New Lexus sedan: fast, classy - and dull

Bill submitted on 12/02/2006 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 2:16 PM
from: www.cnn.com

Tags: New Lexus sedan: fast, classy - and dull

Tag Links:

New Lexus sedan: fast

classy - and dull

New Lexus sedan: fast, classy - and dull

CNN slams the new LS.

*********************************************

The ride is smooth, but the 2007 Lexus LS 460 is a little too quiet.

By Alex Taylor III, Fortune senior editor
POSTED: 10:55 a.m. EST, December 1, 2006

(FSB Magazine) -- I drove a Lexus for the first time on the German autobahn at 150 miles an hour. The year was 1989, and Lexus was launching in front of U.S. journalists.

For the unveiling of the latest Lexus flagship sedan, the 2007 LS 460, my introduction was a lot less dramatic: It came on the leafy streets and well-policed highways of the New York City suburbs. But that didn't seem to matter. Quality and craftsmanship, not speed, are what have propelled Lexus to become the bestselling luxury brand in the U.S. - and made it a classy, comfortable car for meeting and chauffeuring clients.

Because it competes with top-of-the-line models from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, the LS 460 is crammed with enough new technology to claim bragging rights.

The eight-speed automatic transmission - nobody else's has more than seven - delivers smoother shifts and improved fuel economy. A user-friendly navigation system provides real-time traffic information with alternate routes around bottlenecks. And a much-promoted hands-free parking system gauges the size of the space using sensors and turns the wheel to guide the car into it. The driver controls the speed of the process with the brake pedal (although if you try to park on an incline, as I initially did, it won't work).

As with most Lexus models, the LS 460 is loaded with thoughtful details. As you approach the car, the key signals a sensor in the door to set the interior lights aglow. And sensors in all four tires - plus the spare! - trigger a warning light when air pressure is low.

Still, a charisma transplant wouldn't hurt. The exterior sheet metal lacks chrome trim, while inside the leather seat coverings don't have any piping or exposed stitches - admirable restraint to some, plain and uninspired to others.

Lexus designs famously quiet cars, but this one is almost too quiet. Passengers are sheltered from obtrusive noises, but also from the mechanical music of its V-8 engine.

The 380-horsepower motor propels this sedan to 60 miles an hour in 5.4 seconds - faster than a Porsche Boxster - and gets 27 mpg on the highway. That kind of performance deserves more aural fanfare.

The LS 460 began arriving at dealerships in late fall at a starting price of $61,000. Considering all the new technology, that's nearly as good a value as the original 1989 model, which cost $35,000 ($57,500 in today's dollars). Yet my emotions remained curiously unmoved. Perhaps I missed the autobahn more than I thought. Read Article

Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]

audiot - 12/4/2006 12:50:11 AM

-2 Boost

Not for some. For everyone. Every major auto journalist has slammed the LS460. Now hard news outlets are getting in line. LOL

reply to this comment

audiot - 12/4/2006 10:43:51 AM

-3 Boost

You love getting all this Lexus press. You just don't like what the press is saying. So you attack the press.

Just accept that your favorite ride is "fast, classy and dull." It's a pretty good bargain if you're Lexus.

reply to this comment

audiot - 12/4/2006 12:45:02 PM

-7 Boost

Every major auto journalist dislakes the car. They must all be Lexus haters. Paranoid thinking.

reply to this comment

audiot - 12/4/2006 2:12:36 PM

-6 Boost

How can a $60k car be in the same "class" as a $90k car? Lexus is closer to being in class with Mazda, than the LS is to being in the same class as the S-Class Mercedes. Dream on!

reply to this comment

synx - 12/3/2006 11:55:15 PM

+7 Boost

people probably don't realise that the POINT of the LS is that it is quiet, luxurious and unobtrusive. It's styling is bland because the car is supposed to be discreet.

An article i read on it in a magazine said that it is for the "discretely wealthy". That just about sums the LS up. I would definately rate it up with the s-class from what i've seen and heard.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 12/4/2006 12:40:57 AM

-4 Boost

From behind the LS460 looks like it cost like 30 grand to me.

In person at a dealer the LS460L in white looks very good, but it's missing something and I'm not sure what it is!!

S4cabriofoxone - 12/4/2006 12:07:53 AMView My AgentSpace

-5 Boost

A friend of mine had his lease up on his A8L. He loved it- and was thinking about getting another, but decided he wanted something different. Namely, the new S550. And who could blame him?

The Mercedes-Benz dealer had a pretty loaded version there, that he was very interested in. It had the four-seat configuration, and it was a demo with 9,000 miles. The price was significantly lower than it would've been, and he was very close to buying it.

