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In a few years, I will eventually buy a '13+ LS460. I am smitten with the interior of those (wasn't too blown away by 460 interiors prior to '13 compared to my LS430-no offense), however I don't like the gauges too much.
Anyone else agree?
The initial 2007+ 460 gauges are much more pleasing to the eye. I feel like most new-newish Lexus models now no longer have the "classic" electrolumonicent gauges, which I don't understand. That was a Lexus hallmark.
Do the 2013 LS gauges even go completely dark when you turn the car off?
They're not that different. The 2013-2016 LS gauges are 100% electroluminescent, unlike a lot of the new models (I know what you mean and agree), and they go 100% dark when turned off. There is a slight metallic rim around the gauge pods which you can barely see.
The only difference between the 07-12 gauges and the 13-16 gauges is the font of the numerals, and the 13-16 has a more advanced display between the gauges. Otherwise they're the same.
They're not that different. The 2013-2016 LS gauges are 100% electroluminescent, unlike a lot of the new models (I know what you mean and agree), and they go 100% dark when turned off. There is a slight metallic rim around the gauge pods which you can barely see.
The only difference between the 07-12 gauges and the 13-16 gauges is the font of the numerals, and the 13-16 has a more advanced display between the gauges. Otherwise they're the same.
07-12 gauges:
13-16 gauges:
Yeah, definitely the same just different font. I MUCH prefer the '07 font. Looks classier. The new model LS gauges remind me of the ones in newish ES and IS models I've driven that don't "disappear". (We have an'11 IS350 whose gauges are MUCH classier and elegant than the new IS model's setup, too.) I guess it's cost-cutting. Heck, the '92 ES300 had the whole shebang with the LS400-esque gauges up until I believe 2007 when the fifth gen came out. Idk why they abandoned that (cost cutting I guess) bc that was a hallmark of Lexus back in the day, pretty gauges.
However, as a whole, the '13+ interior is light years ahead of the older 460s. I hope to find one eventually with the bamboo wood (I believe after '14 the bamboo wasn't a 600h exclusive).
The new model LS gauges remind me of the ones in newish ES and IS models I've driven that don't "disappear".
I have had the newer ES models where the gauges don't disappear, just the numerals, and the gauges in the LS460 aren't like that at all. The only difference between the 460 gauges and the 430 or 400 gauges is the metal rings around the speedo and tach.
I actually don't like the italicized numerals at all, that was one thing I preferred in the 400 to the 430.
To me the big italicized numerals remind me of one of those big clocks old people use lol
I always disliked not having mid-decade ticks on the 2007 speedo, and its leaning speedo decade font is goofy. I don't care for the background illustrations on the 2013 (i.e. watch for time); fortunately, it's easy to banish them forever and just put up your tire pressures for each corner (and spare).
Haha, since we are being nitpicky (LS owners? Imagine that lol), I have NO EARTHLY IDEA why Lexus abandoned the red needles with the LS430 refresh in '04. I'd love to have those red needles. The italicized font I rather like, though.
I have had the newer ES models where the gauges don't disappear, just the numerals, and the gauges in the LS460 aren't like that at all. The only difference between the 460 gauges and the 430 or 400 gauges is the metal rings around the speedo and tach.
I actually don't like the italicized numerals at all, that was one thing I preferred in the 400 to the 430.
To me the big italicized numerals remind me of one of those big clocks old people use lol
I also prefer the 2013+ numerals compared to the italicized ones. I haven't paid much attention to the images on the speedometer display, but agree that the clock looks silly. On my long drives, I usually have the LKA and DRCC activated, so they take up that spot. Interestingly, with the LKA and DRCC on, I cannot display tire pressures, but the display will cycle thru the other things like MPG, Range etc.
Here's a closeup of the cluster showing the disappeared gauges.
Haha, since we are being nitpicky (LS owners? Imagine that lol), I have NO EARTHLY IDEA why Lexus abandoned the red needles with the LS430 refresh in '04. I'd love to have those red needles. The italicized font I rather like, though.
LOL, I hated the red needles. I was so happy when they brought the white needles back.
Bear in mind too that picture above is with a strong overhead light
Yeah, I could BARELY make out my tach/speedo indicators in my lighted garage; couldn't see the temp/gas gauges at all. I definitely like the DRCC speed display (exact numeric MPH constantly updated); almost as nice as my son's HUD (which my wife INSISTS be in her next vehicle). We coded his BMW to get tunes, nav, speed, and phone stuff on the HUD. Amazing.
Ohh HUD's are awesome! Test drove a 750 with one and absolutely loved it. Even the nav was integrated with it, directions were really clear and in color so cool!
Well seeing that the new trend is to have a screen replace the gauges (I'm thinking S-class which I love, and some Audis), I wonder how the screen does in real life. Also, would it detract from the experience as I imagine it's quite hard to re-create an actual 3D feel on a 2D surface.
I do like my current guages, real bright and crisp. I was reading a bit of LS literature at the dealer (during a service, not for fun in case anyone was wondering lol) and it said that the electroluminescent guages were inspired by the light sabers from Star Wars. Pretty cool!
Ohh HUD's are awesome! Test drove a 750 with one and absolutely loved it. Even the nav was integrated with it, directions were really clear and in color so cool!
Well seeing that the new trend is to have a screen replace the gauges (I'm thinking S-class which I love, and some Audis), I wonder how the screen does in real life. Also, would it detract from the experience as I imagine it's quite hard to re-create an actual 3D feel on a 2D surface.
I do like my current guages, real bright and crisp. I was reading a bit of LS literature at the dealer (during a service, not for fun in case anyone was wondering lol) and it said that the electroluminescent guages were inspired by the light sabers from Star Wars. Pretty cool!
Interesting, lol. I can see that. Do the new LS cars' guages still do the song and dance where the needles light first followed by the background? That reminds me of a light saber.
Going off topic, I HATE the new digital guages on cars these days. Bring me back the 80s and 90s Mercedes gauges any day of the week over a fake, digital screen the new ones have. I don't care how high resolution the display is.
Yes...the needles still light before the rest of the gauges, and a video Lexus routine runs on the screen in between.
I'm mixed on the TFT screens for gauges. I appreciate the customizability of a screen, the freedom to reflect information anywhere, but I do like a real set of gauges.
That's a moot point though because that's clearly where the industry is headed.
08-15-16, 04:09 PM
Anyone else prefer the 07-12 gauges vs new?
