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Lexus LS 460/LS 460L: First Drives

94 messages,  Last post on Dec 18, 2006 at 4:51 PM

You are in the Lexus LS 460/460L Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus LS 460, Sedan

Messages Page 8 of 10

#68 of 94 Re: NV [] by nvbanker

Oct 29, 2006 (10:11 am)

Replying to: unknown (Oct 27, 2006 11:20 am)
A 750iL and S-500. I didn't drive those though, as I already have driven them. Previously, I thought they drove better than the LS, but weren't worth the money and maintenance issues. Now, however, the LS drives as well or better - maybe not as agressively, but that's ok with me. I'm into smooth, quiet and comfy. The seats in the 7 are too small for my fat American butt, and the S fabulous, but the LS is much less expensive to keep up. I think the LS has made a quantum leap - which is hard to do when you're playing with the big boys already.

#70 of 94 Ok, I'm back with my TOL Report! by drfill

Oct 29, 2006 (1:02 pm)

After a brief floor plan lesson, I'm out to test drive, not eat pastries!
  
   There are 4 LS460/L to drive, 2 750i, and one S550 are available, so the line for the S is about 45 minutes.
  
   After a scoot in the IS350 (no MT 250 was avilable), I drove the 750i, as the line was shortest here. Had a approx. 500 ft. straightaway for what was labeled "Acceleration Run". The straight was not flat, and the braking area was marked at about 300 ft., so I got to about 50-55MPH before braking, all too soon.
  
   The BMW broke out fast, but midrange didn't impress, but it had plenty of power. The handling section was fairly difficult, and the car had no problem with it. Couldn't tell if the skid systems were activated.
   
   Next was the Lexus LS460L. It didn't run as hard from the blocks, but the midrange was much better than the 7. It felt slower than the 7. But it's handling was not far behind. I disabled the skid control, and yes, I has it on Sport and Power modes. There was a large radius 180, a tight 180, and a 3-turn slalom.
  
   Then I tested the S550, which had more heart than either vehicle! No replacement for displacement! It also seemed quite happy on the handling course. And it had acres of legroom. No real dynamic weaknesses, it's just not very appealing to me, inside or out.
  
   Then I drove the LS460 SWB before driving the RX400h and SC. This car accelerated similar to the 750, but with the same midrange the other LS had, so it seemed faster. Not as fast as the S, but close.
   
   My estimates are: IS350 5.2
  
                        S550 5.4
  
                        750i 5.7
   
                        LS460 5.6
   
                        LS460L 5.8
  
   BTW, the IS350 drove well. No demons in the steering, and strong quiet brakes!
  
   I had no problems with the LS' footwell, brakes, or tranny. They all seemed appropriate for the mission.
  
   This just in........For 2007......the S550's rear end ......has replaced the 750 for ugliest in HELMdom.......Lincoln Mark III-VII sues for design infringement.....more next hour....
  
   Surprise of the day?
  
   The SC430! It was quite the kick in the pants! I would call it "Snappy"! No squeal from the run-flats, and I was puttin' it down!
  
   RX400h was as quiet as a dinner napkin at the start light! Very powerful.
  
   So in closing, I didn't really learn too much, but the SC and IS drive better than I had been led to believe. The SC is powerful, and roomy (I'm well over 6'!). The IS is not roomy, but wickedly powerful, and would make any garage a better place to spend time!
  
   You can only learn so much from a 30 second drive, but if Lexus is a very confident company, it is very easy to see why. The Germans drive great, but their designs are not cohesive or well-thought out, inside or out.
  
   If you are looking for nits on the LS, you've got your work cut out for you. The interior, and exterior, are in another league above the Germans on hand.
  
   Other than the torque on the S550, the LS is equal to, or superior in every way from what I could tell. And the style is clearly more advanced.
  
   The Germans came off as well-built, but rather complicated.
  
   The LS was more stylish and had a finely crafted way about it. Easy to use, easy to drive, easy to like. And with the windows up, you could get a good whiff of engine note in the cabin. This is a good ting!
  
   I will now take your questions.....
   
   DrFill

#71 of 94 Re: Ok, I'm back with my TOL Report! [drfill] by nvbanker

Oct 29, 2006 (4:54 pm)

Replying to: drfill (Oct 29, 2006 1:02 pm)
Good assessment, Drfill. I think you underscored the S-550, but your description of the car was spot on. IMO, the S550 beats all, but at a price I am not willing to pay. Not just money.

#72 of 94 Re: Ok, I'm back with my TOL Report! [nvbanker] by nexuslexus

Oct 29, 2006 (5:10 pm)

Replying to: nvbanker (Oct 29, 2006 4:54 pm)
The S-class would need better quality, but I think most will agree that the S-class is the bench mark of the High end cars, and will likely remain so.

#74 of 94 NV by drfill

Oct 29, 2006 (6:18 pm)

Good assessment, Drfill. I think you underscored the S-550, but your description of the car was spot on. IMO, the S550 beats all, but at a price I am not willing to pay. Not just money.
  
   You see why I wanted the LS to cost more. Maybe the S-Class is $5k more car than the LS, but not $15-25k. The LS is a smarter buy. Period.
  
   And it's kinda fly!
 
   DrFill

Messages Page 8 of 10

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