However, Mercedes failed to comply with his extended warranty demand. They were ready to give him a 41,000 mile warranty- and nothing more. He was ticked off, and had heard about the new LS460. He drove it, and wasn't all that impressed, but compromised and bought an LS460 SWB because it was the newest car he was looking at.

That's the epitome of the LS. Compromise. He said it's not very exciting, and wasn't nearly as enthusiastic about it as he was when he bought the A8L. I couldn't blame him. It's silver over black, and the interior isn't as nice as the A8's was (I sat in it today). There was a silver ES parked next to his car at the grocery store, which is where I ran into him. They looked too much alike for my taste.

reply to this comment

chewy - 12/4/2006 12:20:34 AMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

Even CNN thinks it is boring. Ouch.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 12/4/2006 12:51:21 AM

-3 Boost

In this photo of the LS460 rear bumper why does the rear bumper look like a different color than the car?

http://www.autoreviewsonline.com/img/ls460silverrearcorner.jpg

reply to this comment

huu76 - 12/4/2006 1:09:35 AM

0 Boost

I know what it's missing, a German badge.

If Lexus had made it not so quiet, they'd be complaining about how the cabin was inundated with noise.

If it had in-your-face and out your ass crappy Bangle styling, they'd say it's too in-your-face to be a luxo limousine.

Lexus should just take the name off when they let people review it, that way they can't crucify it for not being German.

reply to this comment

bmtrblu - 12/4/2006 10:48:40 AM

+1 Boost

I agree, Lexus gives the people the cars they want. Unfortunately, the fanboys on this site want to have it both ways and say Lexus offers a superior drive at the same time. They're doing one thing well--selling tame cars to budget-conscious, luxury-minded suburbanites.

I'm sure your wives would agree.

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 12/4/2006 8:57:07 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

"If you can't afford both? Stop complaining. "

No, if you can't afford both, go get an S550.

reply to this comment

2JZSoarer - 12/4/2006 1:22:49 AM

-1 Boost

Since when does CNN know anything about car,they say that the LS469 doesn't have enough chrome trim,but I think that too much chrome make a car look cheaper!!!
Many people complain about BMW being to noisy and having a rough ride,and now they are complaining that Lexus is too quite and smooth,now I ask my self "what the hell do these people want???

reply to this comment

2JZSoarer - 12/4/2006 1:26:01 AM

-2 Boost

mistype:
Since when does CNN know anything about cars,they say that the LS460 doesn't have enough chrome trim,but I think that too much chrome make a car look cheaper!!!
Many people complain about BMW being to noisy and having a rough ride,and now they are complaining that Lexus is too quite and smooth,now I ask my self "what the hell do these people want???

chewy - 12/4/2006 1:40:45 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

BTW, Lexus has been quoting better acceleration numbers than magazines have confirmed.

reply to this comment

neutral - 12/4/2006 1:59:59 AM

-5 Boost

Are the mileage numbers really true? I have driven Toyota's (and Lexus) that got much worse mileage than the sticker had posted. I just HAVE to question how a big, heavy sedan with a 4.6 Liter V-8 gets 27mpg on the highway. Maybe it does, I do not know, I just have to question it.

chewy - 12/4/2006 2:06:51 AMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

The Lexus does have a very advanced V8. Lots of high tech features. So the milage is very good.

ToyotaLexus - 12/4/2006 1:44:07 AM

+2 Boost

Absolutly true, my dad for instance thinks my sister's 530 is uncomfortable and the wind noise is quite high in it (this is so that no one says that what 2JZSoarer said was wrong), however he likes to take it once in a while when he goes to the recreation center. He owns an LS430 2003 and I have a Landcruiser VX_R (gulf specifications) as i live in Qatar and I absolutely adore it, it's one of the best cars I could possibly have.
On the other hand, whoever wants a more sportier drive should go for the GS430 or 460 when it comes oout, and the IS500.

reply to this comment

Matthew1 - 12/4/2006 2:29:21 AM

-3 Boost

The LS doesn't have class.

Toyota just increases the dimensions of the GS, adds more sound proofing and there you have the LS...

...These is no higher level of design and materials between Lexus models, like the jump from E-Class to S-Class, say.

So while the LS may be big and quiet, it doesn't look as expensive as it should, and doesn't FEEL it either.

The uninspiring exterior, run-of-the-mill interior design, lack of classy materials, etc. leads to what some may call a 'discreet' luxury car, where as I would go all out and say it was bland, boring, dull, forgotten in two years.

