VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

Just got dealer quotes on both cars

LS430 w/everything (ultra luxury package)

E500 w/everything (premium everything)

They both came to be somwhere around $68,500.

I'm just utterly torn. Anyone else looked @ this comparison? Your oppinions?

I really like the way the new E class looks. Any input would be appreciated.

HoleinOne

I had the same struggle and I have actually ordered the new E500 and decided to go with the LS right after I test drive it for the first time.

I feel that there is really no contest that the LS is a much better buy hands down. The features of the E500 does not truly stand up to the Ultra package if you consider the many small details that Lexus has included in the LS - auto folding of the side mirrors, auto lowering of the rear sunscreen and the side mirrors in the reverse gear, puddle light under the side mirrors, lumenated door handles and seat belt buckles, and a much more user-friendly nav system, etc. Furthermore, the LS is a larger and more prestigeous car that the E. In addition, if you check out the MBWorld forum, you will find that there are already a number of quality issues with the new E.

I got the ML/Nav package and Euro Sport tuned suspension (it's a little stiffer with much improved handling characteristics) and could not be happier that I made the choice. However, I sure pissed off a few readers on the MB forum when I mentioned what I have done. There are some readers on that site with some pretty serious emotional problems - mainly the MB owner wannabes, I think.

Good luck with your decision, although I think it is an easy one.

Lexozz

Hey Vssc400!

I have a some words for you:

LS430=RELIABILITY, RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF PERFECTION

Good Luck!

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

one thing that I didn't see on the LS430 was the massage function on the driver and the passenger seats and the cooler in the back seat.... is that part of the ultra luxury package? are they still offering it.

rcf8000

I think the decision would be based on whether your inclinations go more toward luxury or sportiness. If luxury, the LS430 would be the easy choice, imo. Reliability and the dealer experience considerations would also weigh the choice toward the LS430.

caliz_finest

the only reason there are reliability probs with the E is because this is the first year it came, EVERY car has probs with a new model the first year not just mercedes

IT depends on what youre looking for, if you want more performance then go with the E500, if you want more luxury then go with the LS430 I personally would go with the E500 but i guess some would say im biased

GS4Will

if i were to consider a benz, it would be at least 3 yrs after the model change...why, family and friends' experience..oh and a buddy who works as a benz tech at a dealer...

VA..e500 is a nice car..not sure how much you value that hood emblem...but you do get lot more for your $$ with the LS..

this is quite interesting as the LS is been compared to both the S and E....engineers in japan should be proud..

rcf8000

I don't agree that ALL new models have reliability issues. Since 1998 I have bought 4 new Lexus/Toyota cars. (RX300, Camry Solara, LS430, and SC430) In each case, they were new model, early production cars. Only one of the cars had ANY problems in the first year (the RX300), and it was minor. I'll concede that maybe MB introduces more new technology in their cars (like brake-by-wire), but is it an improvement?

pbm317

The massage function is part of the Ultra Luxury package, and it's in the backseats, not the front seats. So yes it should still be available.

Lexozz

That option used to be listed, I'm I right? Now it's not listed on the Lexus web site check it out!
http://www.lexus.com/lexusConfigApp/lexselectpackage.do

VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

thats precisely what I was talking about. I didn't see it listed on their site.

JohnsRX

this really isnt a smart question to ask in a Lexus forum. But im one of the few who test drove the E500 and i can say that its a fantastic car. Given the choice and at the same price, i would definitely take the benz. They did such a impressive job with the new car, plus the benz has 3 or is it 4 year free service now. I can give u a tons of reasons why the benz, but its really a matter of your own "wants". Im sure others on this board will give u the reasons, but for me a benz is a benz is a benz. And i always want whats new.

SW03ES

The only issue is that yes while the E Class compares to the LS430 in price, it doesn't in type of car or in size. The E Class is smaller, much more sport oriented (especially the 500). In my opinion you can't really compare the two vehicles, they're designed to sell to a different demographic. Compare the E500 to the GS430.

LexFather

E-class is a GS competitor, for 68k!?!? An M5 is what 70k? LS 430 is S-class competition, the value is even more evident if they are the same price. I do think the new E 500 looks GREAT, but think of this (from a new ClubLexus member choosing a LX 470 over a X-5 4.6)

Dema

Absolutely. But when people have some amount of cash on hands the competition in particular niche doesn't play much role. You want either specific car or just spend specific cash. In this case I would buy E500 because new DVD navigation will be capable to play DVD and MP3 disks.