mkaresh

I just uploaded the pricing for the 2007 Lexus LS to my database, so it can be compared to the 2007 S-Class and 2006 7-Series (haven't entered 2007 data for the latter yet).

2007 Lexus LS 460 price comparisons

I haven't bothered to enter pricing for the A8 or XJ thus far, because few people seem to actually buy them. But if people are interested in one or both, let me know and I'll get them in there.

DaCeptak0n

The LS460 and LS460L are on the lexus website as well as their pricing. I am shocked to find out that the LS46L is 80K and the 460 is 61K. I had hopes of jumping into the LS460L for under the price of an S550 but it seems it won't happen so I'll be convincing my father to stick with the S550/S550 4Matic...

Nevada Jack

Nice job. Question? Shouldn't when you compare the LS and the S pricing compare the LS ext. (Long Body) to the S 550 and not the LS standard. The S 550 is the Long Wheel Base and equates to the wheelbase of the LS L, not the LS. Seems that is more Apples to Apples than what you show.

mkaresh

You can compare any two vehicles you want to, even an Aveo and an S600. In this case, in step three simply select "sedan, ext." for bodystyle instead of "sedan," and you're comparing the L. The same goes for the BMW. As you suggest, this is the more valid comparison. But some people don't need the long wheelbase; Mercedes just doesn't give them a choise this year in the U.S.

Note that the L starts at $71,000 and includes more standard equipment than the $61,000 regalar 460.

Germancar1

The pricing while a good step from last time is just the same as before. A loaded LS460L will top out right where a S550 starts. Now the SWB LS460 starts out much cheaper and thus will continue to give Lexus the sales advantage. Now Mercedes can see where they need to price next year's S450. I'd say right on top of the LS460L or about 74-76K with the same standard equipment as the S550. No use trying to compete with the SWB LS460 since 61K is what an E550 costs.

M

mkaresh

If the S450 starts that close to the LS 460L, I suspect it will have a much lower level of standard equipment. Time will tell.

The E strikes me as a bit tight inside, at least in the back seat, to compete even in its own segment. There's currently such a large gap between the E and the S. But a new one, which will probably be larger, is due when, around 2010?

Nevada Jack

I would agree that the S450 when introduced will not be equipped the same as a S550. It will be similar to the S430/S500 situation in that certain features will be optional on the S450 that are standard on the S550. The price competition may well be the SWB with a BLUTEC diesel engine?

carsinamerica

An interesting observation about the E. In China (PRC), you can now buy an Audi A6 2.4/3.0/4.2 quattro L, or a BMW 523/525/530Li, both with stretched wheelbases. It's a neat idea, and provides useful overlap with SWB sedans like the A8, 7-Series, and S-Class. If you prioritize rear stretch room, you buy the LWB mid-lux model for a small price premium over the regular model. If you prefer the exclusivity and feature content, you buy a short-wheelbase flagship model for just a little more. If you need both, you pay extra and get a LWB flagship model. So, if Audi and BMW already do it, I'd expect M-B to catch on before too long.

I think it could work in the States, too, probably by stealing some sales from long-wheelbase Lincoln Town Cars that people buy because they want the limo-ish room, but don't want to pay an ever-loving fortune for the privilege.

Germancar1

Jack and mkaresh I agree that the S450 won't be equipped like the S550, that is the sticking point. I'd love to see a S450 with the same standared equipment as the S550 for about 74K. That would take the bloom right off the LS460 rose. Still though, now that the LS460 and LS460L has move up a great deal in price, especially when loaded this plays into Mercedes hands.

So far the LS460 hasn't been able to get to 60 mph in less than 5.8-60 seconds, right where the S450 is pegged. Secondly even if the S450 comes in at 76K and runs 90K with a boat load of options, a loaded LS460L is now around 90K too. This means the Lexus doesn't have the clear price advantage anymore and going by the early test results a performance advantage either.

Add the inevitable S450 4Matic to the mix and Lexus' RWD only LS looks even less like an obvious choice for dollar pinchers.

M

mkaresh

The LS 460L is only around 90 with the Exec Seating Package, which is special order and not worth it for people who will be driving the car themselves.

Well-equipped, the LS 460L runs about 80. A similarly equipped S550 costs about 94,500.

TNT

$81,472.00
LS460L w/ML audi, and Navi (w/XM real time traffic)
Also includes semi-anniline leather which is an extremely high-grade leather.

XM satellite
blue-tooth
wood-leather heated steering wheel
heated front/rear seats
16way driver's seat/12way passenger seat
dual swivel headlights

TNT

I'm curious to know what's the gas-guzzler on the S-class?

S550
16/24mpg
LS460L
19/27mpg

Nevada Jack

$1000 which I think is the minimum. On the highway the car gets better than the EPA 24 and that could eliminate any tax....but EPA won't use my figures..:-))

BenzKid24

$80K for a Toyota?????? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...You gotta be joking!!!!

Doctodd33

maybe for a new Supra....but a LEXUS is a joke

T

Germancar1

So then we're talking about 80K for a loaded LS460L? That means Mercedes needs to make sure a similarly loaded S450 comes in around 85-88K then, IMO. With prices so close Mercedes is going to be benefit IMO. Lexus isn't going to be able to support these prices for long IMO.

Some of their former penny pincher customers are going to be shocked by the price of the LS460L and will opt for a SWB LS460 which is closer to the old LS430 in price. A 90K Lexus? Not many going to be ordering those.

M

vraa

Especially considering there's a bigger badboy looming on the horizon: the LS600lh.

mkaresh

I love driving as much as anyone, but with the base powerplants in both the Lexus and Mercedes now kicking out about 380 horsepower, who has a use for more at legal speeds?

Maybe if I lived with one of these for a while?