I want 'class' when I spend that kind of dough, even discreet class.

Not bulky Japanese luxo-barge bland. Who wants that?

reply to this comment

answer - 12/4/2006 2:45:12 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

There isn't a jump in material quality between the GS and LS as the GS already has good use of materials and excellent build quality.

Instead of bragging about how the S class represents a higher degree of materials than the E, I would question why the poor use of materials in the E.

courtstone - 12/4/2006 2:55:02 PM

-3 Boost

There are many people that want that!

S4cabriofoxone - 12/4/2006 9:00:34 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

"These is no higher level of design and materials between Lexus models, like the jump from E-Class to S-Class, say.

So while the LS may be big and quiet, it doesn't look as expensive as it should, and doesn't FEEL it either.

The uninspiring exterior, run-of-the-mill interior design, lack of classy materials, etc. leads to what some may call a 'discreet' luxury car, where as I would go all out and say it was bland, boring, dull, forgotten in two years."

Exactly! THIS IS WHAT I'VE BEEN SAYING TO WILL ALONG! The LS just doesn't feel like an ultra-luxury sedan, and that's why it has such a discount! The IS, GS and LS all have very similar interiors- TOO similar. The A8, S-Class, 7 Series- they all feel much nicer than their already-nice middle-class counterparts!

S4cabriofoxone - 12/4/2006 9:01:28 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

"Instead of bragging about how the S class represents a higher degree of materials than the E, I would question why the poor use of materials in the E."

Bah!

The E's interior is beautiful! Both the E and A6 have much more attractive interiors than the GS. The 5 Series?... not so much.

2JZSoarer - 12/4/2006 9:55:49 PM

+3 Boost

One man's opinion does not matter,the majority of Americans love the LS460 design and the rest of the Lexus brand,and that is what truelly matters!!!

Lexus#1

S4cabriofoxone - 12/5/2006 12:00:37 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

The majority of Americans "love" the LS460 design? I think you're pushing it. The general public doesn't have an appreciation for design. They just buy it because it's the new, reliable, boring Lexus sedan.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/5/2006 12:01:02 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Oh and, are you even American?

audiot - 12/4/2006 11:07:34 AM

-5 Boost

"Clearly biased reviews."

So, the entire auto industry is biased against Lexus. Is that it? Because, by every auto journalist, the LS 460 has been panned for purchase consideration.

Keep screaming bias. Your credibility is shot around here anyway.

reply to this comment

audiot - 12/4/2006 12:58:54 PM

-4 Boost

Apple is a more innovative company than Microsoft. How that ruins credibility to say, I'm not sure.

Apple has been called the BMW of computers, and no one who knows creativity, excellence or innovation disagrees.

On the other hand, Toyota and Microsoft are 2 of a kind. Big, dumb and arrogant.

reply to this comment

audiot - 12/4/2006 2:15:29 PM

-2 Boost

Microsoft got big because they were struck by lightning. The Windows operating system was in the right place at the right time, nothing more. It copied Xerox, Apple and countless others, but they got lucky.

Toyota deserves its success. But they are boring and for people with no imagination. Like yourself?

reply to this comment

mstangpny07 - 12/4/2006 8:26:59 AMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

"As with most Lexus models, the LS 460 is loaded with thoughtful details. As you approach the car, the key signals a sensor in the door to set the interior lights aglow"

WoW! When I press unlock, my interior lights also turn on!
Also, on my saab, there is this strange button on the fob , when pressed, turns on the parking lights, side marker lights, taillights, and interior lights for 30 sec. From 500 ft away.

reply to this comment

mstangpny07 - 12/4/2006 6:14:53 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I can manage to hold a key.

mstangpny07 - 12/5/2006 6:05:21 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

The Mitsubishi Outlander, a $23,000 suv, offers this same system too. (Called FastKey)
So why is it so groundbreaking if it's been around for awhile?

iown1 - 12/4/2006 8:30:10 AM

+2 Boost

I know this is way off topic but...

Has anyone read the article at Edmunds about the Merc 320 Bluetec. In it there's a stat that shocked me. The GS 450h at $56,000.00 delivers 26/28mpg. With a savings in gasoline of $150.00 dollars a year, it would take 57 (yes, that's 57) years to recoupe the $12,000.00 you would have saved had you bought the GS
350(?).

The Bluetec, on the other hand, costs approx $1,000.00 more than the equivelant petrol model and delivers 28/37 mpg.

