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Proof that Lexus Image is On Par with Mercedes: LS600H in Official Use

LexusKindaGuy12 submitted on 02/07/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 1:16 PM
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[107] user comments | category: New Cars

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Proof that Lexus Image is On Par with Mercedes: LS600H in Official Use

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LexusKindaGuy12 - 2/7/2008 1:21:16 PM

-2 Boost

update: King of Norway also has bought one

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LexusKindaGuy12 - 2/7/2008 1:27:35 PM

+1 Boost

lol oops, i wrote that. it should have said "CEO of oracle has one too"

Targa - 2/8/2008 10:56:35 AM

+2 Boost

Mentioning that Larry Ellison has a car of a specific type is rather silly.

He owns about 22 Porsches..... lots of other cars and a Mig.


Not sure that is a ringing endorsement that one of his probably 100 cars is a lexus

silver1 - 2/8/2008 11:50:34 AM

+2 Boost

A 1990 Lexus LS400 driven by Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates from 1990-1995 is up for sale on eBay.


A 1990 Lexus LS400 driven by Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates from 1990-1995 is up for sale on eBay. Today, Bill Gates is the richest man in world with a Net Worth of $46.5 billion. This vehicle was driven by Gates during his rise to world prominence and the development and release of his famed Windows 95 operating system. Gates donated this car to the Pacific Crest Outward Bound School in Portland, Oregon after driving the car for 5 years. The school sold the car to the head of a thriving dot com company in the Philadelphia area in 1998. After the dot com boom subsided, the company went bankrupt and the car was sold to its current owner in October 2002 as the company's assets were being liquidated. The car stayed in the Philadelphia area and is now used by its third driving owner.

chris760 - 2/9/2008 12:45:06 AM

+1 Boost

oh yeah and by the chinese officials drive black audi a6's. they also use Mercedes and BMW's when there are high-level foreign visitors are present...

JRobUSC - 2/7/2008 2:43:24 PM

+10 Boost

rich/famous/politically important people have many cars usually, it goes along with being rich/famous/politically important. It doesn't prove anything except that they lead more privelaged lives than we do.

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budfrogS4 - 2/7/2008 3:52:21 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Who's to say that they actually bought them? Might have just been somebody on his staff that was sourced to procure a vehicle. Or maybe Lexus just gave it to them. Let's see a list of how many "important" people have a S.

Pointless.

Monk - 2/7/2008 3:07:22 PMView My AgentSpace

+9 Boost

does anyone care other than LexusKindaGuy12?

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chris760 - 2/9/2008 12:46:05 AM

+2 Boost

no...do you think anyone cares?

Monk - 2/9/2008 9:37:10 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

WOW! Shinzo Abe has one?!?!?!?!?
NO WAY!!!!!!!

S4cabriofoxone - 2/7/2008 9:28:31 PMView My AgentSpace

+11 Boost

Correct, and that's why he shouldn't have bought an LS600hL.

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ILikeLambo - 2/9/2008 10:59:45 PM

0 Boost

if they don't want to produce ant greenhouse gases why don't they walk? o_O

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theoptimisticpessimist - 2/7/2008 3:12:51 PM

+2 Boost

PROPAGANDA

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richard112360 - 2/7/2008 3:21:30 PM

-9 Boost

IMHO the glory days of MB is long gone. My Dad and Uncles started buying MB's in the late 1950's and both of them had various models up through mid 1990's and finally realized D.Benz in Stuggart were exporting unreliable automobiles, good engines, but unreliable electronics. Since the mid 1990's they have been Lexus/Toyota fans. These Presidents have figured out the same thing too.


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w209w114 - 2/7/2008 3:52:14 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

Sounds to me like a budget compromise. Too bad the family biz isnt doing as well. I feel for u

SixxFive - 2/7/2008 3:29:22 PM

+5 Boost

Lexuskindaguy12: so five "officials" on planet earth bought a LS600hl - you are right, for Lexus that is quite an accomplishment.

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w209w114 - 2/7/2008 4:00:38 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Yep. Did u know Kim Jong Il of North Korea has one of the largest Mercedes-Benz car collections in the world?

