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SF Chronicle calls new Lexus LS 'Practically Perfect'?

Agent001 submitted on 4/14/2007 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 1:40:09 PM

56 user comments | Category: Reviews | Source: | SOURCE: www.sfgate.com

Tag Links: Lexus, LS

The LS460's main competition comes from the Mercedes S-class, Audi A8, BMW 7-series and the Jaguar XJ sedans.

It's a rarefied field, in that they all start above $60,000 and, with the extras that have been ladled on at the factory, they can frequently range into the even chillier air that circulates above $100,000.

(The obligatory word of caution here: These are all terrific driving cars, the kind you want for a no-nonsense blitz like one lap around America. But in the long run, some are more reliable than others. Lexus has been the perennial winner of most of the various reliability polls; the others, less so.)

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SF Chronicle calls new Lexus LS 'Practically Perfect'?

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This outta get the German fanboys and the Lexus fanboys going.
— M316 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 2:01:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

the author has also driven a number of other top-shelf luxury sedans and had this to say...

"King of the heap, so far, would have to be the Mercedes-Benz S550."
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 2:05:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Agreed!!
— Carboy (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 6:30:36 PM | | Votes: 1

+9383624141526484940392873736
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 9:29:01 PM | | Votes: -3

agreed
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 2:05:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

enthusiastx11

im a big lexus fan, yes, but i also believe that the S550 is the pinnacle of a luxury sedan. It has and will always probably be the king as they say. however, if i were to purchase one, i would probably go with the LS, so being the king doesnt really matter.

Its funny how you also left out this sentence right ater yours

"The LS460 is not quite the inexorable Missouri, but it is as close to it as I've gotten so far."

what does this mean? it means it beats the XJ, the A8, and the bmw 7 series.
— LexusKindaGuy12 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 2:54:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

It definitely means that my friend.
— Gennissen (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2007 10:01:48 AM | | Votes: 1

I have never like the new MB S-class because I think the rearlight look very award. It has those stripe on the light, it look like someone put a strip of tape on the rearlight. The most MB right now got to be the CLS, period.

But let get back the topic, the new Lexus LS460 is definitely getting alot recognition here. In fact, they just won the World car award this year, yeah...........LOL :)
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 3:43:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7

Lexus, that is not tape, it's quality!
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 9:30:12 PM | | Votes: -4

Lexus,

Why can't you say something respectable like "LexusKindaGuy12"? How he puts it makes me respect a Lexus fan. You put down everything that ISN'T A LEXUS.

Have you even driven any of these cars in this segment? The writer was right:
"These are all terrific driving cars, the kind you want for a no-nonsense blitz like one lap around America"

That is a respectable comment that us German fans can't hate on.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2007 4:14:51 AM | | Votes: -1

Although I appreciate the LS's high level of technology and luxury, the general public's view of the vehicle is alarming.

Case in point, my wife is an "average" car consumer, a part of the general public. Yesterday, she was at Neiman Marcus with my oldest daughter, and happened to see a silver LS460L that was on display there, as a promotion of the LS600hL "NM Edition." If any of you don't remember, as I've said it before, she loves the S-Class, and is determined to have one.

When she saw the LS, however... "It didn't look special. The interior looks just like my [RX330]. It's boring from the outside, not beautiful like the Mercedes."

It's the honest-to-goodness truth.

Although I'm inclined to agree with her on the exterior, the interior isn't bad by any means. However, remember that this is NOT my view of the car- IMO it's Lexus's finest hour. It may not look very different from their other products, but the car is worth the money... well, at least the 460. 600hL is another story altogether.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 5:40:53 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

The S class is the king of all cars.
97% of world goverments have at least 1.
The LS does look sharper, but the interior could be in a GS or RX, and for many people, only an S class will do.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 8:04:48 PM | | Votes: 4

i must say the interior does look familiar, but thats how you know its a lexus. Its suppose to be some new brand image of the interior.
— LexusKindaGuy12 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 9:15:29 PM | | Votes: 1

I agree with both of you... LS is definitely a better value. But there's no substitute for the S-Class. The experience of owning one... always having your car parked in front, longing stares from other luxury car drivers, the superb service at your dealer for buying one, how you feel when driving it-- none of that is had in any other car at this price.

I also agree that it did look bad in pictures (as the new CL did), but when I saw them both on the road I was taken aback. They embody contemporary automotive beauty. I would go as far as to say the S is sexier than the CLS, because of its added prestige.

So, in a nutshell, I'd rather have the experience of the S-Class-- even if it would be my wife's --than buying a car that is somewhat of a "stepping stone" to one (LS). If she got an LS460, she would still lust after an S550 in the end, no matter how comfortable the Lexus is. So why wait to get one?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 9:56:49 PM | | Votes: 0

I saw that commercial and it's pretty entertaining. It reminds me of those old Isuzu ads from the late 80's/early 90's.

