I want to order an E500 but MB Canada can not get together on the DVD Nav system, 6 Disc CD changer and V60 voice activated phone.

I was out looking at a Lexus LS 430 today and was surprised to see how many options are on the car for a lot less money.

LS 430 - Premium package $ 94,120.00 CDN.

To equip an E 500 that I would want it comes to $ 95,400.00 CDN

In addition to that the following would have to be added to equal the Lexus:

Laser Cruise: $ 3,600.00 CDN
Climate Seats: 1,780.00 CDN
DVD Nav (est) 3,500.00 CDN
6-CD (est) 800.00 CDN

Total : 9,680.00 CDN

Total for E 500 = 105,080.00

Total for LS 430 94,120.00

Difference: 10.960.00 CDN

And the LS 430 has real cup holders too!

Starting to make me think!!!

Any comments?

 

Don't think!

Go with your heart and get the Benz.

You will be diappointed with the fit and finish of the cheaper looking Lexus.

IMHO there is no nicer and more advanced four door on the road today than the E Class.

 

The Lexus LS is a tried and true designed car......not exceptionally exciting looking, but does an excellent job at what it was intended for.

Compared to the new Eclass, the Lexus is more of a Japanese Cadillac. It isn't sporty at all, just a nice quiet, very comfortable highway cruiser.....not to mention it's a full size sedan.

Lexus reliability is in a class by itself along with their fit and finish (the LS is right up there with any Benz). The Ultra Luxury package is awesome, but it's no longer cheaper than an Eclass if you choose that option.

Generally, Lexus also happens to have an excellent reputation as far as their service departments go.

I prefer the Eclass, mainly because of styling and driving (feel more involved, not as numb).

 

If price is your concern. You can consider Q45. The car looks like better than LS430 and cheaper too.

 

I spent a long time looking at the LS430 before ordering the E-500.

In my opinion there is no question that $ for $ the LS430 gives you a lot more luxury than MB. It has all the whistles and bells that the E-series has and then a lot more. The ride is quieter, the seats are softer, and you feel very little of the road. The dealer service is second to none. The fit and finish are outstanding.

That said.....

1. It is a fogey car...just like a Cadillac or a Lincoln Town Car.

2. You pay a lot of money and virtually no one except Lexus owners even know that it is a luxury car. Looks like a Toyota or a Nissan to most people.

3. In the end I just went with my heart and ordered the E-500.

4. I guess you just have to ask yourself if you will be happy driving the LS430.

Ed

 

This thread is hilarious. Why would anyone ask an MB enthusiast if a LS430 is a better car. Talk about a blinding flash of the obvious.....ha ha ha

 

It's really an apples vs oranges issue. The LS430 is much more luxurious and roomy, the E500 sportier. I own both an LS430 and a E320 wagon; I'm not biased towards either marque.

 

This whole thread is a joke, right? Right?

The LS430 is a good car...great for those daily trips to the proctologist, nursing home, pharmacy, bingo hall, senior center or shuffleboard park.

None of these appeal to me...so, neither does the LS430.

If you want to DRIVE, then their is NO comparison.

'nough said.

 

LS430: extremely good value, very well equipped, highly reliable.

But: booorrring, Toyota-souled, generic


The only reasons one would choose an E500 (over LS430) are if one really enjoys the experience of driving, and if you wish to avoid having mortuary salespeople following you home.

 

Thanks for the comments guys, don't mean to upset any of you MB lovers however I like to keep an open mind and don't think the German engineers "walk on water"

The E500 is a nice car however IMHO MB has done a poor job in introducing this version of the new E.

Perhaps a 6-Disc CD changer is high tech to some but I think it is just a 5 year old piece of equipment that many other car manufacturers have had for some time.

Perhaps a wood steering wheel is also a high tech item but the story on that item is poor as well.

Finally to launch your new model and have to tell the customer base... well the DVD nav will be available soon... well maybe next month... well maybe next year.

This does not appear to be the most professional launch IMHO.

Again other manufacturers have DVD based system does not seem to be a problem... just a problem for MB I guess!!

 

You need to really hang around here some more and read some more of these threads if you think we worship German engineers and their product. There're plenty of "What the $*(& were they doing/thinking" threads floating around here as well as a bunch of "Those @!*%^#$ people at MB, now look what they've done..." threads.



EDJ

 

if u want to "DRIVE" get a BMW not MB....
im not biased or anything...i myself will buy a 2003 CLK as my 1st car....

but BMW certainly drives better...

 

You hit the nail on the head vodc4.

Until about a month ago, I drove an E39 5 series BMW- arguably one of the best 'drivers' sedan out there. (NOT TRYING TO START ANY FLAME WARS HERE- I did say arguably ) I absolutely LOVED the way that car drove. The faster I went, the better the car drove. I typically get tired of cars in a short period of time; I enjoyed every single minute of the Bimmer. My opinion- BMW's legendary 'drive' is second to none.

