Did The Fifth Generation LS Settle For Perfecting The Image Rather Than Defining The Class?

Did The Fifth Generation LS Settle For Perfecting The Image Rather Than Defining The Class?
The LS and I have had a long relationship. Back in 1993 I was an impressionable teenager nearing that holy-grail of ages: 16. This meant I dreamt of driving constantly. My parents were Oldsmobile and Chrysler folks, so my choices were a 1980 Custom Cruiser, a 1985 Cutlass Ciera, or a 1988 Grand Voyager. The Oldsmobiles were diesel. Need I say more?

One day my best friend’s dad pulled up in a brand-new 1993 Lexus LS 400 for the school run. I had no idea cars could be assembled with that kind of precision and my world was changed forever. Needless to say, when the Lexus invited me to the unveiling of the fifth-generation LS, my expectations were set high.




























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GermanNutGermanNut - 8/10/2012 2:15:37 PM
-1 Boost
The Lexus LS has never perfected the image or defined the class. Those honors go to the Mercedes-Benz S-class. Nothing else comes even remotely close.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 8/11/2012 11:27:34 AM
-3 Boost
yes, that's why it sells for 40% less than the S-class. because well-heeled consumers know that the best always sells for less.


LexusLexus - 8/10/2012 3:52:12 PM
+1 Boost
The funny thing is that when this Lexus LS460/hl600 first came out on the market it's was the most technological advance Luxury Premium Sedan out there. They even compare to a $1000,000 jet at one point. Hate are you want German Fanboi Snub but the fact is fact.

The Lexus LS460/hl600 is definitely one of the best looking and most reliable premium sedan available on the market today. And I don't know why you're bitchig and moaning thanks to Lexus MB, BMW, Audi and other premium brands are force to make their cars better. We cars companies compete against each other we the consumer win.


cidflekkencidflekken - 8/10/2012 4:11:49 PM
-2 Boost
Agreed that the LS has never defined the class. Only copied it and made it softer and sedate. The S Class, A8 and 7 Series continue to outperform the LS and set higher and truer benchmarks of technology and performance. and in some cases, design.


giants8412giants8412 - 8/10/2012 9:38:08 PM
-1 Boost
"Defines the class" LOL.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 8/11/2012 11:31:02 AM
-1 Boost
this 'fifth generation' (it's a nice refresh, not a new model) does that the LS has always done: successfully imitate that S-class, provide a quiet luxurious and totally removed from feeling actually driving. and do it all at a value price. as always, perfect for older consumers who really don't care much about cars or driving.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 8/11/2012 11:32:02 AM
-1 Boost
...removed from feeling driving experience...


sizquiksizquik - 8/11/2012 5:18:11 PM
-1 Boost
Interesting exterior but that gearshift / center console are looks like something that would be tacked onto the wall of an Winnebago next to the bathroom. This area really needs work be class leading.


knowitall1985knowitall1985 - 8/11/2012 6:28:49 PM
+4 Boost
People who drive the Lexus realize that the thousands of dollars for a few more horsepower and a little better handling that they would almost newer use in the US because of speed limits is not worth the money or hasssle of all the trips to the dealer for nagging electrical problems. WOW!!


CilVineCilVine - 8/16/2012 9:20:03 PM
+1 Boost
Personally, I do not really like the S-Class, 7-Series, and Audi-8. But, that does not mean that the LS is good enough alternative.

Lets not even think about conferring Lexus to having redefined the Class. They got attention by copying (which was a good tactic).


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