dannieboiz

We test drive an 08 LS460 L and an 07 S550 Sports

I have to say I enjoyed driving the S550 a lot more. As much as people frown on the reliability of the MB, I have an 04 E class that has 120k miles on it and no major repairs (knock on wood).

Besides the driving enjoyment, I can't convince myself to fall in love with the front end, I really like the *** though.

Additionally, an extremely equipped LS460 would still be around 10k cheaper than a mid range equipped S550.

I had a GS400 10 years ago and I love it but the LS is just another class of its own and I can't find the sporty feel of it in an LS460, the S550 is right in between. Ultimate luxury and sporty at the same time.

Just trying to find someone to change my mind about the LS460 because I really want to like the car.

LIMS407

maybe maintenance bills,,,i know s550 is one of most expansive car to service in the class,,

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yes, maintenance is something to look for, in the very long term the s class might be more, when things start to break down. but i can tell you for the normal maintenance like fluid changes, lexus won't be that much cheaper, if at all

on the drive, i think you just need to look for what you want. the ls460 is about ultimate comfort and smoothness, but it doesn't have any driving feel. the s550 has more feedback and more fun to drive on the other hand.

also, not sure how you like the nav, the ls460 is touch screen, the s550 has the ****. and i think ls has better audio

JFNash

I believe the Lexus is more reliable and less expensive to maintain. The Check Engine light doesn't come on as easy as it does on the MB.

A friend of mine owns a S500 (the Saudi version of the S550). He overfilled the gas two times and the Check Engine came on. It was repaired under the warranty, but he will probably have to pay for these expensive repairs after the 100,000 km warranty expires.

I like the look of the MB more. But nothing is like the peace of mind.

dannieboiz

Th nav and controls on the s seems lacking until you actually use it. They're mostly voice command I tested the radio tuning and nav voice control none skipped a beat. I really like talking to a machine.

I'm leaning towards the ls is cpo are 3 yrs 100k warranty is standard vs mb is only 1 year 100k to get 3 yrs its gonna be extra.and the reliability of a toyota is 2nd to none. Oops did I say toyota? Lol jk I'm lease concern of the regular maintenance.

chuang

You really want to like Lexus LS , but you like the look and driving feel of the Mercedes. I think you should get the Mercedes. Better yet, why don't you wait until next year, the S class Mercedes will be brand new. If you buy the 07 Mercedes, you will be driving a late model car next year.

dannieboiz

New body style isn't coming out till 2014 if I'm calculating it right. Every 7 years is when MB change body. When is the LS460 changing body?

chuang

2013 LS 500 will be in U.S. show room late Sep or early Oct, 2012 according to my Japanese contact.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

ls500? engine update? or totally new design

chuang

Current Mercedes W221 S klasse was in U.S. showroom since 2006. The new S Klasse should be out about same time next year as Lexus LS 500. Hope this help.

chuang

A totally new design for LS 500. engine maybe same or variant of current LS 600h 's 5 liter V8.

marky2mark

This was one of the clinchers for me. Although I have found the LS nav (2008) to be lacking and the XM interface is poor compared to Ford and GM, but still better than the "****". Also the 10-15 grand price difference was a factor. And the customer service. I have a MBZ 500SL and the few times I have taken it to the dealer for service, they act like they are doing you a favor and they will nickel and dime you to death. The Japanese cars I have owned (Infiniti and Lexus) service has always been top notch.

Lextrician

I agree that infiniti and lexus provide awesome service but I just think that the fact that you have benz is a status symbol, not for me though I know whats up with japanese luxury.... and I think beside a caddy that is all I have ever owned. I would mine having a german brand if i could afford the maintenance.... and the down time. if you other cars then owning a benz or bimmer would not be a problem but if it is your only car then you will screw yourself.

LS430black

I have test driven both S550 and LS460L, the S550 was better in stability and more on status, interior materials, but soon I changed my mind due to the long-term use, the Mercedes is reported to have broken down a lot, then I bought my LS460L and nothing serious happened so far, I'm pleased to have it, the audio was better, too.

Lextrician

haven't drove any benz but I have ridden in a few I love lexus....