29 Votes

Fully Loaded Lexus LS460L Less Expensive Than Base Mercedes S550

00JT submitted on 10/16/2006 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 9:33:37 PM

75 user comments | Category: Reviews | Source: www.autospies.com

It's true!

The long wheelbase version of the new LS with the top of the line Luxury Package carries an MSRP of $85,947 while the base Mercedes S550 starts at $86,175.

The package includes:

Luxury Package includes:
- Semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior
- Climate comfort front and rear seats with heat/cool knob
- Power rear seats with memory and power headrests
- Ecsaine headliner
- Rear-seat side airbags (SRS)

Additional Options:
- Lexus Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Mark Levinson® Audio System Package
- Adaptive Variable Air Suspension (AVS) and Variable Gear-Ratio Steering (VGRS)
- Rear-Seat Upgrade Package
- Advanced Parking Guidance System
- Lexus Link®
- Intuitive Parking Assist
- Preferred Accessory Package (includes Cargo net, Trunk mat and Wheel locks)

And yes, this package includes the reclining rear seats! What a deal!

Fully Loaded Lexus LS460L Less Expensive Than Base Mercedes S550

About the Author

— 00JT (View Profile)

User Comments

not sure where that price came from because the build and price on the website for a fully loaded lexus ls460l is $94,217, and im sure no one else here will agree but that is outrageous for a lexus ls, that is more than a 750li, a8l, xj8l, and costs more money than a s550 that is crazy for a car that looks like it could have been a toyota avalon.....it is a very nice car and its exterior doesnt do excellent crafting of the interior justice, but comeon this is pretty funny 94,000 for a lexus ls, for a lexus at all, that means that ls hybrid will likely be over a $100,000
— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 7:55:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Yet this was the car that would allow Lexus to eliminate the price discount versus it's competitors. Try again in 6 years.
— Autoegr525 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 9:21:11 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

That is why the site was down on sunday, when I trying to go there. The whole thing has been updated.
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 12:26:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Lexus does a thing where depending on where you live, there is different packages in your zip code area. So for example, if you live on the east coast, it could be cheaper because not all of the available packages are shown, while on the west coast, all available packages are shown so the price is more expensive.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 10:56:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Will,

As I said earlier this is the top LS for now. The Executive seating option is on hold for redesign of the recliner and is not being shown as available on our brand new www.lexus.com site. This configuration he referres to does have reclining seats on either side, but no ottoman. I sold two yesterday, one to a ceo of a corp who brought in his chauffer and is trading in their 7 series.They VASTLY prefer the LS460L. The car in person has strong looks and stature and gives up nothing when compared to any of the competetion any more. The other is trading a Phaeton
— mitchatlexusofmarin (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 9:51:46 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Mitch -
When is the LS460L AWD coming out? The second it does I'm driving my S430 in for trade.
— nybimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 10:24:12 AM | | Votes: 0

I don't think the LS460 AWD will come out at all.

What's wrong with the S550 4Matic or A8L quattro?
— S4cabriofox (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 3:01:44 PM | | Votes: 2

"^They're too expensive, and not a Lexus. ;)"

The A8L is the same price as a base LS460L. And, by most accounts, I would think it still has an interior edge- LS just doesn't look very fresh, even if it just came out; while the A8's simple, extraordinarily elegant interior looks every bit as good as it did in 2004.
— S4cabriofox (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 8:24:29 PM | | Votes: 0

"The A8's interior is German, the LS's interior is not."

What does this mean? I still find the A8's interior far more attractive. The LS makes use of great materials, but they're still finding their inner-Lexus in terms of interior design.
— S4cabriofox (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 11:25:14 PM | | Votes: 1

whaa wheres the gps
— awsomeaudi (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 10:27:19 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Nav with hard drive and XM sat radio/nav traffic is all standard on this one.
— mitchatlexusofmarin (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 10:31:34 AM | | Votes: 0

Nybimmer,

In spring- most likely March. It will be the LS600H hybrid. AWD is standard.