That being said, I am now a very proud driver of a 2003 E320. I can't say enough good things about the car. The fit and finish are great, it is agile, the sound system is kick-@ss (HK of course), and the car looks very aggressive. My opinion- the perfect combination of luxury, performance, and looks. I think that the BMW is leagues behind in design, and with the way the new 5 spy pics are looking and the interior is "shaping up"... Count me out.

Do I miss the drive of my BMW? Yes, but less and less the more I open the E up. Do I miss it enough to leave my Benz? H3LL NO!

Nick

 

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This is unbelievable!

The exact day I go to just have a look at the 2003 LS 430, which by the way I agree does not look anywhere as good as the E500, but the vast amount of interior features did impress me somewhat, I get the December 5, 2002 Autospies.

Check it out at:

www.imakenews.com/autospies

It seem Lexus agrees with most of us about the outer skin.... complete redesign for 2004! No pictures but some sketches, it amazes me thou how the guys at autospies are so accurate.

Also an article there about the new E.

Well this is my last post on this subject... have decided to wait until MB Canada can actually show me their DVD Nav system in a car before I order.

 

frankly speaking, both are good cars. Try to follow your feeling and taste for buying a new car. You have been through a lot of decisions, e.g. picking up the colleges/universities, your half, etc.

it is merely a style so trust yourself.

 

MitchE500, why don't you consider the S 430 std wheelbase which is available in Canada. It is 2" wider than the E Class and only 8" longer. More surprising is the fact it is almost the same price as an E 500 if you select a lot of options.

 

The sketch of the 2004 LS430 looks pretty good. Did I miss something...why does the have the MB Star on the front and back?

Interesting article about the E.

 

Mitch,

good to hear Lexus will do a redesign on the LS. WIth this new info you will be kicking your face up around the back of you *** if you went with the current LS430, go with the Benz for now.

True lexus is the top of the line luxo cruiser, and some people like that including myself. Never thought of a benz as a good handling car, ofcourse i havent driven the recent models with ABC suspension.

Don't follow your heart follow your brain.

 

Well after seeing the Autospies Article any consideration for the LS430 -2003 Model is GONE!

As I mentioned I am going to wait until MB can show me their DVD Nav system in the car and see how it works and interfaces with the rest of the car.

The LS 430 did have three way to control their system:

1. Buttons

2. Touch Screen

3. Voice commands.

Will see how MB compares.

I think the MB exterior designs have put a lot of pressure on the BMW's and LEXUS's of the world to update the outer appearance.

I guess we will just see how it plays out.

 

I would agree that the Lexus is a better value.

What I do see in Lexus owners are people who tend to be more analytical and practical than passionate about their car. Which honestly may have nothing to do with how passionate they might be for other elements of their life and is not a negative comment.

The E500 is just a beautiful car, period. With things of great beauty, people are often willing to overlook the more practical considerations.

Also, do you have a preference in driving the two cars?

If you are confused you are probably better off with the Lexus - although if they are redesigning for 2004 it might be a bad resale decision. Like somebody said - check out the Q45 or even the M45.

 

Biggest difference between Q45 and LS430: you will get decimated on depreciation on an Infiniti. The world simply will not embrace the Q45, even though it's a fundamentally very good car. Unless you get a subsidized lease or buy a used one, YOU will eat the depreciation.
And it'll be a very large meal.

 

Just curious, has anybody in thread owned LS or any other Lexus?

 

I currently own a '98 GS300 and have been car shopping for about six months seriously. Initially was only looking for AWD as we are moving to Illinois now but have rethought and will buy snow tires with RWD. Might even wait on decision till 4matic comes out & Lexus adds AWD to GS if I can't make a final decision.

In fact, I have narrowed my choices down between the E-class and the LS430 too after looking from Audi A6 quattro to VW W8 and all in between. Yeah, yeah - I know all about the driving experience, cache, etc. but I am a conservative & passionate about my own money while loving fast & exciting cars. And having the gun sight on the hood is a thrill to my ego. In fact, I started a similar thread over on Edmunds to get others thoughts before finding this forum here.

I have loved my GS, absolutely reliable and rock steady with luxury & interior room in front seat - it still jump starts my heart getting back to it after a few days of business travel. With 76k miles on it the only maintenance, besides regular, has been two batteries which I believe are attributed to the auto headlight function. Plus, absolutely phenominal customer service at all three of the dealers I have used in Kansas City, Atlanta and now in Austin, TX.

I like the new look and techy stuff on the E-class and just continue to hesitate due to reliability, comparable options like the Nav, 6-disc, and interior space. Lexus just keeps on ticking day after day.

Reality is that company program provides enough so that these two are both within reach by adding minimal personal cash to the deals.