bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

I've told you a million times - stop exaggerating.

While I would imagine a lot of people who buy BMWs like its image, I think a large percentage love the driving experience of it too. I've met many non-car people who bought a BMW and tell me they like the way it drives, steers, brakes, etc. and that's why the have one. A friend of mine traded in his 5-series and bought a new GS430. He likes the smoothness of the Lexus but misses the way his 5 series drove. He doesn't like the transmission or steering on the GS, and he's definitely NOT a car guy and definitely didn't buy a BMW for 'bling'.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

I bet many are LS430 owners who didn't want to buy another LS430 and were waiting for the new one.

It will be interesting to see if S-Class sales are dented at all in 3 months.

spwolf

well, S class sales dropped anyway since supply cought up with demand, so it is normal that it is dropping.

However if you check sales of S class you will notice it is lower than LS430 last year, so I have no doubts that LS will regain its sales crown, easily.

mcash

I have had a Mercedes S55 AMG (2003), the BMW 6 Series and am now getting the LS 460L. I always believed that Lexus made the best car but I was bored by the design. The MB is a rocket...but the technology is far behind Lexus IMHO. So is the reliability. I do not like the new S body style. The BMW was beautiful, but the interior was plasticy and it had neither the comfort/tech of Lexus nor the muscle of the MB. Now Lexus has combined styling with tech for a wow car. Enough muscle to not make me miss the Benz too much and IMHO great lines. (Especially w 19" wheels.) I think when you throw in reliability Lexus is the winner. When you throw in price...no contest.

Hameed

Wait till vraa/ricky.agarwal tries to talk you out of it when he gives his usual one-liner - "it doesn't have 590lb-ft torque, so it is not even worth considering" speech.

dimapb

It is actually cheaper to lease a BMW 750 Li than LS460L.
I was looking to lease one (still have not made the decision) and was quoted $1300 for a fully loaded 750 Li and $1560 for a LS460L. I really like the way LS460 rides, but I just can't decide if I want to pay MSRP for a car that's going to be at least $5k less in 6 - 12 months.

exBMWowner

Those are the exact numbers I got. Pretty ridiculous to have to pay that much extra to go from the BMW to the Lexus. I could lease a $100K S550 fully loaded for $1400 per month.

I'm quite sure those numbers will change after the initial orders are filled. The best thing we can all do is sit tight and refuse to pay MSRP or any of these absurd lease rates.

RSTSpeed

iTrader: (4)

That's what a lot of people are saying... that or the S55 AMG, but I don't think the potential buyer is interested in the Benz.

LexFather

Little known fact, the new 745/750 were the first 7 series to have a Lease deal(s). This helped sales. However has anyone seen the depreciation of a 745? You can buy them in the mid to high $35,000+ range with NO issue.

vraa

iTrader: (2)

I didn't say it's not worth considering, what I meant was that it's not worth thinking about in the performance perspective.

590lb-ft torque, do you know what that'll do to a guy?!

omarg

OK guys don't crucify me. I loved the way the LS460 drove on handling course. now i haven't drivin either car on public roads but from what i can tell... the BMW might not handle better that the LS460 but it sure does feel better which IMO is more important. I drove the LS460, S550, and 750i back to back and I must say the BMW was the most confidence-inspiring. Now don't get me wrong the LS460 handles remarkably, especially for such a large car, but the BMW FELT even more agile than the IS350. I was polarized by the BMW and in love with the LS460 but if it were my money, and my decision i would be torn too. The interior is awful but the handling redeems it (almost). But on the track, the BMW wins my vote.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i whole hearted agree with you, the driving FEEL of the bmw gives me the most confidence in tossing the car around

Gojirra99

Possibly get him killed ? It's so tempting to test it to the limits

vraa

iTrader: (2)

But let's be honest, who's going to drive these cars in that fashion?
Of all my reading -- people go upto around the E55/M5 level and then stop. No one buys a LS, 7er, or S to throw them around.

vraa

iTrader: (2)

The car powerslides at rest.
Think about that for a second.
It's blown my brain. I can't comprehend it