Another New LS460 test from Automobile Magazine

i suscribe to Automobile and already read that review.

Cumberford also writes a Design Analysis piece. he REALLY raked the LS there, needlessly i thought. his editor must have DEMANDED he be more reasonable and objective in the actual car review.

He really did keep saying how boring it looked, and that it's not special enough to look at to be a full-size luxury sedan.

He said something along the lines of how Lexus tried to perfect every detail of the car's design, and it has no faults, but it has no distinction, either. No character.

he wasn't even consistent.

he spoke admirably about the high quality chrome window trim. then about the lack of brightwork on the rest of the flank (which focuses attention on the costly chrome piece), he says it smacks of "econocar."

maybe he was a decent designer some decades ago. today he seems just a crotchety old codger.

Anyway it shows that this is an excellent car! I promise, i'll drive it when it conmes to Switzerland showrroms and give my impressions. I'll be as objective.

Although, i am not personally interested in lexus. I am a fair and objective consumer. I do have to give credit to lexus on the LS460. It is definately a big improvement in refinement and quality compared to the last generation.

I agree with will. However, the only discerning issue that causes alot of disagreement with buyers comes down to prestige and heritage.

At these luxury price points ($80,000+), the average buyer may not consider value as a huge selling factor with such vehicles as the S550 or 750i. Personally, i own a S500, and my next vehicle will most likely be the new S550 because of the sense of tradition and quality the mercedes marque has developed for over a century. This is just my opinion, i am in no way biased or ignorant towards lexus.

Rom64,

I bought an S550 a few months ago after hearing nothing but positive news about the car. A testdrive won me over. It's more comfortable than the 7 from BMW and Audi A8 and the joke that is called Infiniti Q. I also felt it was dynamically superior to the 7 and A8.

One of my neighbours down the street has the new LS. He let me sample a ride behind the wheel. Wonderful car. Very refined and smooth and quiet, just like the S-Class. It can't get any better than this. The LS and S-Class are so closely matched, but I felt that the S-Class had the edge dynamically and was a little more involving and just as comfortable. I felt the asking price was justified since I wasn't so impressed with the last S-Class. This generation however is in my honest opinion the best car in this class, followed by the Lexus.

So far, I love the car. How can I post pictures on this site? I have a white S550 with an AMG body kit and wheels.

By the way, I wish to add that my neighbour with the LS is a Lexus salesman! Really nice chap as well.

I'm thinking of a car for my daughter, and the new IS seems like a possibility. Anything I should know about it before going to the Lexus salesman?

Nice. The AMG bodykit is beautiful on that car. The S550 is the best all-around car in the world.

The Jaguar XJ is surprisingly good, too. It has impeccable road manners, a beautiful interior and exterior (but you have to have a certain taste), and is more than fast enough. Very underrated- which explains its relatively low price. Under $70K for a loaded XJ8, which is what I'm buying my wife in January. Our first full-size sedan.

Will, by the way, the S-Class is one of the most beautiful sedans on the road, and there's no denying that.

Like you, I really tried to dislike it when it came out. But I couldn't resist. It's the new big boy on the block.

Congratulations on the fine S-Class, Bill. I've been able to drive one as well and it is indeed a fine a car.

Another positive comment about the car's stopping power.

Wasn't there an article stating that the LS had some braking issues?

A smart person would moonlight as a real estate agent and use the disposable income earned to purchase a 1995 Buick Century and several shares of Imclone stock!

What is it with you, Buicks and the stock market?

I have a hunch that you have stock in Buick.

I have a hunch that EL34i may be his AutoSpies name at work or something, and EL34 is his name at home.

If he even has a job, let alone a home.

He probably goes to the library every day to use the computers.

EL34i = EL34 with IDIOCY added. lol!

make that EXTRA idiocy, beyond the standard dose.

The E has always been one of Mercedes's most popular models.

"Infact, I see just as many Jaguars."

Just as many Jags as what? A8s? S-Classes?

Around suburban Chicago, it's different. Here are the popularity rankings for luxury sedans:

1. LS430 (it's the cheapest and the smoothest)
2. S-Class (a very close second)
3. A8 / 7 Series tie
4. XJ (beautiful but exclusive)
5. Quattroporte (a distant fifth)

E-class has always been MB's biggest seller. Historically, they've sold more E-classes worldwide than anything (those sales include taxis). Don't you lexus fans think the LS's styling is a bit bland? The front end is sooo sedate and the sideview reminds of the 7-series. The interior is mostly nice, but the center console is too plasticky. There's a wall there of big plastic buttons. I'm convinced the car is an excellent value and you can get it loaded up with toys, but that doesn't make a great car, it does make for a great home stereo though...

"Don't you lexus fans think the LS's styling is a bit bland? The front end is sooo sedate and the sideview reminds of the 7-series. The interior is mostly nice, but the center console is too plasticky. There's a wall there of big plastic buttons."

I agree, but some Lexus fans just can't seem to wrap their minds around the fact that it's not the best car in the world. A8 and S-Class interiors just make you feel more special... and, more rich, no matter how intangible that is.

Here is an incredibly well written review of the LS460L by a guy who recently purchased one from me.

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=244805

Who's going to write an unbiased review on a car that they JUST bought?!?!? Lemme guess, it's the greatest car he's ever driven....

Maybe reading it would help answer your question...

i just read it. long. but he IS fair. points out where germans still have advantage. and where lexus truly excels.