The ministers in the Danish government drives different kinds of VW Phaeton and BMW 7 Series. They are also seen in Volvo S80s. The primeminister himself, drives an amoured Mercedes-Benz S Class.

The President of Finland uses an armoured Mercedes-Benz S600L with the Coat of arms of Finland as its "license plate".

Over years German head of states and high class politicians almost exclusively used Mercedes-Benz S-class vehicles and their predecessors. The most famous variants were the Mercedes 300 series "Adenauer"

The current President of Indonesia is driven in a black, B6-armored Mercedes-Benz S600L

The current active Presidential State Car of Ireland is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class limousine.

The current President of Liberia is driven in a black Mercedes-Benz W220 S-class with black interior.

The President and Prime Minister of Pakistan both have armored Mercedes-Benz W221 state cars which are equipped with a bomb jamming device in each car (a must have in the region, lol)

The Spanish Royal Family have one of the largest fleets of cars in Spain. Various armoured vehicles are used by the family, amongst them Audi A6s, Mercedes-Benz S-Class models and the exclusive Rolls-Royce Phantom IV.

The King of Thailand travels in a Maybach 62 limousine, with traffic police outriders, and fleets of Mercedes S-class(W220) and BMW 5 Series(E60) police cars as well as a fleet of Mercedes S-Class(W220) and E-Class(W210). Other members of the royal family usually travels in a 2007 Mercedes S-Class(W221), a Rolls-Royce Phantom VI, a Rolls-Royce Silver Spur strech limousine and a Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Park Ward.

w209w114 - 2/7/2008 4:09:49 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Xdrive

Everyone here knows I never do the copy and paste thing. But many people here do. The only way I could make the point was by going to the source and bringing it here. We dont all have the time to rewrite everyhting ourselves. I dont see why it would bother you, unless of course you dont like what I said, which in that case is a personal problem.

w209w114 - 2/7/2008 4:39:02 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I admit to having done it this one time (I dont know who has an s-class and could care less, it was strictly to prove a point). I thought I made it clear.

w209w114 - 2/7/2008 3:49:46 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Recent generations of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class have been the recipient of different automotive awards, reflecting the vehicle's status as one of the world's most prestigious luxury flagships. These awards include the following categories:

Quality and customer satisfaction. From 1987-1990, with the W126 S-Class leading its sales, Mercedes-Benz received the highest customer ratings in the J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Index.

In 1990, the Mercedes S-Class was the third-ranked luxury vehicle in J.D. Power's Initial Quality Survey, behind only the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Lexus LS.

Versus an average of 140 problems per 100 cars, the S-Class averaged 74.5, nearly twice better.

The latest S-Class also tied with the Audi A8 (total) for having the fewest quality problems in the industry after 90 days of ownership, with just 72 problems per 100 vehicles in the 2007 IQS Ranking.

Safety and security.

Popular Mechanics gave the W221 S-Class its 2007 Automotive Excellence Award in the Safety category.[2

In 2007, What Car? magazine recognized Mercedes-Benz with its Safety Award, noting safety innovations which first appeared in the S-Class.

In 2006, the S-Class received a British Insurance Car Security Award at Thatcham, the UK insurance centre.

The W126 S-Class was awarded by the U.S. Highway Loss Data Institute as the "The Safest Passenger Car of the Year" in 1988 and 1989.

Design and technology.
In 2006, Wheels Magazine feted the W221 S-Class with an Automotive Design Award.

Production analyst group Automotive Circle International (ACI) gave the W221 S-Class its "EuroCarBody Award 2005."

The S-Class' Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control was named a Topauto award winner in the Innovation category in 2006.

In 2005, Popular Science gave the S-Class its Best of What's New, Grand Award.

In 2006, the W221 S-Class received the Best Seat award for its driver seat design at the Automotive Interior of the Year Awards.

Luxury car.

In 2007, What Car? magazine named the S-Class "Best Luxury Car" for the seventh time.

In 2006, German newspaper Bild am Sonntag awarded the W221 S-Class with the Golden Steering Wheel Award in the Luxury category,

the Drive Car of the Year Awards in Australia crowned the S-Class winner of Best Luxury Car over $60,000,

German-speaking journalists awarded the S-Class as the top luxury auto in the Topauto 2006 awards.

