving dynamics. Just because the 7 series includes some driving satisfaction in the package doesn't make this the primary character of the car.
Second: Your question is about driving dynamics, but then you go off about the exterior styling. Bland exterior styling doesn't affect wether this car is a driver's car vs. a rider's car.
That said, yes the LS styling is very dull and derivative. It looks a lot like a swollen Camry with some subtle BMW and Mercedes-Benz cues lurking just beneath the surface. This car is for the luxury buyer who desires to be very inconspicuous. The LS has absolutely no curb appeal whatsoever.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/9/2008 1:08:05 PM
+2 Boost
riders not drivers.

and, yes, it's very easy to mistake a camry for a lexus and vice versa from 30 feet away.


autoproautopro - 1/10/2008 5:43:42 PM
+1 Boost
Its easy to mistake you for an idiot.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/11/2008 1:33:04 AM
0 Boost
resorting to personal attacks. hmmm....speaks volumes about you.


autoproautopro - 1/10/2008 5:45:14 PM
0 Boost
Only based on 2007 World car award,and sales that tell the rest of the story.


cbro980cbro980 - 1/10/2008 7:20:46 PM
+1 Boost
It is well known that Car and Driver hates Lexus so their reviews about Lexus are worthless. Consumer Reports just named it "The best car we have ever tested". Just depends on where you are coming from I guess.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/11/2008 1:33:48 AM
0 Boost
it's true. those senior citizens LOVE the LS.


Need4SpeedNeed4Speed - 1/9/2008 5:56:14 PM
-3 Boost
clown!


chris760chris760 - 1/10/2008 12:26:11 AM
+2 Boost
haha you make me laugh. since when did the ls excel in driving?


w209w114w209w114 - 1/9/2008 1:26:40 PM
+1 Boost
This is the cheap or wannabe "Rider's Car" on a huge budget. Riders should be wealthy enough (in my opinion) to be able to afford a Rolls-Royce, Maybach, or Bentley.

The V12 Armored S-Class(GUARD) is the next step down and a decent Rider's car. This Lexus just screams "Aspiring Nouveau Riche"


M35MTM35MT - 1/9/2008 1:33:47 PM
+5 Boost
Its a pish-posh, cushy, leathery luxury car, like a comfy couch. Serves a great purpose, has good value (reliable, good resale) with crisp under the radar styling. It's not a drivers car. But it shouldnt change, because it sells in this niche.

For comparison, the A4 has never matched the driving dynamics or acceration figures of the 3 series (base models, not the S4 or M3!). Although it competes, and sells, because it fills a niche. The LS does the same amongst its competitors.

If you want to talk about a failing luxury flagship, take a look at the Jaguar.


M35MTM35MT - 1/9/2008 3:00:35 PM
+6 Boost
I find it absurd that you think Lexus should go back to the drawing board when they give the consumer exactly what they want. Mainstream music sucks, but it sells...get it yet?!


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/9/2008 5:57:44 PM
+2 Boost
The 2007 XJ8 was simply beautiful... classic elegance at its finest. I was amazed whenever I saw one with the 19" rims. But the 2008 is just gaudy.


w209w114w209w114 - 1/9/2008 5:27:25 PM
+1 Boost
The S-Class is bland compared to the LS ???????


kpaxxkpaxx - 1/9/2008 2:14:47 PM
+1 Boost

S-class is for riders and drivers..the LS not sure what it is for..?


0to600to60 - 1/9/2008 3:35:06 PM
+4 Boost
old people!


EL34EL34 - 1/9/2008 5:27:30 PM
+3 Boost
Is The Lexus LS460L More For "Riders" Than "Drivers"?

Neither, the car is more for Parkers :-)


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/9/2008 5:58:16 PM
+1 Boost
Was this ever under dispute? Is there a point to this article?


StickShiftCamryStickShiftCamry - 1/9/2008 8:18:47 PM
+1 Boost
I hate all LWB cars anyway, they look disproportionate and are slower than their non LWB models. So yea, the "L" is for riders.


RealitySmackRealitySmack - 1/9/2008 8:49:47 PM
+3 Boost
Some people that can't think outside of the box will say it's not sporty and can't do blah blah on the track. I remember reading one magazine write-up when this thing came out and they were disappointed because it didn't perform well on the track.

Here's a Smack of Reality for you! Cars like these are not made for TRACKS!! That should be obvious to anyone with a half brain that a car that has a Shiatsu massage is not made for the tracks.


VISOVISO - 1/9/2008 11:48:24 PM
+1 Boost
The US market is no longer that important. Just send the leftovers here. Europe will emerge in 2008 as the biggest market in the world and we all know how well Lexus does there.