Mitch
— mitchatlexusofmarin (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 10:30:26 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Mitch - will they eventually sell the LS460L AWD (like the GS300 AWD) or is the LS600H it?
— nybimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 10:46:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Not to my knowledge.
— mitchatlexusofmarin (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 3:29:55 PM | | Votes: -1

Will,

Both of them were $86K
— mitchatlexusofmarin (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 3:27:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Money well spent.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 10:57:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

86000 dollars?
you lucky, lucky americans.

a base s550 here is 140000 dollars.
i wonder how much the ls will be here...
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 10:50:23 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

that's a lot of money, it only seems like a deal when compared to the overpriced Benz. A fully loaded 750Li w/ night vision, rear DVD player, surround sound w/ satellite radio, 20-way heated/cooled/massage front seats, heated/cooled/reclining rear seats, 19" wheels, keyless access, etc. MSRPs within a few hundred dollars of the Lexus at $94590. And it comes with two things the Lexus doesn't: free maintenance, and enjoyment while driving instead of just enjoyment while riding in.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 11:10:20 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I bet the LS600h flops - people in this price range don't care about the hybrid B-S.

The GS450h got really lousy reviews - check out this month's Car & Driver. Lexus needs to do a real AWD that can handle NE snow. My S430 4-matic is like a mountain goat, though not the most reliable, it gets through 8 inches of unplowed snow up a grade with no problems.

I feel like the Lexus hybrid AWD systems are lame imitiations of the real things. Any thoughts?
— nybimmer (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 11:31:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I don't know about the people not caring about hybrids in that price range - Look at all the celebrities driving the Prius. These people can afford a 100k car.
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 12:31:33 PM | | Votes: 0

lexus hybrid awd isn't the real thing; in the rx the rear wheels are electric only, on the gs? is that awd in hynrid form? if it is, the the front wheels are electric only.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 5:43:10 PM | | Votes: 0

The GS is a RWD hybrid, Lexus has marketed it as the first RWD hybrid.
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 10:10:15 PM | | Votes: 1

kart1, those people are environmentalist dring the Toyota Prius to the Oscars, their other car is a Ferrari.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 10:42:56 PM | | Votes: 1

I don't think it will flop. With all of the phony celebrities around, it will be a big hit. And by phony I mean, they drive hybrids to save the air, but also have Hummers and Lamborghinis in their garage.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 10:59:10 PM | | Votes: 1

Lexus does the best impression of a German luxury car I've ever seen. Kudos!
— smshnick (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 12:42:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

They have proved with the new LS that they aren't out to impressionize the Germans any more. They have new technology not available with Germans at a lower price. They must have discovered that more competition and more features not available will increase sales.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 11:00:28 PM | | Votes: 1

Why doesn't this surprise me?

TOILET with their competitive pricing.

If this TOILET is so superb and flawless compared to the competition why not demand a premium?

I'd like to see how many cars they would sell if the price were the same or more (similarly equipped of course).

— Ben55 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 1:18:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5

Oh here's Ben with his immature name calling again.
— 1970toyotamarc (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 2:10:24 PM | | Votes: 0

the feeling of the new benz inside, compared with that of the ls.. is so much better. (by that i mean intial reaction) but the LS has sportier handling then the benz. the benz has that bigger car feel when you are trying to drive rough.. the LS handles nicely.. why is the fully equipped LS only a 4 seater?
— luvmybmr (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 2:29:35 PM | | Votes: 0

"Mercedes thinks that they are God."

They are obviously not the only ones since they sell a lot more cars than Lexus.

"Even if they did, guess what you and all the other losers would be screaming? "Why would anyone buy this overpriced Toyota over a German car, when the German car costs less?" Or something along those lines."

That is the most pathetic excuse I ever heard.

The bottom line is that they wouldn't be able to sell as many cars as they do now.

Thanks for confirming that Lexus can only dream of being equal to MB.

— Ben55 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 2:03:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

Yeah Ben55,
Lexus out does any other luxury car in the biggest automotive industry in the world (N. America). While Mercedes may do a little bit better in other continents, Lexus isn't far behind them on sales.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 11:02:06 PM | | Votes: 1

Wow Will, you're full of sh*t too sometimes.
============================================

A Lexus will never cost more than a similarly-equipped Mercedes. Why? Because Mercedes thinks that they are God.

==========================================

First, Mercedes is not God. Second, they can charge prestige pricing because they have it.

Third, must I remind you what the Japanese are doing that is considered an illegal trade practice? I'll tell you. The Japanese buy American Dollars by the boatload to keep their currency artifically weak to the US Dollar. That means their products are CHEAPER in our country. Do the Europeans do this? NO. Hence their products are more expensive. That and their prestige pricing.

