amit1947

So I've had my 2008 LS460 for just over a week now and I thought I should post my initial review and observations coming from a 2010 535i. I will also compare it to my dads 2005 LS430.

Comfort ---- Hands down the LS460 has the edge here. The ride comfort is far superior to the 535i. Bumps and potholes are barely felt (sometimes heard) and the body doesn't "crash" over rough roads. Also the LS is much more quiet and serene. The LS seats are less supportive than my 535i's comfort seats but somehow they seem somewhat more comfortable, especially over long distances. After driving the LS460 over a long distance (25+ miles), I actually feel MORE relaxed at the end of the trip. The BMW would make me feel fatigued in comparison.

Handling ---- Hands down the 535i is superior in every way when compared to the LS460. The 535i basically handles like a sports car with very little body roll and a LOT of grip. The steering is also extremely precise. The LS460 definitely feels big when driving down the road, but I actually like the feeling. I noticed that I have to "plan" ahead when making lane changes etc. in the LS460 compared to the 535i where I could just dart in and out of traffic. Also in the LS460 I have to actually slow down and prepare when taking sweeping turns such as freeway off ramps. The LS460's handling has improved after I reduced the tire pressure to the recommended 33PSI

Power/Engine ---- The 535i was brutal with a twin turbo inline 6. I also had a tune installed so the car could definitely get up and move. The LS460 is no slouch, but it's somewhat slower (due to the added weight). The power delivery in the LS460 is butter smooth though in comparison. The 8 speed automatic in the LS460 takes some getting used to, it just seems to shift more than the BMW's 6 speed automatic.

Interior Space ---- This obviously goes to the LS460. The front and rear seat room is huge. The extra rooms really makes a difference. I feel like I can "breath" in the LS460.

Interior Materials ---- The LS460 has superior materials. It feels more premium on the inside. A friend of mine put it simply: "This feels like I'm sitting in a 5 star hotel".

Electronics ---- So far I actually prefer the BMW's I-Drive system. I am NOT able to mess with the phone in the LS460 when the car is in motion which is annoying. Also,a the steering wheel buttons on the BMW seem more intuitive. I find the touch screen in the LS460 to be a little inaccurate to touch input. The BMW bluetooh phone interface is better (shows caller ID). The LS460 ML sound system blows away the BMW's Logic 7 system. The LS460 navigation system seems more accurate.

Lexus has incrementally improved upon the LS430 with the LS460 in every category. Of note are the seats which are far superior in the LS460. The steering feel, accuracy and overall grip are also notably better in the LS460.

robert1408

I'm 2 weeks into owning an '07 LS and agree with your observations. I am getting used to this car after having a 2013 V6 Accord. These LS's can feel a bit lazy and slow to respond at first. Once used to it, I'm finding that it is very competent. It really rewards semi-brisk driving and smooth inputs.

I've never owned a BMW but did test drive a 2012 535i with my sister last year. It was a heck of a good feeling car. My sister wound up buying a 2014 328 GT last month. The low pressure fuel pump quit with less than 600 miles on it. She was stranded just as an ice storm started. The tow truck BMW sent could not figure out how to get the car into neutral so it sat for over 24 hours before the service manager from the local dealer came out. He got it on a flat bed and only 13 days later it was ready. Sister wishes she had bought the 2014 Lexus GS 350 I had recommended.

roadfrog

Amit1947....

As the very recent (2 days), owner of a 2008 LS460 who traded in a 2003 745i, I have to agree with everything you said above. EXCEPT reference to the idrive. I LOATHED that system. The endless scrolling and clicking to do the simplest task(like changing the direction of airflow in the HVAC, was ridiculous. It was panned by many a car reviewer and I can understand why. Maybe the 5 series idrive were better than the E65.

Regardless, WELCOME! I for one am looking forward to LS ownership that should prove to be less stressful than my 7 was. LOL

amit1947

The 745i had the first generation CCC Idrive. My car had the much improved CIC Idrive.

I have to agree with you on the CCC, it's not easy to use.

Devh

Thanks for the detailed comparison. I have to be honest that in some ways I do miss the drive of my BMW but I understand why all that engineering is being pushed to the edge of unreliability.

One thing that perplexes me is that no one cared about the BMW and I thought the Lexus brand would be a downgrade of sorts in the general public eyes which in a way I kind of liked because it's modest and understated luxury but I found the opposite to be true and it gets unwanted attention.