The LS430 is in a completely different class than the CLK. I'm not much of a luxury sedan/boat person. If I was driving an S-Class while praising the LS430 in comparison, your question would be more provocative. I love the CLK, and I have yet to find any real competition in this class.

Well, that's your personal opinion. Professionals rank the LS430 leather at "Grade 6" with the S-Class leather being at "Grade 5".

When did the Lexus LS430 become an "average vehicle" when compared to the S-Class? They are quite similar in terms of comfort, features, and room.

Agreed. The 2006 S-Class should blow away the competition.

The LS430 has more standard features, and some of the features (Bluetooth Phone, Nav System, etc) are superior. Additionally: The LS430 has been called the "most well built vehicle... ever". The reliability is not due to the problem reaction, but due to the fact that significant problems generally do not exist. There are far fewer LS430's at the garage than any other vehicle at this time.

That's one instance, out of how many sold? There are exceptions to every rule. However, we could display far more defective S-Class vehicles than LS430's.

 

Why are people bringing back these old Lexus threads? I won't even start as I won't waste my time with these childish remarks.

 

OK,Lexus is way superior to MBs!
Happy now?
And lets close this stupid thread!

 

 

Not really. We're not talking about brand superiority here, merely model superiority. Although I feel that the LS430 is a better car overall than the S-Class, I believe that MB is a better company... and why I own one.

I must have missed the part where someone held a gun to your head, forced you to keep clicking on and reading it?

 

Please, define "smoke"

 

You mean Toyota vs chrysler, no?

 

I can only imagine where this thread will end up going.. .. lots of passions on both sides.

As for me... I am truly a fan of the BMW and the whole driving machine experience, I have owned a 3 series, a 5 series and in the past years - both an 2002 LS430 and 2002 S500.

Without a doubt, Lexus has an edge when it comes to attention to detail. What I mean is that, the interior of the Lex is laid out so that the driver has little to do other keep his eyes on the road - and that is a good thing because the LS430 handles like a tank. The LS is geared for creature comforts and driving in a straight line, kinda like a Japanese Cadillac. Super quiet engine, every imaginable button at your fingertips and a truly comprehensive Navigation system. That brings me to the S class... what in the hell is the deal with interchangeable DVD's for different regions of the country. Would it have been so hard for Benz to supply those who selected to Nav option with a hard drive that included the entire lay of the land? Maybe a touch screen or a more intuitive (data) entry system, to make inputting information less frustrating? Luckily, the Benz handles so flawlessly you can safely take your eyes off of the road and find that feature you need.

If you are into spirited driving then select an S, the LS does not take kindly to curves and skips if you hit the slightest bump once you lean into it, add to that there are some lulls in the acceleration for those unexpected times you need some extra umph. But for extra creature comforts select the LS, and will also say that they are tons more relaible on the repair side of things - keep in mind this is coming for an S class 2002 owner, if took Benz til abt 2004 to get the S stable when it comes to its maintenance. The S Class is engineered differently and should be put in a different class, but since we are comparing... the Benz is better car overall, hands down.


If I were basing it on looks alone I would take an S class in a blink of an eye, and even though I could save 10 stacks or more if I got an LS I still would have to pass. If I had no choice though and money was tight I would pass on the luxury of the S class the comforts of the LS and get a older model BMW anyday.

...and thats all I gotta say about that

 

Tough question... Being on a Mercedes forum obviously I prefer S500 or a Lexus LS430.

My cousin has an LS430.. I traded cars with him for a week.. at the end of the week I was dying to sit in my S500 again. Speed is good in both cars but the way the Merc makes you feel is different.

It depends on what you value? Do you want top of the line german engineering at a price. Also Mercedes is more of a status symbol if that is important . Mercedes hands down has more maintenance and technical issues.

Lexus is good if you want a comparable car at a more economical rate and less maintenance issues.

DO you prefer to look "COOL" or be more economical.

I'd rather look cool. When I'm 85 I'll think about getting a Lexus.. maybe??

 

BS! The s500 would smoke the ls430! IWho needs 8 speeds. My s500 would be long gone before you hit 4th gear. I like lexus, but their engine performance isn't as good as the s-class. PERIOD!

 

Damn Right!

 

S-Class all day

 

Wow, this is an OLD thread! But I couldn't resist so here goes!

First of all, on the reliability issue that Lexus owners harp on, read the actual J.D. Power reports and you'll find that Mercedes only has 15% more reported problems than Lexus. That's not much, folks. As to people complaining about dealers, I know that mine (Phoenix Motor Co.) has an outstanding service department and really knows how to roll out the red carpet and make you feel special when you go there. Top-notch all the way.

I've also noticed that jap car owners will deny having had any problems with their cars, even when they do. An ex-gf had her a/c fail and her CD changer die within a few months of buying a new Acura; yet if anyone asked, she'd lie and say she's had no problems and that jap cars are the most reliable and anyone who doesn't buy one is stupid, etc etc. I have found that all owners of Japanese cars deny all knowledge of problems and repairs.

I have to comment that, having been in several Lexuses, they really do have a flimsy jap car feel. Another friend bought a new one and within 2 months he traded it because of the flimsy Toyota feel - he said every time you hit a bump you're worried that the car will break in half.

Let's face it, S-Class and LS are two different markets. S-Class is targeted toward the upper middle class and the rich who are not shy about spending the big bucks to get one. LS is targeted toward upper middle class people who want to spend 20-30% less, get as many bells and whistles as they can for that price, and who buy into the myth of massively superior quality and reliability (remember it's only 15%, a very minor difference - the reliability myth is all marketing).

 

You're right Frank. It's all marketing. just like "Amazon #1 Bestselling Author"......in your opinion...lol

Just kidding I am also an author.

Mark

 

you know if you list this poll in a mercedes forum chances are the mercedes is gonna win. and if you post it in lexus forum lexus would win. but we all know mercedes is a higher luxury brand and no lexus can compare to it.
MERCEDES ALL THE WAY

 

Really now...

You said that as if Lexus owners don't laugh at Benz owners, or call them negative names for purchasing a car that costs significantly more, or for just purchasing a badge.

Do Lexus owners look down on benz owners or no? If they do, what do YOU do about it?

 

can understand the excitement over Lexus. They are a great car. I've never driven the LS, but I've ridden in several. However, I'm still not excited about them. They don't turn my head when 1 passes me by. A shiny new Lexus doesn't get my heart beating like a Mercedes of any year or even the later model BMW's (especially the E38.)

When I look at them I think something is missing. Kind of like a hamburger w/o cheese or tea without honey.

People in the home country don't even respect the vehicle. They themselves consider it a higher priced Toyota & sales are sluggish. Mercs sell more than Lexus in Japan...

I'm not impressed with sales figures either. Sure they sell more than Mercedes. they're priced thousands of dollars cheaper. They SHOULD sell more...

So I can understand how people would like Lexus. They are GREAT cars. The only luxury car on the planet that's relaible. But it just aint for me.

An even better question is would people buy a Lexus over a Benz if it was just a Toyota?

What if they didn't rename the car & just kept the Toyota badge?

A 120K v-12 Toyota?

Would it follow the same trtaumatic death as the VW Pantheon?

 

I've owned both Lexus and MB. And I have to be honest... the Lexus is a more reliable car. These Benzes are like beautiful high maintenance @#$%&#@ Its always something!but they are so hot, you just dont want to dump them.

 

i thought i saw someone was comparing lexus to mb....really...!!!

 

Why can't I open Lexus trunk just kicking rear bumper? MB did so huge leap with latest S, so any comparison doesn't make sense.