Basic economics, KID.
— BMW530i (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 6:00:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

BMW530i,
You keep on saying that Mercedes is prestigious when the most popular cars they sell are the ones that compare with the Civic or Corolla. That is not prestigious at all. Face it, Mercedes in this country could be considered prestigious, Mercedes in other countries are prestigious, but more known for their cheap cars. Lexus is luxury in every country it sells in, not some sell-out brand who sell cheap cars. And, in Saudi Arabia, a Mercedes is a delivery truck. Not very prestigiou brand in my opinion.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 11:04:38 PM | | Votes: 1

LEXUS IS350,

Mercedes-Benz has more prestige than Lexus ever will have. Nothing can change that.

The history of MB alone is enough to kill Lexus in terms of prestige. I don't consider a brand that has been around for 20 years that really innovates little, has no motorsport success and used to be rebadged Toyota's prestigeous at all. You keep saying that Lexus is more successful than MB. Lexus has had it EASY. They were created by Toyota who has the cash reserves to fund such a project. When MB started out, they had nothing. They sold cars in a time period when it was a toy for the rich and wealthy and there wasn't a huge demand. Add to that that a couple of years later, you have countless other car brands in Europe competing for the same market and that really puts it into perspective of how hard MB had it.

You want to know why MB made trucks etc.? Because when they were around in the early 1900's, they recognized a market for these products as not many other brands were offering these things. Also, there was a demand for these types of cars after World War II.

FYI, MB sells trucks under their MERCEDES-BENZ TRUCK DIVISION name in Europe and worldwide. It might share the "Mercedes-Benz" name but it has TRUCK DIVISION at the end to clarify and differentiate it.

Also, why not leave your basement and see the world. Go to Argentina or Chile in South America. You see old Mercedes trucks there next to S-Classes or E-Classes and people still want a Mercedes-Benz. Just because Lexus doesn't offer cars like this means nothing. It's the history of the brand that gives it the prestige. Included in this history is innovation, motorsport success, classic cars etc. Lexus has none of that, except a handful of innovations.

And FORD was not the first car in the world. Ford brought us MASS PRODUCTION.

So sorry, to me, a Lexus will always be a well-equipped premium car, but it will never have the prestige of a Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, BMW etc. When Lexus is 100 years old, guess what, MB, Jag, BMW etc. will be nearly 200 years old and they'd have innovated, had success in motorsports etc etc etc.
— BMW530i (View Profile)

Posted on 10/18/2006 8:11:53 AM | | Votes: 0

BMW530i-
We've been down this road before. Lexus is every bit as good as Mercedes. That's it, case closed. History doesn't mean squat. History is just the German fan's way of saying they have something on Lexus when there really isn't anything.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/18/2006 5:43:02 PM | | Votes: 2

Will,
NEWSFLASH: North America is not the WORLD.

"...they sell a lot more cars than Lexus."

Did you notice how I didn't have to add anything to my statement?

Now look at your statement:

"Lexus is the #1-selling luxury brand in North America."

See the difference?
— Ben55 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 6:54:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

China will end up being more important than the US in the coming years.

And of course, Audi has the major foothold in that market, selling twice as many A6s as BMW sells all of its cars.
— S4cabriofox (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 8:27:28 PM | | Votes: 1

You guys want to count out America all the time because your favorite car isn't king here. Stop doing it, because no matter how hard you try - America is the most important market in the world. Discounting America just shows your ignorance towards facts. America is not the world, I agree, but it isn't a 460 square km island in the Pacific either.
— kart1 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 10:14:43 PM | | Votes: 0

Both Mercedes and Lexus are wonderful car companies with wonderful products-end of story.
— mitchatlexusofmarin (View Profile)

Posted on 10/18/2006 11:58:49 PM | | Votes: 1

I think the LS600hL will be driven by the tree huger celebrity like:Alexandra Paul
Alicia Silverstone
Dr. Andrew Weil,
Arianna Huffington,
Bill Maher,
Billy Crystal,
Billy Joel,
Brad Pitt,
Cameron Diaz,
David Duchovny,
David Hyde Pierce,
Donna Mills ,
Donny Osmond,
Ed Begley,
Ellen DeGeneres,
Ewan McGregor,
Hart Bochner,
Harrison Ford,
Jack Black,
Jack Nicholson,
Larry David,
Kevin Bacon,
Kirk Douglas,
Kurt Russell,
Leonardo DiCaprio,
Dr. Oliver Sacks,
Patricia Arquette,
Prince Charles,
Rob Reiner,
Robin Williams,
Salma Hayek,
Susan Sarandon,
Tim Robbins,
Ted Danson,
Tom Hanks,
Woody Harrelson,and
Will Ferrell..
— 2JZSoarer (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 6:57:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Celebrities are full of it. They believe in saving the air. They believe in global warming. But, they commit adultery, kill babies, and still pollute the air with their much needed "fast" cars to impress themselves. I wouldn't take to mind what the celebrities are driving, as far as I'm concerned, they're nothing but a bunch of stuck up butt holes.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 11:07:32 PM | | Votes: 0

