TEST DRIVE: Is Low Power And Disappointing Mileage Keeping The LS460 AWD F Sport At The Bottom Of The Pack?

A know nothing from Detriot free press......

I've always preferred, in order of my personal preference, MB, BMW, Audi then Lexus BUT I've always like the LS shape as the brand's executive flagship ... until this latest LS version. The nose is too sharp/aggressive for the rest of the body. It no longer has that executive saloon's presence, at least when viewed from the front anyway. AS to the article's write up about its performance (and to a lesser degree its fuel economy), that's pretty disappointing for a brand new design.

I would say it's a combination of just being an ugly car, too repetitive in the looks, everything Lexus make now has that ugly mug and last behind the in luxury segment for refinement, power, and status. I would consider the Equus over the LS460 and I don't really care for Hyundai at all. A 750iL and S550 still makes me stop and look at it. The Lexus does nothing, just boring.

The problem with Lexus right now is that it lost its identity. It was the anti-BMW and anti-Mercedes with its bullet-proof reliability and ultimate luxury. For 10+ years, they focused on the "Pursuit of Perfection" and that truly resonated with the luxury buyer.

In their attempt to become a brand known for dynamic products, in a way, they've homogenized the segment, while alienating their previous target market.

At the same time, their attempt to become this performance brand may have been done backwards or in an ineffective manner. They introduced the IS-F, but didn't create a GS-F or LS-F. And when the IS-F was initially introduced, it didn't hit the M3 in the jugular. It accelerated well, but was no match for it on the track. Only with subsequent suspension mods was it competitive on the track, but by then, it was almost an afterthought. With the LF-A, it is a phenomenal performance and design exercise, that the large majority of the buying public has never seen. It would have been much more effective if the LF-A was priced within a reasonable price point for the rich folks so at least a few would be seen prancing around the streets of LA, NYC, Miami, Scottsdale, etc. I live in an area where R8s are almost a dime a dozen and the occasional SLS is spotted, and that really helps connect the performance car with the brand, so the trickle-down effect is tremendous. Look at what the NSX did for the Acura brand when it was introduced. And look what happened to the Acura brand when Acura (temporarily) discontinued it. And, now, with the known forthcoming NSX, there's a renewed buzz for the brand. The LF-A almost remained a concept to many, and not a reality, so making the connection to the rest of the brand probably didn't occur the way it could have.

Lexus was designed and appeals to Toyota owners moving upmarket. These customers want luxury and comfort. Will Lexus more "sport" dynamic alienate their core demographic? Their customer base is also aging. Reminds me of the situation Cadillac was in 15 years ago. Interesting to watch.

Lexus seems to have resoinated with its buyers with a more agressive, sporty line-up. The GS, LS, ES, LX and RX have all been fitted with the new designs, and all sales are up. Lexus sales are being dragged down right now by the IS, which is still not updated.

The article is spot on. The LS engine was great 7 years ago. Competitors caught up and surpassed it. For whatever reason (tsunami, witchhunt, etc.), this new LS did not get new engines. Know that Lexus will rectify this. The LS will not last 7 years without an upgraded engine. I predict 2 years. New V8 and new hybrid.

for whatever reason? the reason is that lexus doesn't invest in new engines and innovation. they haven't introduced in new engine in any of their major models since 2006. and the 'new' IS still has the same engines as the 2006 model. plus the looks are just plain boring across the lineup.

and this new 'sport' direction is a bad idea. people buy lexus for luxury, quietness, build quality and value. sport just doesn't appeal to 60-somethings.

...The other comments are wasteful thinking at best. -thetruth01 however is about 1/2 way onto a clue. I think Lexus is just patiently watching the market very closely, staying tuned to it's loyal customer base and luring in a lot of new customers into their showroom floors. Because they know once those potential buyers are in those beautiful Lexus Dealership Showrooms and they get them in those cars for the test drive, GAME OVER! If it's loyal base and new customers want more power and are willing to pay for it, it's a done deal. But that has not been the case. Enthusiast, unfortunately, dont run thing at Lexus. Even though Mr. Akio Toyoda is a race car driver himself, he knows you just cant start wasting money on trick poney ideas over night. I think Lexus is slowly moving in the direction of more fun driving cars, but not at the expense of their bread and butter customers, called the majority out there. Not a few loose cannons on AutoSpies.Com.

