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Sedans Lexus LS 460/460L Lexus LS 460/LS 460L Styling Impressions
3321 messages, Last post on Apr 22, 2007 at 12:29 PM
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Replying to: oac (Aug 14, 2006 10:24 am) The higher tier of the upcoming LS600hL will boost the prestige factor a bit, IMO, since that particular vehicle will be so exclusive. In the final analysis, I expect the target audience for the LS to be about the same as it always has been, with exception of the LS600hL, which will successfully fish in the waters of the even more affluent. Sportiness and performance will most likely be delegated to the other Lexus lines, particularly the GS and IS, with exception of the HP ratings of the LS600hL, and the upcoming rumored "super-sedan".  TagMan
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Replying to: tagman (Aug 14, 2006 11:28 am) True. However, I am refering to the LS as Lexus' benchmark sedan, and the brand's premium car. The LS defined the Lexus line of products back in 1989, and continues the fine tradition of leading the way for other Lexus products today. The new 2007/2008 LS series would be required to do the same - lift the boat of its siblings - and enhance the brand going into the future. Add some sort of performance-enhancement to these LS cars and you create another level of interest among those looking at the German brands. Associating performance to the luxury the LS provides will be a boost for establishing a younger, more upscale, uppity folks looking for a premium sedan that's got it all. Lexus will do well to look to the younger generation if its to remain a leader going into the future.
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Replying to: oac (Aug 14, 2006 11:38 am) The market demographics, would likely not change all that much, however. Even with the German cars, which are better known for improved performance characteristics, the demographics are still very similar. It seems that we agree that the benefit of enhancing the performance in the LS would be to grab more of the market share from those seeking German cars. However, that would only apply to those consumers interested in German cars for those performance characteristics, because it needs to be clear here that many, if not most, of those looking to the German cars, are actually just looking at the luxury, style, and prestige factors more often than the performance factors. The performance attributes are a plus to those German marques that some are interested in, but many are not. If most luxury buyers were interested in enhanced handling characteristics, then the LS would not sell so well, but the proof here is that the LS does sell very well, and thus the primary needs of many luxury buyers are fulfilled with the LS. TagMan
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Replying to: topspin628 (Aug 14, 2006 4:27 am) I do suspect that LExus will get ever closer to both BMW and Mercedes, probably Mercedes with the LS than ever before with this new version. The style is a hybrid between the S-Class nose and the 7 Series butt, with a Toyota smooth-over, but it's attractive. It'll probably drive more that way as well. Perhaps the perfect blend for a guy like me, who savors dependability and low maintenance costs. |
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Replying to: tagman (Aug 14, 2006 12:07 pm) Let's remember how the LS was launched and one of the main reasons it succeeded. They under cut the competition significantly. My memory may be a bit off on this but it seems to me that in 89-90 when it was launched, an LS was about 35K and I'm thinking that a comparable S class was about 50K. So someone had to see about 40% more in handling, prestige etc to justify the Benz. If price were no object then the Benz would win for most. As for now, I think that it's true that most people don't buy a lux car strictly for handling and driving dynamics but once you've enjoyed that and have become used to that type of driving, it may be a bit harder to switch to the soft "american" ride. With a huge price difference and the many problems MB has had re the quality, that "trade off" is easier and hence the great success of Lexus. If MB improves it's quality and if Lexus doesn't maintain the price differential, I think that MB will be back in a big way. The LS still needs to be a "value play" in my estimation or they need to close the gap on the driving experience. I hope they go with both and if so I'd be happy to test drive the new LS. If not, I think that my next ride after my LS lease is over will be a Euro car, MB, BMW or maybe even Audi. |
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Replying to: reality2 (Aug 13, 2006 8:24 pm) Yes, I have been to Europe and I see mostly tiny little "econo" audis, not the BIG ones...I couldn't care less about Europe, I just care about the car I will buy.
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Replying to: atlas7 (Aug 14, 2006 2:14 pm) |
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Replying to: nvbanker (Aug 14, 2006 2:16 pm) Those who are clamoring for value-pricing on this board can buy GS or even avalon, they do not need LS 460/460L at all. LS 460 should be reserved only for buyers who want the best of the best. Whether LS 460 has best of the best handling is a question, but in all other departments it is clearly superior. LS 460 should be priced head to head with Audi and BMW 7-series. Not even a penny less.
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LS 460 does not need value pricing at all. That is toyota's department. LS must gun for the top dollar. Dr. Fill is right on the money, this relentless increase in market share can destroy Lexus image. In my opinion, Lexus should quickly do a mid-term re-haul of GS which has been a disaster and retire the ES 350 altogether. ES 350 is doing significant damage and contributing to the perception that lexus handling is sloppy.
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Replying to: nvbanker (Aug 14, 2006 2:16 pm) Lexus took a step toward a tighter ride in 2001 and will take a larger step in 2007. The euro suspension - which was much more obtainable in the 2001-3 model years - was an excellent handler and surpassed the base S-class in handling to me and I drove both many times. The story I get from my dealer is the Euro buyers shopping Lexus wanted the Euro mated to a longer wheel base car so maybe we'll start seeing it again now that a LWB car is here or maybe the new car will be a lot tighter and not need that suspension. I also noted that Lexus is making this LS600HL in a 209" frame which makes it the longest car in the segment by 4". Someone at my dealership has ridden in it and says the ride is stunning with excellent handling. Supposedly Lexus increased the size of the HL to squeeze out that dream ride. We'll see. I am really looking forward to that car but my wife is a little intimidated by the thought of car a foot longer than the current car. Topspin - the initial LS had a $35K base but most models shipped here had options that put the car to $42-43K. The S at that time or just after Lexus came out was probably a $60-65K car.
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