I believe this method of advertising is genius for Hyundai. They don't claim that they are better than the Lexus. They just state that you too, the average person, can have a luxuriously appointed vehicle that has some of the same features.
— aeyjay (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 11:00:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

San Francisco Chronicle?

lol
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 9:28:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

I don't know about you all, but I like the styling of the old LS430 better than the new LS460.

el34
Irvine, Ca
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 9:31:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

I disagree. The LS430 was disturbingly boring, too inoffensive, bordering on hideous.

The LS460 is sleeker, more modern, and looks more expensive.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 9:58:22 PM | | Votes: 4

S4, people have said I'm boring including my mother.

*cries*
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 11:55:51 PM | | Votes: -4

are you joking? the old LS was a slab sided horrible knock-off of a mid-90s S-class.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2007 1:47:05 PM | | Votes: 1

The old LS was brash and American.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2007 7:02:04 PM | | Votes: -2

Mercedes S-Class has more comfortable seats and both the passenger and driver have fully independent seat cushion fore and aft adjustment while Lexus provides this cloned S-Class feature only for the driver. Note also that, in the long wheelbase Lexus, the lounge seat (with ottoman) for the rear is available on one side only. The grossly overpriced Maybach has two such rear seats.
— EnnNorak (View Profile)

Posted on 4/14/2007 10:08:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

The LS460 is undoubtedly a much better looking car than LS430. But it's still as generic Japanese design as it gets. When an S-Class, 7-Series or A8 pass by, you know it. When a new LS passes, you barely notice. Happened to me this morning at the grocery store.
— senorgato (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2007 2:51:43 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

it is much better looking than its predecessor, but still easy to mistake for something else on the road. until i see the rear quarter i often mistake the LS for an ES.
— enthusiastx11 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2007 1:48:29 PM | | Votes: 1

Why do people insist on stating what the S-Class does so much better than this car? When the next 7-Series and A8 come out, I wonder if all of you will still hail the S-Class as better than all of them? I realize that alot of you actually believes this, just as my father does (he has an S550). Why can't each of these cars be appreciated for what they do well, respectively? The S-Class, 7-Series, A8, and LS each represent differing points-of-views in terms of the ultimate luxury sedan.

All are magnificent in their own right as even stated in the review. However when it comes down to it, Lexus LS buyers clearly do not share the same outlooks that S-Class buyers share. Prestige and "look-at-me" factor are two that come to mind off the top of my head. My father's a showboat-type man. He has to be seen in what people perceive to be the very best at all times, hence his loyalty to Mercedes.

It appears as if "special" is the new synonym for "magic feel" in this particular thread. The LS is absolutely a "special" car from my perspective. I've seen only three new LS460s on the road and each time, I noticed them and gawked at them as they passed by. Who are any of you to tell me how I feel about a car? After seeing the new S-Class so much, yes I have warmed up to its design, but I still can recognize the "bigness" of the overall design. I like the narrow, "slim" look of the LS better.
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2007 5:31:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

They ARE all magnificent vehicles. I could give a huge guide of pros/cons of each, as I've done before... but let me just cut to the chase: it's the general concensus that the S-Class is the leader of this class. It almost always has been, and the only times the car shows weakness is at the very end of its life cycle- when most competitors have been redesigned.

Unless the new A8 and 7 Series are significantly better cars, then yes, I will still think the W221 is the superior vehicle. There's so much about it that just blows everything else out of the water.

And, I'm sorry to tell you this, but from a "normal person" perspective, the LS isn't a very special car. Yes, I KNOW all of the luxury, engineering, and extravagance that goes into it- but normal people don't, at least not by looking at it. I stated this in the LS460L forum, in fact: when my wife saw one at Neiman Marcus the other day, she said something like, "It looked like a Lexus. The inside is just like my car [RX330]! It's not beautiful like the S-Class." She is an S-Class advocate, and a "normal" person, not a car enthusiast. You could say she likes the prestige of the three-pointed star, but it's also that she doesn't feel that the Lexus is anything special in light of it. I don't know. Don't take it as my views- just what other people think.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2007 10:59:56 AM | | Votes: -5

S4, are you calling me "not normal?"

I mean you base that off of your wife's opinion? How are any of us to believe that your wife is "normal?"

There are plenty of people that find the LS "special." Let's poll the 3000+ "normal" customers from the month of March alone whether or not they find the car "special."

Saying that "normal" people don't find the LS "special" I find insulting and a bad explanation for one's very "not normal" feelings toward the S-Class. I don't know how you reached that conclusion but plenty of non-car-enthusiasts find the LS as just as great as the S-Class, heartbreaking to you for sure, but true nonetheless.
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2007 1:02:02 PM | | Votes: 1

Will, you seem to take everything a bit too seriously. It's just that touch of defensiveness in every reply that gives me a "little" clue.