...pony, my bad.

My point exactly, Cleveland. The NSX elevated the Acura brand image. Yes, the Integra and Legend created the company's image 4 years prior, but that image was still of a more luxury-oriented Honda product attempting to take sales from BMW and MB. The NSX, with its sights set on now taking on Ferrari, took that reputation and began to elevate it and add some distinction from Honda. Get it now? I'm sure you'll have a counterpoint, as always.

To the truth01, the most sporty offering is the GS, and those sales don't even come close to competing with the 5 Series and E Class. The GS' sales total 2,200 vs the E Class 9,600, and that 2200 represents an 11% dip from last year. The LS sales are running neck and neck with the S-class, which is a bit more expensive and in its last year, whereas the LS was just "updated" and heavily marketed. The ES and RX have always been the brand's bread and butter, accounting for almost 65% of total sales. The LX sales are negligible at best as a total, but is also about 2% lower than last year.

And let me add that while the RX is offered in F-sport trim, the ES is not. Yet, the ES is Lexus' 2nd top-selling model.

Note: There is such a disparity with Lexus' sales numbers. As I mentioned above the ES and RX represent 65% of Lexus' totals sales. What makes that number the more astonishing is that Lexus has a full model range offering. The ES is 2nd for the brand as of Feb sales with 10k sales, and the 3rd best seller is at less than 3k in sales. (The RX was at 12k). Quite the drop-off from the top 2 sellers.

these are not sports car companies, they are luxury car companies. So expecting a 500 hp variant of every vehicle is ridiculous. My point is that once Lexus introduced some sport (in handling, drivetrains, transmissions, whatever) or aggressive style, sales increased for those models. (The GS may be down now, but it is up compared to its last generation.) The RX is not going to become an X5. And it shouldn't. Because buyers still want the RX, they just want a little extra something now, sportier handling, less vanilla style, a little more pep. And that's what Lexus is giving them. Incrementally. New engines in the LS will happen too. In the meantime, sales will do fine. Lexus will pocket some cash, some of which will go into R&D for the next generation of engines.

BMW doesnt replace its engines every new model changeover either. The current 335 uses the same engine as the alst one. And people quickly forget how outclassed the engine in the 3 series was when the IS 350 debuted. Mfrs dont have to make these changes as quickly or often as auto bloggers demand them. Most buyers would not notice if the LS added 20-30 hp. They are noticing the upgraded interior materials, new technology, crisper handling, and aggressive style.

the LS is an old man's car. so it doesn't need to compete. just keep pricing at $20-40k less than the 7 and S and they'll continue to sell.

and your comment about bmw not changing engines....that's funny. lexus hasn't put out ONE new engine since 2006. in that time, bmw (continually lauded as one of the greatest engine makers) has put out more than a dozen.

Being at the bottom of most categories would probably do it. Then again, it depends what you're looking for.

Remember, it's a Lexless.

I'm begining to like the new Lexus designs. There is the new ES parked behind me and I'm always looking at it. Nice. Also I must be the only one in the world that LOVES THE NEW HIGHLANDER!!! That is one HELL OF A DESIGN ON HELL OF A DESIGN INDEED!!! Toyota is stepping up their game. I also think the new LS is one of the best looking cars in its class. At least LEXUS CHANGED THE LS more than the 7 Series. Oh and I'm not a Toyota/Lexus fanboy biased jerk like Hughjass neither.

It pisses me off alsomst everytime a new Toyota or Lexus is unveiled, their are more people B***hing more than liking it. As for under powered Lexus? Please don't get me started. At least LEXUS IS RWD when is Acura going to do it huh? Lexus Outdated my a**!!! Lexus needs to compete with the BMW M products pronto. BRING IT ON BMW AND MERCEDES. Lexus needs to show these biased German jerks what real cars are made out of. Oh did I tell you I'm not a Toyota/Lexus fanboy hughass biased jerk?

lexus needs to 'bring it on.' start by introducing a new engine...which they haven't done since '06. and hiring new designers. and not using the toyota parts bin.

Lexus is heading in the right direction, the new IS will sell well and bring in younger buyers. The new ES and LS are already seeing younger buyers with their new styling. Say what you want but this is what's happening....