XYZZXYZZ - 1/10/2008 3:38:45 AM
0 Boost

yup. the sales figures speak for themselves.

and howcum i hardly see any Ss or 7s tearing around race tracks? hmm.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/10/2008 6:13:52 PM
0 Boost
Lexus boys use the dumbest excuses to back this car up when comparing it to the European competition.

"The truth is that, in the real world, there are very very very many people who don't need a full size sedan that handles like a sports car."

Are you dim? Of COURSE nobody needs a luxury sedan that handles like a sports car... and the LS certainly does not give you that.

HOWEVER, the Germans (and Jaguar) give you all of the luxury that the Lexus does, along with an added dose of agility and impeccable handling. Who WOULDN'T want a car with no compromises? The Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8 are exactly that... no compromises. And you have to pay the price.

As for sales. No, the LS has not outsold the others for what you mention. It sells better because it costs less.


RealitySmackRealitySmack - 1/10/2008 7:54:44 PM
+2 Boost
I'll make my self clear straight up. I'm no fanboy of ANY brand. Because I own at least 3 different cars from 3 different countries (German, USA, Japan).

With that said, all I'm going to say is that when I drive 100 miles in my Lexus and BMW on the SAME route. My back hurts in the BMW and not in the Lexus! EVERY TIME!

So, if some fanboy (i.e. Audi/Lexus/BMW/MB) is going to come here and say which is more luxurious than the other, I know I can smell a BS. Because I know what the truth is. And this is not just my own observation but, many others that have set in my car and who actually own more than one of the brands.


AMGC55AMGC55 - 1/9/2008 9:03:05 PM
+2 Boost
the L ya.. just like the 750 Li .. and A8 L... ect

L = for people in the back.. or annoying children your trying to distance yourself from


BillBill - 1/9/2008 9:17:25 PM
+1 Boost
I thought this fact was established from day one the car was presented to the masses?


EvoAudiEvoAudi - 1/10/2008 1:10:31 AM
-1 Boost
It's for "mature adults".


kpaxxkpaxx - 1/10/2008 9:09:11 AM
0 Boost

Again why would you buy this when you can get a 7 or an S which is nearly the same price but performs much better and have a better ride..especially the S.


autoproautopro - 1/10/2008 5:50:23 PM
-1 Boost
Because they break down all the time,and their dealers suck.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 1/10/2008 6:15:23 PM
+1 Boost
Oh, please! Give me a break! The new S hasn't given its owners--or at least the two that I know, as well as the ones on blogs--a nick of trouble!


XYZZXYZZ - 1/15/2008 6:02:38 AM
+1 Boost
so a sample of two proves those cars are reliable?

check out the CR Frequency of repair charts, a summation of over a MILLION owners' experiences.

8 to 10 year old lexi (and TOYOTAs too!) have less problems than any euro make HALF as old. REGARDLESS of price.

the S-class and MBs in general, are so rife with problems, CR has "not recommended" tags across the whole lineup!




supermotosupermoto - 1/10/2008 4:54:04 PM
+1 Boost
Obviously!


ToneeTonee - 1/11/2008 12:37:34 AM
0 Boost
The Lexus is a riders car. It's nice but it doesn't compare w/the S-Class or 7-Series or even the A8. I have sat inside my pastors LS460 L and drove it, It was more exciting sitting in it. The S550 on the other hand is both a drivers and riders car. The Benz has alot of gadgets to keep one busy while riding or driving. Lexus is sup-par, it only sells well in America b/c its the cheapest Premium Luxury car you can get. #1 Premium Luxury car is the S550, followed by the 7-Series. But hey the Lexus is still a pretty nice car.


autoproautopro - 1/11/2008 6:18:39 PM
0 Boost
Just look at the scoreboard boys,your getting your ass handed to you.


LexusLionLexusLion - 1/12/2008 3:49:56 AM
+2 Boost
The Lexus LS 460 are for those lucky few.


fuzionfuzion - 1/12/2008 2:49:39 PM
+1 Boost
Please repost this article again in two weeks, like you always do. :(


acuramikeacuramike - 1/12/2008 4:39:24 PM
+2 Boost
Seriously, trying to prove which brand is better is pointless. 009 you post a lot of worthless stuff..

EVERYONE knows that for a while the Germans have produced better handling cars. So in terms of handling, yea, the German cars will always appeal more. But not all of us care about that. So there's lexus catering to them. Now give credit where it is due. Lexus is making an effort to put more "soul" into their cars, so we'll see. I have driven a lot of cars. Personally, Acura does it best for me, but remember thats just me.

So I wonder what the next "009 Lexus vs Euro pointless debate" will be?


MSP6MSP6 - 1/15/2008 12:47:34 PM
+2 Boost
The LS460 is clearly for riders. But for riders that doesn't want to get to much attention.

It's a car of choice for CEO's that are getting chauffeured to the office and doesn't want to catch the attention of its employees... as it doesnt looks like a 100 K plus car (just like the Phaeton).


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