Mercedes Benz don't really hold their book value like Lexus or BMW.So most people that buy a $120k Mercedes, within a year it will probably lose about $50k of it's value!
— 2JZSoarer (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 7:04:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

They also don't hold their look value. A brand new Mercedes C-Class looks like it came straight from the 90's.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 11:08:20 PM | | Votes: 0

GASP!
— Carboy (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 7:26:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

OMG!
— Carboy (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 7:27:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

True luxury is, as Lexus says, peace of mind.
And Lexus has always had oodles of that.
Now, it looks good, looks inviting, stays a value in class....and is a Lexus with great resale.
What's not to like:-)
— shiftright (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 7:37:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

The LS will always cost 10-20k less than the S550 or the 750L b/c Toyota has the pockets to offer huge discounts. In my opinion, there is no difference in quality or ride. The only difference worth mentioning is history. Lexus' is less than 20yrs, while Benz and BMW have much more.

Everytime I see a photo of the LS, I see the takeover about to happen. Not b/c its better but b/c smart people with money are gonna take the deal.
— Jay7 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 7:48:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I don't think the 750Li will be significantly more, as it's about the same price as a base LS460L.

And don't even get me started on the A8L.

I have no idea who would buy the LS over an A8, unless they really hate how it drives like a car half its size, and not a boat like LS owners are used to.
— S4cabriofox (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 8:29:20 PM | | Votes: 1

"The only difference worth mentioning is history."

History gives you nothing when you're looking for a quality car. Look at Ford for example, they are arguably the first cars ever and they all suck. Every last one of them. Ford sells you the recall with their vehicles. Mercedes' are actually reliable, but compared to Lexus, they aren't that great. Lexus shows us that history doesn't necessarily mean quality or reliability. It shows us that time and effort with research goes a long way. And yes, Mercedes does put forth effort and time, but Lexus has had more success in that area.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 11:11:48 PM | | Votes: 0

"How many A8 reviews have stated that the ride is too stiff and rigid?

How many LS reviews have stated that the ride is smooth and refined?"

The A8 drives like an A4 (good), while the LS has always driven like a two-ton boat (bad).

I don't think it's too stiff for most people.
— S4cabriofox (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 11:27:05 PM | | Votes: 1

Lexus this, Lexus that, keep arguing back and forth, but it will never be a Mercedes-Benz..If BMW and Audi couldnt reach to the Mercedes level, how on earth are going to expect Lexus to come close..
— theman (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 8:11:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Don't you mean a Mercedes-Benz will never be a Lexus?
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 11:12:33 PM | | Votes: 0

I was right next to a Mercedes CLS55 AMG today and it was a very sweet ride.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 10:46:01 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Congratulations. And the point is... ?
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/17/2006 11:15:01 PM | | Votes: 0

It IS the most beautifull 4 door in the world, nothing comes close..I personally have it in Lorinser, and it gets me more looks than a Lambo..
— theman (View Profile)

Posted on 10/18/2006 3:42:13 AM | | Votes: 3

I just wished that Lexus would have been more ....stylish in the styling.

— weaponX (View Profile)

Posted on 10/18/2006 12:48:02 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Hey guys,

Sorry for the confusion. I should have mentioned that I entered a Southern California zip code. Packages may vary depending on what part of the US you live in. According to Lexus, if you live in Southern California, the most expensive LS460L tops out at $85,947 with the top of the line $14,232 luxury package that includes the reclining rear seats.
— 00JT (View Profile)

Posted on 10/18/2006 1:06:56 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Most people that talk bad about Lexus and say that it will never come close to a Mercedes,probably can't afford to buy an IS250 much less an LS460,I bet they have not even driven a Lexus.So I ask why defend Mercedes,you know you can't even afford one!!
— 2JZSoarer (View Profile)

Posted on 10/18/2006 1:25:04 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Will,

Hopefully not gauged ;) . Could you do me a favor and list all the features the top of the line option package includes? I'd like to see what us Southern Californians are missing out on.
— 00JT (View Profile)

Posted on 10/18/2006 2:09:31 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Actually Will,
I think that you can get every available package on you vehicle reguardless of where you live. To be honest, I don't know why Lexus does this on their web site.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/18/2006 5:40:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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Fully Loaded Lexus LS460L Less Expensive Than Base Mercedes S550

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