LS460l Test Drive
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Zildjian,
At first I too thought the same way about the S class but after spending some time in one, we now have an S600 and an S550 in the garage. Its far more intuitively laid out than the LS460, and when driving one after long time isnt so plain to look at as the LS460 is.
At first I too thought the same way about the S class but after spending some time in one, we now have an S600 and an S550 in the garage. Its far more intuitively laid out than the LS460, and when driving one after long time isnt so plain to look at as the LS460 is.
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From: South Orange County, CA
4 wheels
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2006
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7er on the inside.
Wow, you must be cool. Are you sure you aren't some teenager with no identify pretending to own your divorced parent's vehicles?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: South Orange County, CA
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TNT, you are not worth my time.
I am a married mad with 3 baby girls. So please, keep your insults to yourself. I work hard for my money and will choose to do what I please with it.
I am a married mad with 3 baby girls. So please, keep your insults to yourself. I work hard for my money and will choose to do what I please with it.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,414
Likes: 6
From: West Michigan
2007 E63
I'm 15 in a month. Let's stop with the name calling.
The LS460 is very nice and very special in it's own unique ways, same with the S550. If you can't comprehend that, well........there's just no hope.
We all have our own preferences as to what we find attractive and unattractive in a car, but that gives us no right to call eachother names or make a rude/offensive post for that matter.
Some may find the LS' brakes very good, whereas others will find them very bad. It all depends on how you drive, and what you use the car for. Same with the other features.
Keep it up and your posts will surely be reported.
The LS460 is very nice and very special in it's own unique ways, same with the S550. If you can't comprehend that, well........there's just no hope.
We all have our own preferences as to what we find attractive and unattractive in a car, but that gives us no right to call eachother names or make a rude/offensive post for that matter.
Some may find the LS' brakes very good, whereas others will find them very bad. It all depends on how you drive, and what you use the car for. Same with the other features.
Keep it up and your posts will surely be reported.
Last edited by AsianML; Oct 20, 2006 at 09:03 PM.
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 126
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From: Winnetka, Illinois
LandRover Disco
What do you guys mean by "brake feedback"? I hear this term thrown around a lot. YEah your opinion depends on how you drive . Theres' guys who drive fast in the city, heavy off the line others that drive fast on the open road, etc, etc.
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After seeing all the posts about the LS460L vs. S550,
All I can say both are beautiful cars in their own respect. It would be no fun if the whole world agreed that the S550 is their kind of car, otherwise everyone who is upper or middle income looking for a large luxury carwould go out and buy a S550. I think its great having all these choices of wonderful Luxury Sedans that we never had when we were kids! Having variety ultra lux cars with different character is fun for the consumers to chose what they like. I love the masuline look of the LS460L and some of the interior aspects while I love the way the S550 has those wheel arches and nice sleek design. My grandfather has been driving Mercedes since 1951, and he bought the first one from Germany and drove it all the way to INDIA. He now lives in England and drives the 2004 Mercedes S500, and he is a Mercedes Fan like Nevada Jack. My father drives an Audi A8l, he chosed it because it has quattro and the MMI was very intuitive and the car was bigger for him than the S550. Believe me, my father never bought a Mercedes, I have no idea why, but thats him, I drive a Leuxs GS300 AWD which I love alot. I like the style of the Lexus and the service of Lexus. BUT I also want to buy a CLS to give me more fun in daily driving, even though the LExus GS does a good job for average driving. In conclusion, I would buy any car I like and that does not mean I dislike another car, its just my preference. I would buy both the LS460L and the S550. One for daily driving fun and other for nice comfy road trips or taking passengers.
All I can say both are beautiful cars in their own respect. It would be no fun if the whole world agreed that the S550 is their kind of car, otherwise everyone who is upper or middle income looking for a large luxury carwould go out and buy a S550. I think its great having all these choices of wonderful Luxury Sedans that we never had when we were kids! Having variety ultra lux cars with different character is fun for the consumers to chose what they like. I love the masuline look of the LS460L and some of the interior aspects while I love the way the S550 has those wheel arches and nice sleek design. My grandfather has been driving Mercedes since 1951, and he bought the first one from Germany and drove it all the way to INDIA. He now lives in England and drives the 2004 Mercedes S500, and he is a Mercedes Fan like Nevada Jack. My father drives an Audi A8l, he chosed it because it has quattro and the MMI was very intuitive and the car was bigger for him than the S550. Believe me, my father never bought a Mercedes, I have no idea why, but thats him, I drive a Leuxs GS300 AWD which I love alot. I like the style of the Lexus and the service of Lexus. BUT I also want to buy a CLS to give me more fun in daily driving, even though the LExus GS does a good job for average driving. In conclusion, I would buy any car I like and that does not mean I dislike another car, its just my preference. I would buy both the LS460L and the S550. One for daily driving fun and other for nice comfy road trips or taking passengers.
