jarm

I am thinking about trading in for a 2013 LS. What changed on the Lexus LS from 2012 to the 2013 except the front end. I know that.

Second question. Would you buy a 2013 LS without the Mark Levinson and put your own stereo in it or just buy the Mark Levinson edition 2013. I heard the ML at the Houston Auto show and it sounded unbelievable.

SW17LS

Theres a more exhaustive list somewhere, it was a lot...over 3,000 components.

Off the top of my head:

Outside:
Hood
Bumpers
Headlights
Grille
Fenders
Side skirts
Mirrors
Trunk lid
Taillights
Rear bumper
Wheels

Inside:
Dashboard (complete, new instrument cluster, new center stack, new interface in the RTC, 12" screen, new console, new infotainment system)
Steering wheel
Door panels have reworked trim
Seat design

In terms of non cosmetic improvements, additional sound deadening was added, dual paned windows were made standard, chassis was strengthened.

The F Sport model was all new with a unique front and rear look, wheels were carried over from the 2012 Sport with different detailing, air suspension rides lower in that model, intake song generator on the F Sport, unique interior trim and seats.

Its a pretty big change.

tambo916

I am looking at the 2012s and 2013s as well. It seems that many of the 2013s that are for sale right now don't have levinson. I definitely want a car with levinson but that is personal preference. I am trying to justify the additional cost of the 2013 vs the 2012. Right now I am seeing about a 10-15k difference. 2012 certifieds are in the 38-42k range. Tough decision.

SW17LS

The reason the 2013s are so much more is they look just like a new one. Once the 2017 comes out with the redesign those values will come down, the question is do you want to wait that long?

jarm

I really want the 2013. I love the new design. And the ML system is a must. I guess I am trying to justify buying a 2013 without the ML or buy a 2012 LS for 20K difference. There are almost no 2013 for sale with the ML and that don't have the AWD in black/black. I have been watching for months now. When do the 2013 lease cars come off lease? Does the AWD make a difference in the mileage or handling?

qtrung909

I'd say be patient if you want a 13. I'm sure one will pop up when you least expect it to. AWD will make a bit of difference in mileage. Edmunds has it as a 1 mpg difference on hwy and the same in the city. 16/24 for base model and 16/23 for AWD.

SW17LS

If that's what you really want, you should get what you want. Don't settle.

roadfrog

Agreed.....especially the ML. It really is a phenomenal system.

The spindle grill used to induce vomiting when I looked at it, but I'll admit...it's starting to grow on me. For those familiar with the movie, "Predator"... It reminds me of this:

SW17LS

In all honesty it really is a minor change on the LS...

Toys4RJill

It hasn't been mentioned, but Lexus has done something to squeeze 6 more HP out of the 4.6 engine.

dal20402

I would not buy a car without ML unless I didn't care about sound. Trying to make an aftermarket system sound as good as ML is going to take a lot of money, effort, and experimentation. You won't get there just by slapping in an amp and a few speakers.

dlbuckls10

Body, suspension and drivetrain about the same and the rest is obvious especially the spindle grill. The ML is a must and should be standard.

Toys4RJill

I agree, ML should be standard on the LS.

SW17LS

I'm not really a sound guy. The base audio is fine for me.

caha14

It is on the 600.

ML is definitely a must for me (and the reason I waited an extra 7 weeks for our GS350 back in late '06/early '07 when that car first came out).

I will say, however, that I have been reasonably pleased/impressed with the sound on loaner cars (RX, ES, IS, NX), all of which have had the base audio system. I do notice the ML difference, and for the price premium (couple grand, give-or-take) believe it's a no-brainer if you care about it (relative to other audio upgrades one could spend $ on).