Car of the Year. In 2007, Fleet News named the S-Class its "Luxury Car of the Year" for the fifth time.

Top Gear magazine named the S-Class "Limousine of the Year" for 2006.

The S-Class was named Car of the Year in Wheels Magazine for 1981 and again in 1999. The W116 S-Class was European Car of the Year in 1974.

Environmental Friendly.

The S-Class is the first car ever (2005) to receive an environmental certificate from the German Commission on Technical Compliance

I can go on and on.

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sholemon - 2/7/2008 3:56:38 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

update...king of me has one too.

ok, no he doesnt.

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Whelan - 2/7/2008 3:59:38 PM

+8 Boost

Regardless of the S400 vs. 600H deabte, both cars are advancements and both have their good points.

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w209w114 - 2/7/2008 4:02:48 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Seems to me LexusKindaGuy was so upset at the release of the S400 Hybrid he had to post an article touting the LS600hL. I smell fear

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Czelinski - 2/7/2008 4:17:28 PM

+8 Boost

Ermm, the only problem with these people who own one BS. Is that they're often in the media, thus meaning they must look to trying to reduce their carbon emissions as much as possible. But of course, to most people they think the words Lexus Hybrid means ultra clean car.

However, a diesel Audi A8, MB S or BMW 7 Series would be a better choice.

And also, of course the prime minister of Japan would have one!

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ThierryHenry14 - 2/7/2008 4:22:55 PM

+7 Boost

So you are saying that because they have the Lexus LS, they do not have a Merc S-klasse?

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PlanB - 2/7/2008 4:46:03 PM

+6 Boost

This was a pointless post. Its nice to know a few rich people own the top Lexus. But I'm pretty sure, globally, the S-Class is still second to none.

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lexusis350 - 2/7/2008 5:33:22 PM

-10 Boost

This is going to piss off a bunch of people but I like the LSh better. It looks better, it's faster, it's got more features, and is arguably more luxurious. I would take the LSh over the S400. But that's just me.

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S4cabriofoxone - 2/7/2008 11:16:01 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

The people buying a luxury sedan for fuel efficiency would disagree with you. Not only will the S400 be far less expensive, but it will be much more fuel efficient.

The people buying a luxury sedan for performance would also disagree with you. At the price, you can get a loaded S550 instead, which is faster, better-looking and has better handling.

lexusis350 - 2/7/2008 11:28:16 PM

+1 Boost

The price hasn't been set on the S400. I'm willing to bet it won't be as cheap as you think.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/8/2008 4:20:14 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

It will be less than the S550, I'll tell you that now. That's why it has a "400" in its name.

lexusis350 - 2/8/2008 5:01:11 PM

+1 Boost

Not necessarily. Hybrids generally cost more money, whether the number is lower or not.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/10/2008 10:41:06 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Yes, that's true, but this is a six-cylinder hybrid. It will cost more than the S350, and will probably be on par with the S450/S420 CDI in price (Europe). HOWEVER, it has a 3.5L V6, and no matter what they slap on it, it won't be more than the 5.5L V8 S550.

VISO - 2/7/2008 5:35:54 PM

+1 Boost

Wow, so I'm going to go out buy one just because Madonna drive it or whoever! Now it that isn't a wannabe, then I do not know what is. Get the car because YOU like it, who cares what anyone else thinks. It's your money.

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sailnfl - 2/7/2008 5:48:13 PM

-10 Boost

great gramma is on par with grammie

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sailnfl - 2/7/2008 5:48:14 PM

-10 Boost

great gramma is on par with grammie

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BigShow50 - 2/7/2008 6:32:39 PM

-8 Boost

So it took Lexus about 20 years to make some intense competition, as for MB they have been in the game for about 100 years...and they allowed a comapny like Lexus...or for you German fanboys "Toyota" to catch up this quick?!?!? And let Lexus receive numerous acolades that have taken MB decades, and I mean "DECADES!!!" to achieve some sort of award. And to show any other acolades by MB prior to Lexus' birth....is totally irrelavent. Also con't to steal piece by piece a good handfull of potential MB clients....that's too bad. It's slowly becoming a polar shift...gives Lexus that 80 years it never had, from there it just gets better and even better, never worse. We all know that for a fact wether you like it or not!!!...LMAO!!!