Does that not just blow you away? It doesn't matter what car company you like, these results are staggering. The general public needs to be better educated. It's a crime that people believe they are doing the right thing socially, economically and environmentally, when in reality they are getting ripped off buy marketers. It's not just Lexus either, as many auto companies are jumping on the hybrid wagon. I hope the Germans continue their push for diesel here in the states. I'll be first in line.

O.k. I'm done ranting. The LS460 is a beautiful car and I predict it will sale in bucketloads. Given Lexus' reputation for quality all they have to do is continue selling to their existing customers and it will be a hit. In conjuction with their momentum and advertising, I'm sure they'll get quite a few new ones as well.

reply to this comment

2JZSoarer - 12/4/2006 10:07:57 PM

+2 Boost

I'm going to say this again,the Lexus hybrids were made for low emission and acceleration performance.
Toyota hybrids on the other hand like Prius,and Camry were made more for fuel economy.

SSP350 - 12/4/2006 9:22:07 AM

+3 Boost

iown1,
You're not getting it. The Lexus GS450H wasn't meant to save any gas. It's a V6 with the power of a V8. More performance without sacrificing gas mileage and its also marketed that way.

reply to this comment

BMW530i - 12/4/2006 11:27:30 AM

-3 Boost

Tell me, do you think someone buying an E320 CDI Bluetec will give a rats ass about performance? The E320 CDI's performance is already impressive. What more do you need? Also, let's not forget that MB's 0-60 times are very conservative. Lexus 0-60 times on the other hand are not even achieved by car magazines.

Fact is that most people who buy these cars will drive them in a relaxed and stately manor, not drag race at the stoplight. The same goes for cars like the GS450h etc.

Some people feel they "need a V8" because of status, so they buy the GS430 and E550, but they'll never use all the power those cars can muster. Not a generalization, but you get the point.

BMW530i - 12/4/2006 11:43:57 AM

-2 Boost

Yes, the GS450h's performance is impressive, no one is denying that. And yes, both cars are fuel savers with different engines / technologies.

But, who cares about 0-60? This isn't a "German fanboys excuse". The guys shopping for these cars will most likely look at fuel economy first, then the ride quality etc. Most likely, performance is way down on their list.

You might not agree, but the vast majority of luxury buyers out there never slam the pedal to the metal. They drive in a relaxed and stately manor. Most people here on Autospies are young, and they think cars are all about 0-60, speed, 0-60 again, speed, the 1/4 mile etc. They're not.

BMW530i - 12/4/2006 12:08:45 PM

-2 Boost

Will, the standard GS is also marketed as a sports sedan: and it totally blows at that.

So what if Lexus markets the GS Hybrid as a sports sedan? Most people will buy it for the mileage, and not the 0-60 time.

The IS350 HAD the best acceleration times, now the 335i is here. Also, the best 0-60 times mean nothing for those looking for a sports sedan, at least to the purist buyers. BMW offers the best balanced car in that segment with the 3-Series. The IS350 might be faster than the 330i, but it's not better balanced nor does it handle as well. People who buy the IS350 and then say they have the "best sports sedan" are misinformed: speed doesn't make a good sports sedan, BALANCE DOES.

BMW530i - 12/4/2006 1:22:18 PM

+2 Boost

People will buy the GS450h or E320 CDI Bluetec for different wants and needs. You and I can't influence their decision, we should stop this debate.

I don't doubt that the Lexus IS350 is a balanced car, but most reviews I've read have said that it is very biased towards luxury, instead of sport. I have not driven the IS yet, so most of my comments about it come from reviews. ;)

KeyserSoze - 12/4/2006 12:31:15 PM

+4 Boost

That is the LS460's whole objective, to be ultra quiet and luxurious and lexus have done their homework quite well. Its not a sportscar, if you want a sportscar get a Ferrari or a Subaru!

reply to this comment

middleman - 12/4/2006 2:40:03 PM

+1 Boost

This LS VS S-class is nosense because if I was looking to buy a LS I would not even look at the S because I simply can not afford to buy one unless it's used, so there is no way an LS is directly competing with the S-class. The number of cars sell per month is non-sense too, the S cost way more than LS so of course they will sell more units of the LS. To me the cars that compete with each other is that they are in the same price range, similar configuration, ie 4 door sedans, that's it. If I can buy one with the same amount of money then they compete with each other no matter what the manufacture or anybody else says.

reply to this comment

2JZSoarer - 12/4/2006 10:19:18 PM

+2 Boost

The only reason that the S-class so expensive is because they charge you for every feature as an option,where Lexus features come standard.
So in other words Mercedes is ripping off all of their buyers!!

answer - 12/4/2006 2:54:33 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I'm loving the arguement that performance doesn't matter when Lexus has the advantage. Great work guys!