You always play me out to be the "evil German car fanboy," although I have made it clear (I think) that I am not. You always project yourself to be superior, as I've said before. I do not-- I state my thoughts and observations, as well as my opinions, not really waiting for them to be argued, but for them to be agreed with/disagreed with. You judge my wife, without even meeting ME.

Did I ever say EVERY "average" car consumer feels that way? No! I did, however, say that my wife felt that way-- she is an "average" consumer. She may shop for more expensive vehicles, but she sees most of these vehicles in the way of the general public. A.K.A, unlike me.

Do you think I feel that way about the LS? If yes (which I presume you do), you are sadly mistaken. You always ignore my posts praising the LS,-- even once when I considered buying it --instead attacking my preference of the S-Class over it. However, I appreciate it as I do any other car in this class. Its level of luxury, performance, and yes, style, is beyond (almost) every other Lexus (I find the IS350 more stylish). Every car in this class is one that I admire, from XJ8 to S550. Everything they do, they do extremely well. It makes their high-five (to even six-figure) pricetags seem like bargains.

But I digress. Back to the "wife issue." As much as you probably think she's an obnoxious badge whore who would love staring at the three-pointed star on the hood, she in fact said to me today that, "I don't want to be the person that likes the Mercedes. I know it makes me look obnoxious, new money. Too bad, then, that I love it." She does know a thing or two- I wouldn't have married her, did she not.

I do wish you could appreciate the beauty in both cars, but it's been obvious to me that over your vast expanse of posts bashing the S-Class, you can't. It is a bit of a matter of opinion-- but it's hard not to like the big Benz. That does not mean, however, that you can't like the Lexus at the same time. Something to ponder.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2007 11:01:22 PM | | Votes: -3

Take my implied "defensiveness" as you will Mr. Psychologist. And please stop with this "superior" talk. You're the one that just tried to make me look like the idiot Lexus fanboy, that seems to be your daily crusade.

"Normal people don't find the LS special." Now if you cannot recognize this as a "superior air" then you truly are just a snob. "Normal people" was used in such a condescending tone there, I just do not understand how you do not see that?

S4, I don't have the time...okay I do have the time, but I don't really care to sit here and keep up with your daily rants about which cars you like and which ones you don't, which ones you're considering buying today and which ones you don't find "special" the next day, which cars your wife makes peculiar quotes about liking or not liking etc. etc. I could not care any less.

You seem to think that I do care, hence your long responses to my comments, oh well...

Because you've seem to have forgotten, I think both the S-Class and LS are fantastic cars. I've been in the new S-Class extensively, fine car. I've test-driven several LS460Ls, a fine car. However, at the end of the day the LS suits my wants and needs in an automobile better than the S-Class. Why must you despise me for that?
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2007 12:03:33 AM | | Votes: 2

Oh, how you take my comments in the complete opposite way that I wanted... oh, what can I expect? You'd never agree with me, as hard as I try to check myself. It's useless. No more long responses- you'd never have the courtesy to admit to agreement. Oh, well.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2007 12:22:30 AM | | Votes: -3

S4 ... I agree with you about the LS and it not being noticeable. My fiancee and I were looking at large sedans when I was working at the Autoshow and we happened to be standing next to some people at the show. My fiancee and them agreed that it looks exactly like a 7-series from the side and that it doesnt really stand out. Same thing with the A8 that it doesnt exude status and prestige. Those titles are left to BMW with it Bold and controversial styling ( which i really like )< S-class Mercedes with its Masculine and Luxurios Appeal ( status all the way ) & Jaguar's elegant and sexy looks .... When you are able to spend $80k + on a car most want something that stands out and looks the part of a High-end luxury car with status, prestige, elegance & noticeability ...

I like that LS, but it just blends in too much and doesnt have that look or feel .....
— BMW4me4ever (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 10:43:59 AM | | Votes: 0

When you see a BMW 7-series on the road, you know it is a 7-series. Same thing with Mercedes and even Jaguar. With a Lexus you dont really notice it until you are right up next to it, and most of the time dont look twice ... Vs when you see a CLS, Cl550, S550, S600, 760Li, 750li, M5, M6, 650 and those cars . Most people will look twice and notice them from a distance and come to some sort of realization of awe or being impressed.... what lexus do you notice like that or think of someone like that?