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ILikeLambo - 2/10/2008 3:45:06 AM

+1 Boost

he is targeting it at the lexus fanboys who think that lexus is the greatest with no sources to back it up. take JoshLexus4Ever: he said in one of the forums
that the Lexus GS won an award for best handling but he didn't back it up with a review so he is probably lying.

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charlik05 - 2/7/2008 8:31:54 PM

+5 Boost

if you have $120k for a car then you have $4 a gallon to put gas into it. the ls600 is gorgeous and overpriced. also there is little prestige factor over a ls460.

for 120k you are in a s63.

if you want to save the environment buy a prius or take the train.

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charlik05 - 2/7/2008 8:32:38 PM

+8 Boost

also,

the presidents of oil rich countries drive maybachs.



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TauronB2G - 2/7/2008 9:17:26 PM

+8 Boost

Interesting how silly this author is. How do we classify how important someone is??? Do people become important because they have money? Do they become important because they have acheived some small level of success? Isn't importance relative? important to who? I have a good job and make quite a bit of money. Does that make me more important to anyone or more important than anyone else? NO it doesn't. Just because someone has more money or an invisible amount of status in a so called class dependant society does not make them more important than anyone else.
But allow me to add this good ol president Bush drives a Cadillac. So does Warren Buffett!
T

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S4cabriofoxone - 2/7/2008 9:30:35 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

"I have a good job and make quite a bit of money. Does that make me more important to anyone or more important than anyone else? NO it doesn't."

+1000000!

I completely agree with you.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/7/2008 9:29:45 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

What is the point of this article?

The problem with Lexus fans on this site is that you're so defensive. It always seems like you have something to prove. Just let it go.

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Willis - 2/7/2008 10:00:35 PM

+4 Boost

This has got to be one of the most pointless comparisons ever posted on Autospies for the sake of starting another pointless flame war or making a specific group here (you know who I mean) feel good about themselves and their favorite brand.

The S has long been the benchmark in this class. It has been the preferred vehicle of choice for statesmen, politicians and VIPs for decades if not generations. The S class comes with so many more options that make it appealing as a car for the rich and famous. How about the S class Guard models for instance, which are heavily armored S classes designed to protect their occupants from small arms fire all the way to handheld RPG's for example. As I recall, the LS doesn't even have an armored version on sale. Why? Because there is no market for an armored LS. Why is there no market? Because the S class is the preferred car here. It's very simple.

I don't see how the few numbers of people owning an LS, especially the practically worthless LS600hs, will put the LS on par with the S in official use. The LS doesn't even compare to the S class in this regard. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that the S class is used more often in official usage than the LS.

I think some of the people here need to get out more. I've been to Japan recently and I've noticed a lot of the more expensive hotels making use of E class and S class limousines for example. In Germany, they practically only use the S class in official usage. The market is dominated by this car worldwide. Other cars like the Audi A8, Volkswagen Phaeton and many more might be popular amongst private buyers, but in the official world their usage pales in comparison to the S class.

The LS is a nice car, but let's be realistic here: a few famous people making use of one doesn't equate to on par with the S class.

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enthusiastx11 - 2/7/2008 10:05:20 PM

+6 Boost

ok, so people who live in multiple massive homes and fly private deem the LS600 to be environmentally acceptable. yeah...these people really care about their carbon footprint.

they're concerned about PERCEPTION, not reality. they're happy to drive a 5,000 pound "hybrid" that gets below average mileage and can't even qualify for PZEV emissions. poseurs.

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LexusKindaGuy12 - 2/8/2008 12:02:29 AM

0 Boost

yes...that was the point of the article. lexus perception is now high

enthusiastx11 - 2/8/2008 12:25:54 AM

+1 Boost

correct, perception is high...amongst hypocrites who drive an LS600 and fly in private planes.

enthusiastx11 - 2/8/2008 12:28:15 AM

+3 Boost

and billionaires are known for being leaders in environmental living right?

private planes....
palatial homes to be heated, cooled and cleaned...
dozens of high-performance cars...

role models for the green movement.