Last edited by Baloo588; Oct 21, 2006 at 12:12 AM.
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From: South Orange County, CA
4 wheels
After seeing all the posts about the LS460L vs. S550,
All I can say both are beautiful cars in their own respect. It would be no fun if the whole world agreed that the S550 is their kind of car, otherwise everyone who is upper or middle income looking for a large luxury carwould go out and buy a S550. I think its great having all these choices of wonderful Luxury Sedans that we never had when we were kids! I love the masuline look of the LS460L and some of the interior aspects while I love the way the S550 has those wheel arches and nice sleek design. My grandfather has been driving Mercedes since 1951, and he bought the first one from Germany and drove it all the way to INDIA. He now lives in England and drives the 2004 Mercedes S500, and he is a Mercedes Fan like Nevada Jack. My father drives an Audi A8l, he chosed it because it has quattro and the MMI was very intuitive and the car was bigger for him than the S550. Believe me, my father never bought a Mercedes, I have no idea why, but thats him, I drive a Leuxs GS300 AWD which I love alot. In conclusion, I would buy all three cars, Audi A8L, Lexus LS460l. and S550 4matic to give me a whole range of cars with different personalities and driving characters whenever I feel like it.
All I can say both are beautiful cars in their own respect. It would be no fun if the whole world agreed that the S550 is their kind of car, otherwise everyone who is upper or middle income looking for a large luxury carwould go out and buy a S550. I think its great having all these choices of wonderful Luxury Sedans that we never had when we were kids! I love the masuline look of the LS460L and some of the interior aspects while I love the way the S550 has those wheel arches and nice sleek design. My grandfather has been driving Mercedes since 1951, and he bought the first one from Germany and drove it all the way to INDIA. He now lives in England and drives the 2004 Mercedes S500, and he is a Mercedes Fan like Nevada Jack. My father drives an Audi A8l, he chosed it because it has quattro and the MMI was very intuitive and the car was bigger for him than the S550. Believe me, my father never bought a Mercedes, I have no idea why, but thats him, I drive a Leuxs GS300 AWD which I love alot. In conclusion, I would buy all three cars, Audi A8L, Lexus LS460l. and S550 4matic to give me a whole range of cars with different personalities and driving characters whenever I feel like it.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Staples Center
w211 & w124
Nice write-up. What I like about Lexus and the other competitors out there is that they keep MB on their toes. Of course Mercedes always has a way of one-upping the competition but it's always good to have that out there.
I think that Lexus is doing a great job in finally coming out with something for the Lexus fanatics out there that want an S-class level automobile. I'm not saying that it's as good or better/worse, just that it's an improvement over the previous model.
With that said, I will be off to bed so I can dream about driving around in my brand new S600 Black on Black fully loaded with my supermodel wife pulling into my beachfront mansion! Oh and of course buying all of my staff LS460's to run errands in...lol.
Thanks again for the write-up!
I think that Lexus is doing a great job in finally coming out with something for the Lexus fanatics out there that want an S-class level automobile. I'm not saying that it's as good or better/worse, just that it's an improvement over the previous model.
With that said, I will be off to bed so I can dream about driving around in my brand new S600 Black on Black fully loaded with my supermodel wife pulling into my beachfront mansion! Oh and of course buying all of my staff LS460's to run errands in...lol.
Thanks again for the write-up!
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
They just had to try and copy a Maybach feature so they put in the one reclining seat...you might say it is a "half-assed" idea...:-)
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From: New Jersey/Brooklyn
'99 C230 K
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06 E-55-95-F355S- 99 Porsche 911 C2 w mods
As good as Japanese cars are ,other than a handful of models (NSX, RX7TT, Supra, Skyline, EVO) IMO they are mostly bland, faceless tools used for basic transportation. Flame away..........
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What does being an engineer have to do with the LS Vs. S-class comparison?
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From: FLORIDA
2006 CLS 500(sold), 2005 C230K, 2005 E 320,
Well guys and gals here is the basic rundown on the LS460L.
I drove a LS460L equipped with the Luxury package at about 14K additional to the base price. After dealer markup it was about 90K or so.