— BMW4me4ever (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 10:47:48 AM | | Votes: 0

It's different for the "non-enthusiast" world. Not every BMW and Mercedes get "second glances." That's just not true for everyone! It may be hard for you all to believe, I know.
— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 9:56:29 PM | | Votes: 2

Agreed

I was at the NY Auto Show this weekend and you can instantly tell that the Lexuses are much more comfortable than any of the other luxury brands there. Even Saabs, Volvos, and Lincolns were superior in comfort. When you sit in the drivers seat of a Mercedes it feels like a rock, and the dash isnt crafted nearly as well as the Lexus.
— aefsc430 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2007 7:32:28 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

The S-Class seats were rock-hard... fifteen years ago. The W220's seats were significantly softer, and the W221's are quite possibly the best in the business. Super-soft leather, with a shape in the seat that cossets you, but they are still very supportive.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2007 11:05:20 PM | | Votes: -4

To my suprise, I have been seeing ALOT of new LS' around Chicago. A bland design is kinda hard to spot in traffic but I take back what I said about this car being bland. I probably meant to say its a "simple" design. This car is sleek looking and quite beautiful in person. (especially when moving) This is the order I would take these cars if I had it like that:
*Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG
*Lexus LS600hL
*Audi S8
*BMW 760Li
*Jaguar Super V8

***I just wish Caddy would hurry up and join the party***...
— Caddyman07 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2007 11:17:30 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Cadillac should have something for us soon that will be ready to compete with those vehicles. The Sixteen concept is pretty hot and very Cadillac. The DTS just isn't doing it though it is a much better design that fits in with the rest of their new lineup.

Note to Cadillac... hurry up already! LOL
— aeyjay (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2007 9:01:36 PM | | Votes: 0

The LS is a great car if you like fat bloated Camrys. Mercedes, especially the AMG division has cars with character, cars that are fun to drive. Maybe the Lexus F cars will get me excited about owning another Lexus.
— spadog55 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2007 10:50:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

No, you obviously haven't sat in one. It's no sports car, but there's no Toyota DNA in there.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/15/2007 11:06:33 PM | | Votes: 0

Well, it's TRUE. 0-60 times don't make a car a performance car. Would you say the Camry V6 is a better driver's car than the BMW 328i because it's quicker?

Don't get me wrong... the LS is a beauty. But I prefer the S-Class/A8/7 Series's combination of great handling AND great acceleration-- in addition to great luxury (esp. the S).
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2007 7:37:39 PM | | Votes: -1

Buck ... there has been on 1 test of the Lexus accelerating to 60 in 5.5 seconds ... Most of the publications have the car doing it in 6 seconds or just over .... Ls460 is no performace car and nothing even close. It never should be thought of like that. It is a luxury car and a pretty good one at that. People, stop mentioning the Lexus in the same breath of Maybach, Bentley & Rolls Royce .... idiot lexus fans
— BMW4me4ever (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 10:52:17 AM | | Votes: 1

The S-Class is too SPORTY? What are you smoking? It has great handling, but its luxury and ride quality is second to none! What I love about the S, over the LS, is that it offers nimble handling WITHOUT sacrificing ride quality/luxury!!!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 2:35:27 PM | | Votes: 0

AH S4,

Speaking of Neiman Marcus and Lexus, I was looking through my catalogue the other day, and noticed that I believe it was the LS600h was available through InCircle. Actually, Neiman chose Lexus for this years InCircle rewards, so there are more available. In addition, that one InCircle customer will be able to redeem one for 5,000,000 points. It is limited to one customer if you read the fine print.
— cdoke (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2007 12:31:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

maybe he meant the LS460 is the battleship yamato? i guess in the end all are pretty much battleships.
— gsh23 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/16/2007 4:46:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I can see where somebody from SF calls the LS almost perfect, afterall SF has given us Willie Brown, Jerry Brown, and the now present Mayor Gavin also near perfect people???
— chuck717 (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 6:53:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Well,

My obvious comment here is that he hasn't yet driven the perfect car. (A8)
— Neverfollow (View Profile)

Posted on 4/17/2007 10:34:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Lexus ALWAYS overstates their 0 - 60 times by at least .5 seconds. Here are the results of the 5 Top Luxury Cars in this test which was reported in the January Issue of Car and Driver. Please note these tests were all done on the same day at about the same time and at the same altitude. The results reflect the average of 3 runs and all cars are the 2007 vintage.

Mercedes S550 5.6, 0 - 60 quarter mile in 14.1
BMW 750iL 5.7, 0 - 60 quarter mile in 14.2
Jag XJ Super 6.0 0 - 60 quarter mile 14.5
Lexus LS460L 0 - 60 6.2 quarter mile 14.6
Audi A8 0 - 60 6.8 quarter mile 15.2

Note that Lexus, as usual, is less than the 5.4 the manufacturer CLAIMS to get by .8 seconds.

Also note the LS430 (prior model the LS460 replaced) was rated at 295 HP and was actually 278 when Lexus corrected their rating. And there were no refunds or apologies from the so-called "quality" car company. ABC - Always Be Careful what you buy from the Lexus people.....

— bevisroy (View Profile)

Posted on 4/19/2007 6:37:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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SF Chronicle calls new Lexus LS 'Practically Perfect'?

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