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BigShow50 - 2/7/2008 11:51:59 PM

+5 Boost

Wow Rosko...you con't to amaze us as to how much of a waste of sperm you really are...mommy's big accident in life with your Uncle-Daddy. Funny thing is with all this talk, Rosko boy probably still delivers pizza's on his BMX bike. Hey...whatever tickles your little fancy at the end of the day b/c that's who you really are. I base my opinions given the fact I have the opportunity to understand the business, and have toured both facilities in Japan & Germany, while continue to own best of both worlds(Lexus & MB) and enjoy them both for what they are. Something Rosko can only talk about and never own, yet never understand...Good luck little boy...LMAO!!!

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Kinger - 2/8/2008 5:02:32 AM

+2 Boost

Well that was a mature and intellgent comment </sarcasm>

lyonboy - 2/8/2008 12:09:40 AM

0 Boost

PC BS. Overweight tank with a joke for a trunk.

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enthusiastx11 - 2/8/2008 12:39:13 AM

+2 Boost

at least know your facts obama...

trunk volumes in cubic feet:
LS600 = 11.65
5-series = 14

honda civic = 12, so the LS trunk is slightly smaller than a civic's.

enthusiastx11 - 2/8/2008 12:19:39 PM

0 Boost

oh josh, you're truly clueless.

"The people buying the LS600h want it for the good fuel economy and low emissions."

so 14.9mpg is good fuel economy? and an emission rating that is beat by a 3-series (PZEV) is good?

people spending $100,000+ for huge luxury cars could not care less about fuel economy or emissions. they care about how they are PERCEIVED.

S4cabriofoxone - 2/8/2008 4:26:35 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

And by the way, HELL YES they care about trunk space! Those are the guys who go golfing weekly!

Mercedes - 2/8/2008 2:31:05 AM

-1 Boost

Wow, this really makes up for Lexus not having been around before 1990. What a stupid article and assumption. Lexus isn't even a hit in their own home country so how in the world could you be on par with Mercedes-Benz? Only the truly clueless as to what prestige and image are about would think this. Lexus can't even outshine Mercedes/BMW in their own country. How ridiculous.

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MadibaP - 2/8/2008 4:09:54 AM

+3 Boost

Ya ya ya! The problem with the S class is the air of 'desperate to look important' it has. Why do you think African dictators love it so much. Same like big cheese Biz guys and rock stars new to success. Why do you think politicians like it? Cause the average man who knows very little will be VERY impressed.

So well if you want one good for you. Its too little car for the money when you see what everyone else offers, Lexus particularly shows them up in this. But yes you impress the pants of the whole trailer park and all the Gerry Springers fans!

Go knock your selves out...

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Czelinski - 2/8/2008 5:02:42 AM

+1 Boost

You spend too much time around trailer parks and feel jeolous when the rich pass by? Hey, maybe you throw a beer can at them aout of rage from time to time.

Lexus = no prestige outside of America.

MB - prestige throughout the world.

And this "desperate to look important" WTF are you talking about friend. They design it so it has grace and presence, i don't care who you are, you spend over £50k on a car, you want that. Lexus look like they're trying too hard, and end up with ugly cars, which infact, attract more attention...just of the bad kind.

Ohh, and why do these politicians, rock stars (lol) and people like this, buy the S...oh, maybe because they read reviews looked at its beauty, and found that reviews constantly say best in class, as they have done for many years now.


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SevorbeupstryIsBack - 2/8/2008 5:21:16 AM

-1 Boost

LOOOL

5??

What a joke, not a single brand from the east will have the same prestige like a big german saloon



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JUGNU - 2/8/2008 9:03:42 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Hater haters clam down. Head of states/countries driving LS600h. Now any unbiassed, sensible and normal person will view it something like an award. An award won in prestige category.

Head of states driving/being driven in LS600h is nothing but reflecting that LS600h is considered Prestigeous enough by the country.

and just look at these brainsless haters. (Wonder what there reaction would have been if it were some German or there fav car?)

But it's a fact that Lexus is really popular and fast gaining Mercedes levels of prestige (things like these are true signs). And LS600h is a great product. Only it's core coustomers/target audiences can understand it. (not someone with VW or corolla or old BMW or S4 hahaha)

JUGNU

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SevorbeupstryIsBack - 2/9/2008 5:59:04 AM

+2 Boost

so true rosko

M35MT - 2/8/2008 9:58:27 AMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

Is it ok if I like both cars?

