This is only for the folks who like, or have interest in luxury automobiles:


I picked up a C&D last week, just got around to reading it yesterday...

In this issue, they had the new 2007 Lexus LS460 L, going up against other high-class long wheelbase cars, such as:

BMW 750Li
Mercedes Benz S550
Jaguar XJ-Super V8
Audi A8L

Mercedes released the new S-Class late 2005 as a 2006, 300 * some HP, and a 7-speed automatic transmission. BMW decided to freshen the 7-Series for 2006, bumping up the 745 to the 750 and adding 35 more HP bumping it to 360 HP, up from 325. The A8 soldiers on as it was when introduced, with 335 HP (S8 is on the way though- with what's rumored to be well over 500 HP), and the Jaguar XJ's super V-8 with 390 HP.

Lexus has long been the equal of these vehicles (in certain ways, but not in ride & handling), so with the upcoming LS replacing the 3rd generation LS, it was logical to assume the LS would soundly trounce everyone, on its way to the number 1 spot. Especially being as good as the LS430 is (A starting point) and knowing what everyone else has, and what mistakes they made, and what could be improved upon.

A lot of people talk about how ugly Chris Bangle's redesigned BMW's are, compared to the old ones, yet- for the last 2 years BMW has out sold Mercedes in the USA, BMW has enjoyed record sales in the US, and if you look around, you'll see some of Bangle's styling queues in many name plates, most notably in the new Toyota Camry & Avalon, as well as in the newer Mercedes S550. The new LS460, looks like someone parked a 750Li, then took the "skin" of a LS430, and stretched it over the 745.

Imitation is the highest form of flattery.

So, turning to the article, I figured going in that the Lexus won... I would've been willing to bet a weeks pay on that...

Well, I was wrong. Not only did the LS460 N not win, it placed 5th out of 5 vehicles. Losing to even the JAGUAR XJ. Say it isn't so?!

Of course, these tests are subjective, and Lexus lost big points for two of the reasons that are primary reasons why people buy luxury cars. Quietness and ride. They said it was so quiet, and the steering was so "isolated" that it was difficult to "feel" or "hear" the road. They praised the 8-speed automatic transmission, and the 380 HP output, but- even what that kind of power on tap, it only ran 0 - 60 in 6.2 seconds. The 360 HP, and heavier BMW ran 5.7, and the Mercedes ran 5.6 seconds to 60.

With the lightest curb weight, and most power- the editors thought the Jag would be the fastest, but it was the 2nd slowest, only faster than the LS460L. Other disappointing news was when they found the Lexus' long legs were hard to bring to a stop, requiring 207 feet to stop from 70 MPH, whereas the best in this class comes to a stop in 165 feet from 70. The 209 feet (LS460) and 207 feet (LS 460 L) are distances equal to that of a Range Rover SUV.

However, when it comes to taking care of the driver though, they said the LS460 was one of the most opulent vehicles on the road, and the most opulent of that quintet.

So, I'm sure Lexus won't be happy with that news, so if you love luxury cars, expect change to come soon, especially in the braking department...

Magazines have dinged Lexus since 1991 on the smoothness, and "driver isolation" and Lexus hasn't seen a reason to change there... I agree with Lexus- F-150's aren't meant to outrun Mustangs, luxury cars aren't expected to be as tight and communicative as sports cars.

While personally I'd probably still choose the 7-Series (3rd place) over the LS460, the LS460 will probably be far more reliable (taking history into account) and far less expensive to own/operate. I've driven 7's before, and LS430's, and in terms of ride feel, there was no comparison, the 7 felt much better- heavier, and faster- almost like you own the road. But, not having driven the LS460 yet, if looks mean much, it would seem Lexus, in some ways at least, has come a lot closer to building a car that has the potential to "take charge" on the autobahn... As long as there are no S55's or S63's around! :LOL:

Ranking:
1. Mercedes Benz S550, $103,000 as tested
2. Audi A8, $78,000 as tested
3. BMW 750Li, $90,000 as tested
4. Jaguar XJ-Super V8, $81,000 as tested
5. Lexus LS460 L, :$93,000 as tested.

 

My boss has the BMW 750. He had the 745 prior to this one. It has had no problems and is a pretty nice ride.

 

My boss has the Hyundai Elantra. He had the Kia Rio before that and before that he was on the french fry machine like me.

 

My boss having the BMW is why all us employees ride the bus to work.

 

My brother had a 750Li until some old lady Tboned him 2 weeks ago. He just got a new s550 AMG. I've driven both... and I prefer the Beamer. The Mercedes is too boaty for my taste. But I must say, they are thinking of some CRAZY crap in luxury cars these days... (seats that MOVE according to yours turns while giving you a massage, lol).

 

My papa has got the S550 and its an amazing car!!

 

Damn . . . I'd have taken that bet and won.

Lexus never has ranked #1 with the car mags and probably never will.

Maybe with their upcoming F series, but even then I doubt it.

The writers have never liked the total sensory deprevation thing.

Now, if you want to hear and feel the road, then you need one of these:



What with traffic being 24 / 7 any more here in Lost Angeles, a top speed of 12MPH will allow you to whiz by all the cars here that never move.

I'm getting me one of these soon.

 

Yeah, I know... But thought this time (knowing what the competition has on the road already) that a company like Lexus would match or exceed them in every measurable way; especially with a clean sheet built from the ground up new flagship.

Oh well, after placing it 5th of the 5 tested vehicles, they did end the article by stating:

"The true essence of the car is quite spectacular, with a tuneful V-8 and slick eight-speed automatic... [it is] a comfortable ride, a quiet and scroupulously climate-controlled atmosphere, multiadjustable seating with Peltier cooling pads, and video entertainment with one of the best car stereos ever devised are at your disposal. So chill. You made the right decision after all." (C&D, Jan. 2007, PP. 104).

Highs: Tranquil environment, flawless finish, comprehensive standard luxury equipment.

Lows: Soft in roll, squishy tires, small trunk, long stopping distances.

 

The problem with Lexus and all Asian car companies is that they are always playing follow the leader. Instead of developing something truly new and all their own, they continue to copy North American and European design. So what you get is a second hand copy that is completely void of any of the original soul. While they may have worked some of the original quirks out, the end result is bland. This approach might work for the masses that view a car as mere transportation but to the auto press this is boring. Hence they never win a head to head comparison. Even though the Lexus might have better over all fit and finish the German cars will always win because they are the originals. The Japanese design is compromised in that it is at best a copy of all the best points of the class leaders. In this comparison they copied the BMW's driving experience and styling, the Merc's posh and the Jag's flair. In the end they got a watered down mix that lacks posh, style and flair.