The auto reviews have shown the LS behind the Germans. Big deal. These reviewers want to get the most enjoyment out of a vehicle in the scant timeframe of a review period, be it an afternoon or a week.

If your daily, traffic-free, commute includes a stint on a twisty racetrack at 95 m.p.h. then the LS might not be worth considering. However, in a more realistic world the benefits of having a competent, quiet vehicle with a great soundsystem and navigation is clear. Thus the LS is a relevant choice in flagship luxury sedans.

reply to this comment

courtstone - 12/4/2006 3:11:16 PM

+2 Boost

Some of you guys on this site is ridiculous. The bias is out of control, you would think that BMW or Mercedes is paying them. They do all this bashing and hate talk (ANY OTHER BRAND)and for what? Your not changing anyones opinion of what they want in an automobile. Give credit where credit is due.

Would some of you guys have a reason for living if it was not for the German cars? Get a life!

reply to this comment

1970toyotamarc - 12/4/2006 3:23:14 PM

+5 Boost

Peopple forget that every car that is released gets criticized. The 7 had polarizing Bangle styling. The S screamed baby Maybach. The A8 has its huge snout. The Jag looked too much like the last generation. I'm sure there is even someone out there criticizing the Bentley Continental GT (though I have no idea how anybody could criticize that piece of automotive perfection). So an article with ONE criticism of the LS (not charismatic, i believe is this one) should be construed as a fairly favorable review.

Objectively, by almost every metric, the LS is comparable or better than its rivals. Yet the reviewer sums it up with a negative conclusion or negative headline. Every review which seems to have just one issue with the new car, will have a headline blaring....New Lexus Fails Miserably. And that is why a Lexus fan will assume the author or magazine has a bias.

reply to this comment

jaeggar - 12/4/2006 5:36:09 PM

+1 Boost

whether you all anti-LS folks like it or not the japanese make the best reliable cars in the world.And in my personal opinion there is no better way of rating a car other than by its levels of safety technology,quality and durability. No one but no one can accuse a lexus of being ureliable or unsafe.Looks of a car to me is an acquired taste.BMW 7 series is said to be ugly but people buy it.cos they love it.The LS may not have the standards of driving dynamics of its German rivals but that will not stop fans of the lexus brand to buy and adore it.Again whether you like it or not the LS is one of the best cars in the world.you cant deny that, can you?

reply to this comment

audiot - 12/4/2006 6:00:43 PM

+2 Boost

"One of the best in the world..." Sure. It is. It's in the top 5. It's just not #1 simply because its entry-level SUV pushes it to #1 as brand sales in the US. The Lexus crew here mistakes a technicality sales figure for proof that Lexus is #1 at something earned. They haven't earned the place to be #1 by having a #1 car. The LS is not the #1 luxury sedan in any but a few warped minds out there.

Willis - 12/4/2006 6:32:23 PM

+3 Boost

This is why Autospies is so retarded. Nothing but fanboy vs fanboy arguments. I left Autospies, but curiosity got the better of me.

Who cares if CNN called the Lexus LS dull? They have their opinion, leave it. We all know that the LS is a good car, so why all the bashing?

Also, a lot of you Toyota fans accuse some people here of "bias", namely when they say something negative about the LS. Well, you're being biased as well when you slam German cars and praise the Lexus. We all have our biases. Fact is, every car in this class is well worth the money. The A8, S Class, LS, 7 Series etc. are all great cars that appeal to different people.

Personally, I like the LS, but the Audi A8 in my opinion is the car to choose in this class. Understated elegance, great interior and AWD as standard. That would be my choice.

Oh, and this place is a joke. What Autospies needs is a moderator who kicks out the haters and fanboys and brings order to this place. What a dump this place is...

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 12/4/2006 9:02:38 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

"Personally, I like the LS, but the Audi A8 in my opinion is the car to choose in this class. Understated elegance, great interior and AWD as standard. That would be my choice."

Heheheheh...

huu76 - 12/4/2006 10:44:30 PM

-1 Boost

iown1,
Option out the E-class to match what the GS comes standard with and see how long it takes you. Now bring them to N.America where diesel costs 30% more and see how long it takes to recoup your "diesel" discount. That "brought to you buy Mercedes Benz" review was already posted a few months back.

Will and Audiot,
Guess what, my $250 remote starter does all that, and I can do it from 800' away.
Anyway, take off the German badges and see how you like the wind noise then.

reply to this comment

To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).