I think so.

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BigShow50 - 2/8/2008 10:27:10 AM

+3 Boost

I have to agree that when Lexus promoted the LS400 in their own home town as a Toyota Celsior. It would be a major mistake if they were to try one day to sell as a Lexus brand. So they did and now face the major fall back they will have to learn to live with, but finds ways to make it better. Which is a very challening marketin Japan I may add. But what you guys failed to realize, is that it will continue to motivate the premium brand to even higher levels and further distinguish the Lexus brand for the better. Again it will take sometime. As for Pizza Boy Rosko, cut the crap of heritage, we all no it takes decades to have the so called "heritage". But that is not the case in point, all it took was 20 years for Lexus to get MB to fall of their seat for that moment, totally off guard and realize that another luxury company is pissing on their tree. It's called "Re-Inventing the wheel"...and MB is clearly not liking that. A couple of months back the CEO and other Execs of MB, up front admitted in a press conference, in the last 10 years they have been building below average quality vehicles and that acquiring Chrysler had nothing to do with it, but are looking forward to changing all that...Rosko talks about "Americans being gullible" let alone the rest of the world. So in that case it speaks for both brands...Rosko you conitnue to show how much of an idiot you really are!...LMAO!!! Btw I am planning to get a nice bike for my nephew, you got any suggestions Pizza Boy Rosko!?!?!?...LMAO!!!!

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hatepusss - 2/8/2008 10:29:21 AM

-1 Boost

G@d D@mn! Nazi kids are everywhere today! Rosko2 (Hitler's kid) needs to be banned again.

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c36amg - 2/8/2008 11:13:44 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

nope i really dont care about lexus ls... benz will remain the best

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farabira1 - 2/8/2008 12:34:21 PM

-2 Boost

Lexus LS600HL is one of the most exclusive cars on the planet, and this list of owners proves the point. Regardless of what all those old school buyers have to say this Lexus is something ultra uber and very upscale product; it is hard for them to take in the fact that a Lexus can overtake the car that has been the best premium car for most of 20th century, the S class. Well Mercedes is hitting back with the upcoming S400, but the fact that Lexus has been able to occupy the top spot for over 2 years is an unheard of achievement for any non German car company so far, except if you are willing to count the Rolls and the Bentleys. Look i like Merc, certainly the S class is the ultimate symbol of premiumness, but in terms of actual quality of refinement, the LS600 has leapt above the S class. I know i'll get deboosted, but nobody likes to hear the truth, just as toyota fans elsewhere are bashing anyone who is writting that the Genesis is a better choice than a Lexus, likewise, Merc followers will bash me for comparing a somewhat lower brand(Lexus LS) to the most premium product in the Merc lineup (the S class). It is hard to believe, but radical changes are taking place and all that was written in stone in yesterday may have changed in the blink of days in modern times. With use of advanced technology, basically any company, even Hyundai, is able to give you premium products nowadays let alone a Lexus.

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Anthony - 2/8/2008 12:40:17 PM

+1 Boost

There are so many poor arguments being exchanged here, it is easy to understand why so many get lost in them.

Lexus will never have the same prestige as Mercedes. Lexus does not have the history of Mercedes, but that does not make Lexus's story any less unique. Who cares? Lexus does not need Mercedes' prestige or history to sell perfectly fine automobiles, they have proven that much here in America, and now in other parts of the world. The notion that luxury cars should only sell on "history and heritage" was disproven about 20 years ago. Everyone needs to get over the fact that Lexus is not Mercedes, and they do not need to be. They hold their own now.

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huu76 - 2/8/2008 11:53:04 PM

-2 Boost

I think the Japanese PM choosing an LS600hL was sort of a gimme, considering they previously used the Crown Royal (or whatever the limo was called). However, the LS is tons better looking than that old boat.

I wonder what the Korean PM rides around in, a Genesis maybe? Yeah, I highly doubt it too. Proably drives German to show how European the Koreans are lol.

