acribb

I just did a quick comparison that i'd like the forum to double-check for me.

Premium 460 is MSRP of $56765
Base 460 is MSRP of $51970

Premium is $4795 more than base.

Premium model adds: Folding mirrors, 3rd climate zone (rear ac), heated rear seats, wood trimmed steering wheel and shifter, Semi-aniline leather, and HID's with AFS.

I can add all these options onto the base ala carte with the:
Convenience package - $800
Comfort Plus Package - $1770
HIDs with AFS - $815

These options total out to - $3385, which is a difference of $1410.

Does Lexus think that potential buyers would not notice this 'measly' $1410 difference?

Am I supposed to pay $1410 for silver trimmed door guards and headlamp washers?

Johnny Rad

Yes. Maybe there's some other little stuff, like a nice "premium" badge.

That's marketing. And it will work.

dgsvt

Where are you getting the pricing details for the different packages?

ongtroi

Premium has these:

Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
Electronically Modulated Rear Air Suspension with air springs, automatic load-leveling and three-position manual height control

and for some reasons, height is less in premium: 73.8 in vs. 74.2 in

acribb

There's the difference I was looking for. I knew it had to be something I was missing.

Does anyone know what the height difference between low and high is on the air suspension? That is a pretty cool feature on the Cayenne.

rainmn

Maybe so, but on the current GX it's a pretty useless feature with height sensors that are prone to failure.

I've used the manual adjustment exactly one time...and it broke while I was trying to do so.

Just my 2 cents.

acribb

Sounds like we should avoid the 'Premium' model. It does seem pretty useless and gimmicky, now that you mention it.

I'm curious to see what options and option packages Lexus typically equips 'Base' models with.

At a minimum, I need the HIDs and ML/Navi.

austinchic

There is the side trim on the body that signifies the "Premium" model, so if you add on to the base, other people will still think you just bought the base.. OH NOES!
I'm with you.. base + options for savings sounds good to me. Good find!

Capirato

Check here for options.

http://www.lexus.com/models/GX/features/pricing.html

~ Cap

pickle

I actually use the manual rear height control a lot. When I hitch up a trailer, I reverse in with the suspension lowered. After alligning the ball with the reciever in the back up camera, I manually lift the suspension to high. Latch the trailer coupler, attach the safty straps, and swing the dolly up, and drive away.

Aside from trailering, I understand why most would never use it.

jjbenzo

Also, you only mentioned that the premium pkg gets the wood grain wheel....it is also heated. I think if we have a brochure in hand it will be easier to break down the differences. Does anyone know if the brochures are out yet? I requested one a week or so ago and got an 09 instead of the new 10.

antonio98

Yes, the 2010 brochures are available now.

CWK

I think Mark Levinson is another important option that is on the Premium. The math adds up and IMO if you are buying a Lexus you want the Premium package.

Bocastyle

I looked at both and one thing that i noticed right away is the chrome! I love chrome and the base model looks pretty plain to me. Here's the thing i live in florida and i don't need the down hill assist i dont plan on doing much 4 wheel driving ( there are no mountains ) the most i've done is climbed high curbs or crossed medians lol But the old saying you get what you pay for

gsobol

Hmm.... if you get what you pay for, than I'm sorry to tell you, but chrome costs the manufacturer less than matching paint. Think about it, chrome parts can go on any color vehicle, so you can buy them in bulk reducing your overall costs. Matching color parts are manufactured in smaller quantity, and cost more to produce. Here's where the car manufactures make a killing on people vanity :-)