Ride/Handling: While the ride on the LS is smooth, its nothing fantastic. Even with its variable suspension, its very soft. Even on the sportiest setting the ride is hard yet not balanced like the S or 7. Its rough to say the least. My CLS55 feels better in that regard. It handles like a boat, plenty of body roll and the steering feels very detached from the road, the S has better steering feedback in that regard.
Dash: Way too many buttons. Not being able to use the NAV while driving another killer. Also the dash doesnt flow smoothly like the 7 or S. The controls and placement of keys felt akward to me. COMAND is much better with its force feedback and ease of use. I don't like the layout of the IC and its quite difficult to read in direct sunlight.
Drivetrain: Smooth engine, no doubt, but you have to rev the engine way too much to get any power out of it, and the transmission feels very funny. Its shifts slowly and quite sloppy. Finding the right gear seems to be bit of a problem when pushed hard.
Brakes: WEAK. The car needs new brakes ASAP. Plenty of Brake Fade, no feedback whatsoever. I consider this to be a major safety issue that needs to be addressed right away.
Electronics: Very well implemented except NAV. ML sound system sounds great, need I say more. Radar cruise control, cant touch Distronc Plus.
Presence: I couldnt tell the difference between the ES350 and the LS460l they had on the lots. Looks like a hodge-pog(Sp?) of design and ideas thrown onto vehicle. Doesnt stand out like a car should for that price.
If you have any other questions just post them in this thread.
Oh yes, the reps were drooling over the Alabaster White CLS55 with K4 and 030.
I drove a LS460L equipped with the Luxury package at about 14K additional to the base price. After dealer markup it was about 90K or so.
Ride/Handling: While the ride on the LS is smooth, its nothing fantastic. Even with its variable suspension, its very soft. Even on the sportiest setting the ride is hard yet not balanced like the S or 7. Its rough to say the least. My CLS55 feels better in that regard. It handles like a boat, plenty of body roll and the steering feels very detached from the road, the S has better steering feedback in that regard.
Dash: Way too many buttons. Not being able to use the NAV while driving another killer. Also the dash doesnt flow smoothly like the 7 or S. The controls and placement of keys felt akward to me. COMAND is much better with its force feedback and ease of use. I don't like the layout of the IC and its quite difficult to read in direct sunlight.
Drivetrain: Smooth engine, no doubt, but you have to rev the engine way too much to get any power out of it, and the transmission feels very funny. Its shifts slowly and quite sloppy. Finding the right gear seems to be bit of a problem when pushed hard.
Brakes: WEAK. The car needs new brakes ASAP. Plenty of Brake Fade, no feedback whatsoever. I consider this to be a major safety issue that needs to be addressed right away.
Electronics: Very well implemented except NAV. ML sound system sounds great, need I say more. Radar cruise control, cant touch Distronc Plus.
Presence: I couldnt tell the difference between the ES350 and the LS460l they had on the lots. Looks like a hodge-pog(Sp?) of design and ideas thrown onto vehicle. Doesnt stand out like a car should for that price.
If you have any other questions just post them in this thread.
Oh yes, the reps were drooling over the Alabaster White CLS55 with K4 and 030.
Test drove the LS 460 today. I have to say, I somehow disagree with your analysis. With due respect, the Japanese are definately gaining ground especially being in this car segment for less than 2 decades. The LS 460 does look quite good. I looked at it from all angles. Its a big car.
Pros: The ride is quality. The fit and finish, superb.
Cons: Its still a Toyota feel. The door latches, the feel, ....everything. Including the smell. It smells like a top range Avalon.
I think, I may buy one. It will look like an intelligent purchase that will look good next to my S 550. ( intelligent, because this car will be hassle free beyond the warranty time period, while my S 550 will be long sold and traded in for something else.... from Mercedes ofcourse ! )
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Texas
2005 E55
If you are thinking about buying an LS, try using all of the features of the nav system, the telephone, or the seat memory buttons while in motion. Also, if you prefer some screen other than the map to remain displayed as the default, you are out of luck. Also, how many times can you touch the "OK" ( I agree that operating the nav system can be dangerous) button after starting the engine before you get tired of bowing down to the Tokyo lawyers. I can tell you it took about 5 months for me. My LS evolved into an MB and I have never regretted it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: South Florida
ML350
Your threatening sig is unbecoming of a physician or someone who wants to be a physician. That attitude will land in you in alot of bad karma, which is something the attorney's smell.
Good luck....not trying to criticize....just trying to pass on some information learned by others the hard way. It has kept me out of trouble and unwanted hassle so far....knock on wood.
T
Thread Starter
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From: South Orange County, CA
4 wheels
Its not user friendly to me, but overall a good attempt by lexus.
Different cars for different people.