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FABlexusB0i - 2/9/2008 11:36:11 AM

-2 Boost

OMG guys see, see, see? Lexus is so FAB and you keep hating but we know that its better. Like, keep hating fellas, but lexus is bthe best car in the world.

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jt716 - 2/9/2008 9:02:28 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Doesn't Queen Elizabeth II and her bodyguards have Supercharged Range Rovers? I think that is a better choice, they probably get better mileage than the LS! LOL:D The S-Class is the way to go, nuttin can beat it! I have been in the Lexus and it isn't great, compared to my uncles S280! I would rather spend around $95,000 and get a Range Rover or spend like $118,000 and get the world's greates car the S600. Audi, BMW, and the VW Phaeton are all much better than the LS also but, Mercedes-Benz rules in that segment.

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huu76 - 2/10/2008 3:39:22 PM

+1 Boost

An S280? That old school diesel must do 0-60 in like 25 seconds.
So you know, a Supercharged Range Rover gets 13/19mpg and 0-60 in 7.1 seconds. Good for an SUV but compared to an LS600hL, not that impressive. The LSh nearly weighs the same as the Rover. Not that it matters, its the Queen afterall.

If you hadn't noticed, Jaguars are kinda small, so it makes sense they choose the largest domestic vehicle possible.
Canada and the US use Crown Vics and Suburbans (not sure if the PM uses a Caddy or not). I doubt any of these gov't limos holds a candle to the President's motorcade.

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Mercedes - 2/11/2008 2:04:41 AM

+1 Boost

See the thing about prestige is that either you have it or you don't. It isn't something that you "declare". It is just a known thing when your brand has it. When you have to assert it or remind people of it, you don't have it. You can't be a prestige maker when you can't even crack your home market. Mercedes, BMW and Audi rule Germany. Period. Lexus wasn't even worth it to be called "Lexus" in their own homeland until recently. As usual Lexus comes up short, looking desperate grasping at something that has to be earned through time and effort, not because some idiot declares it to be a "prestige" item. Lexus fans just don't get it. When Lexus because prestigious you won't have to say a word, everyone will know it.

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jt716 - 2/11/2008 5:12:07 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

huu76 it isnt a diesel its a petrol engine, they have the smaller engines in Europe and Asia mostly due to high taxes and strict emissions. My uncle paid around $300,000 Sing (US$209,970)he lives in Singapore and on top of that you have some luxury car tax. I'm not too sure about the power of the engine, but its the previous model.

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Mercedes - 2/14/2008 2:17:44 AM

+1 Boost

XYZZ -

"it was never a matter of the cars not being "worthy" of a lexus badge in japan. it was simply a toyota corporate decision to EXPAND the nameplate that initially started in the u.s. and simply HAD NOT EVEN EXISTED in japan."

You're too dumb to realize that Lexus was and still is a synthetic, made up POS to sell to dumb Americans who won't buy an expensive Toyota. That is my point. You can't holler about prestige when you don't even exists in your home country.

Thanks for the re-badge history lesson. At least you know something.

There has been a drop of prestige of the German brands in Japan? Really? And you're able to measure this how?

This is exactly my point, you don't have a clue as to what prestige is. When you have it, you don't have to tell people. They'll already know it.

"there will NEVER be LS sedans with other than a v8 under the hood. not like the Ss or 7s or A8s which sometimes have a piddly SIX cylinder under the hood."

WHICH IS EXACTLY WHY THEY CAN'T SELL SHIT OUTSIDE OF THE US. EUROPE AND ASIAN MARKETS DEMAND DIESELS AND SMALL ENGINES. S300s do quite well in certain countries while LS460s sit and sit.


"when people see a Lexus, ANY lexus, ANYWHERE except in europe, they'll KNOW it has a SUITABLY POWERFUL engine under the hood. NOT LIKE many poseur euro cars which may have an impressive big body, but has a smaller gas-stingy engine under the hood. some even smaller than 3 liters."

And they'll also know the person driving is a poser more than any other because they couldn't buy the real thing. Talk about an idiotic statement. This is exactly why Lexus can't crack any other market except the U.S. There is no 2.8L S-Class anymore, just like always Lexus fans don't know shit about any other car besides Lexus. Always full of rants on what Lexus is and ain't, and short as hell on facts.

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