Toys4RJill

Nope, sorry. We are not talking S class or any other Lexus model.

The Ls430 is outstanding, but like I said in other threads the LS460 for 13-14 is a Lexus masterpiece.

doge

I'd agree with you but than we'd both be wrong? Is your opinion based on pictures and commentary on this forum or have you actually sat in both played around with the gadgets ?

SW17LS

Right, have you even driven an LS460 or an LS430? Sitting in it for 5 minutes at the dealer or car show is not what I'm talking about.

First let me say that there is no other car I would rather drive than a 2014 Lexus LS460. Just to put that out there. But, I'm also an objective person when it comes to these things. From what you would see in a picture, sure the 13-14 LS has an interior that is easily better than any other Lexus LS interior ever.

BUT...when you sit in the car and compare that car to say an LS430 or an older LS460...theres nothing objective that makes it better. It looks better, it looks more contemporary...but its not better built, its not more solid, the materials aren't better...they're not worse...they're just the same. Thats my point, it needs to be clearly better built and higher quality than the outgoing model.

When you start compiling a list of the LS' interior benefits over other Lexus models...you also start to note discrepancies. For instance...The GS has more adjustable seats, you cannot get the level of adjustments you have on a GS Luxury model on an LS at any price. They don't offer it. The LS has no option for a passenger adjustable length seat...the GS has driver and passenger. You can't get a panoramic sunroof like you can on an ES. The semi aniline leather in the GS luxury feels better than the base seats in the LS. That leather should be standard in the LS, and even better leather should be available in the LS at additional cost. The LS has shimamoku wood...great...so do other Lexus models. We need more options, LS specific options...but in the least someone like me coming from a loaded GS should not have to sacrifice features and content when buying an LS.

One thing other manufacturers have learned and Lexus has not learned is that one true luxury is always choice. The ability to have the car the way you want it. They shoe-horn you into these model and color specific combinations and thats contrary to what the luxury buyer wants. Don't want metal trim on the F Sport? Wood should be available. Woods should be pair-able with colors based on the buyers taste. There should be higher end leather options...not the leather thats available on the GS and even the lowly ES! There should be things that ONLY come on the LS...instead there is literally nothing on the LS you can't get on another Lexus model...

My friend who just got the X5, she ordered it from the factory. She got to choose the wood trim type, color, finish, 4 or 5 options for leather, several different seat and stitching configurations, myriads of options for exterior trim and wheels. THATS luxury. Lexus won't let us do any of that. Want grey leather? Its got to be this wood. Want ML audio? Comes in this package. Want better leather? Gotta have this $12,000 package. Want to order? We don't want you to do that. Buy it off the lot. BMW didn't even blink an eye at her desire to order.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

i recently drove a '14 RX and a '14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit. The JGC was definitely quieter, and in particular didn't make 'thumps' over bumps like speedbumps as the RX does. the JGC interior was also WORLDS nicer.

that's definitely not normal. Jeep/Dodge/Chrysler did have some software issues with the 8 speed when launched, but apparently rectified now. the 8 speed in the JGC i drove was smooth as silk.

glad you like your RX though! it's a fine suv/cuv. the thing i like about it is it feels light and airy and is very comfortable.

mmarshall

Yes...I posted that for two reasons. One, an earlier poster (might have been you?) was talking about the 2011 JGC he had owned. Two, IMO, the 2011 interior was richer-looking (particularly in two-tone) than the new 2014....but that, of course, is subjective, and just a personal opinion.

mmarshall

Perhaps so. I haven't test-driven or reviewed a new 2014 RX yet. But the last one I reviewed, refinement-wise, except for a slightly stiffer ride, was almost like an LS on stilts.


And, as I have replied to several other posters, You'll get no arguments from me on how nice the new JGC is to drive. It is, IMO, one of the iconic symbols of the new Fiat-owned Chrysler.

SW17LS

Uh, no LOL. Thats ridiculous. Its at its core the same interior, just with better woods, better trim, and new infotainment. How does any of those improvements make it less rich looking? It still comes in the same color combo you posted above.

Thats just the thing. The hard times we're in/have been in don't affect the group of people buying these cars. Look at the S Class, more expensive, terrible leases...they sell like hotcakes. People are out there with money to spend, and they are willing to spend it for a great product. Lexus could have an $85k base price, $95-$100k typically equipped LS AND sell more of them than the current car if the product was really superb. People would buy it.

There are more consumers with money out there than ever.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

about LS460 - i really like the '13 refresh interior, but the remote touch and infotainment system are a let down. they're clunky and the graphics look old. it should be better. and switching to a trackpad won't be enough.

but the LS is a WONDERFUL and EFFORTLESS car to DRIVE in PEACE with no drama or stress. an S class is too, but for $10-20K more typically.

mmarshall

IMO, you are very objective. And you are totally correct that the plushest-looking interiors, (which can dazzle you on the surface), can sometimes be nothing but plated/coated thin plastic underneath. There are a number of vehicles that do this, but, IMO, two really stand out....the Buick Enclave, and the newest version of the Toyota Avalon. Both are quite adept in making a lot of expensive plastic inside look like it belongs in a Rolls-Royce, although the Enclave uses real polished wood for the steering wheel and not fake stuff.

I won't directly comment on the latest 2014 LS interior, though, because I haven't sat inside it or reviewed it....except for a very brief moment at the D.C. auto show, where it was very crowded.

JDR76

There was an article a while back, perhaps on Car and Driver, where they were discussing the LS and they said something to the effect that while it is not a sporty car, it is a car that everyone should have the opportunity to drive just once, as it really is something to experience.

SW17LS

The infotainment is an area Lexus really needs to address, and coming from owning a long line of one Lexus after the other I really didn't realize how far behind they were, but compared to the Jeep, and compared to the new BMWs I've been in lately...Lexus' infotainment is REALLY behind...

mmarshall

That's why I said it was objective. I happen to like the 2011 interior. You and I are both quite objective (see my previous post above)

SW17LS

The LS isn't an example of this sort of problem at all, it is very plush and high quality both on the surface and below the surface, its just that its no better in this regard than previous versions of the LS, while the competition has caught up to Lexus in this area. Lexus needs to set the bar again.

Its the same interior though, just with a different steering wheel and a bigger infotainment screen. Having owned both, theres nothing to like about the 2011 interior vs the 2014 interior except for the lack of saddle leather in the 2014.

JDR76

I don't have any recent experience with the systems in Jeep or BMW, but how do they compare to the new Lexus system in the IS, CT, and GX? Do you feel the new Lexus system addresses those shortcomings or are they still behind?

mmarshall

Correct. By today's standards, the LS and non-AMG Mercedes S-Class set the bar for calm, peaceful, stress-free driving.