dfrosch

Googled this. The comparisons are a little dated, but the LS seems to edge out the Panamera every time.


http://carsort.com/compare/Lexus-LS-vs-Porsche-Panamera


http://cars.axlegeeks.com/compare/37...4-Lexus-LS-460


http://www.guideautoweb.com/en/speci...are/9099,9130/

Doublebase

Small world, back then I really liked both the 900 and 9000 turbos...both were pretty fun to drive. I used to do the 30 and 60k mile services on those things in an hour and a half, and that was including brakes and replacing exhaust system (plugs, cap, rotor, wires, fuel filter, oil change, coolant change, tranny service, brakes, exhaust, reset the light, tire rotation, time the engine, add techron, etc). I think the whole job was over 2 grand which was a lot of money back then, but they were pretty easy to work on.

Hwyman

Doublebase, my goal was to having a clean look with no indications of bulges or lack of smooth carpet. In short, 30 minutes for each foot well and 90 minutes for each side of the transmission tunnel. This was limited to the front seat area only. Time spent was well worth it. I was very happy with the end result.

I chose to do this because I wanted to improve the quietness of the car. But as stock, it is still was nice.

Devh

I worked as a lot attendant at the time and had to DX cars up and down the east coast. Mostly Nissan but occasionally Saabs . The 900 and 9000 turbos were some of my favorites also especially the SPG .

CarGuy89

Cool thread! I test drove a local '12 BMW 750Li xdrive and a '12 LS460 AWD back to back just for fun today.

I've already driven a 460 in the past and noticed the ticking but only when I was outside the car. The 460 rode like a dream and was even quieter than the 430, with less body roll which was nice. Otherwise it felt more like a nice evolution, everything was a bit nicer with a few more features.

The 750, on the other hand, was just a whole new feeling to me. The one I drove had some awesome tech like the HUD (can't get over how cool this is, wish the 460 had it), side cameras, massage seats, adaptive cruise etc. However, the leather didn't quite feel as nice, nor was it as comfy/quiet as the 460. Was excellent in the corners though. However, like the OP brought up long-term reliability would be my main concern as well.

Overall, I feel like the 750 felt newer b/c of all the tech. However, the 460 seems to be the more logical choice with its excellent reliability. The debate still continues, but it was definitely a very fun day!

anniversar

Interesting that you have no rattles. Ever since I had mine the suspension has been noisy. Struts have been replaced and control arms inspected. The rattling is 10X worse in the comfort setting on rough city roads and so I now leave it in Normal mode. It took me months however, to discover that difference. It seems to me that the comfort mode cannot handle the suspension travel on rough roads.

As part of the test drive series I wrote about in my original post, I forgot to mention the most important test drive which was of a 2015 LS 460. The only one my Milwaukee dealer had in stock was a base AWD model without air ride. The ride was very tight with no rattles and steering feel much better than my 2010 model. Part of this feeling I am sure was because it was a new car with no wear. Engine tapping noise still there at idle, wheel slap on concrete expansion joints still very evident despite noise cancelling rims and wind noise no different to mine at highway speed. My overwhelming impression was "where is the improvement". This was the first car of the day I tested and encouraged me to evaluate the other makes I already reported on.In terms of other aspects of the new versus 2010 LS my thoughts are as follows:

1. I prefer the dash layout of my 2010 with the buttons logically laid out either side of the Nav screen.

2. Do not like the mouse controller on the new model

3. Prefer the seats on the new model, more comfort and side support

4. Dash plastic on new model does not seem of very high quality and the shape around the nav screen as it flows into the area of the speedometer is ugly imho. I would like to see one with the all leather trim.

5. Prefer the door panel trim in the new model, it looks more upmarket than the simple plastic trim on the 2010 year.

anniversar

Interesting to read your observations. They line up pretty much with mine. I would really like to upgrade to the higher levels of Tech offered by some of the other makes but the reliability issue is a big concern. I reviewed the CPO warranty of the BMW and struts for example are excluded from coverage. Like the LS, they are super expensive. I agree with you that the BMW does not have quite the comfort as the LS. However, although on the one hand the LS seems more isolated, I find the engine rattle, the suspension noise in comfort mode, sharp noises and interior creaks when I hit a drainage cover or smaller pothole, to really detract from the luxury. One thing I noticed about the BMW when driven on similar road features is while the suspension was definitely firmer, there were no body creaks or intrusive suspension noises. It seems as if maybe the body shell is stiffer than the LS. I had the same impression with the Audi A8.

LS2k

Thanks, this is one of the few that i'd be curious to try.

Doublebase

Excellent, thanks. I'd like to improve on mine a little bit, it's not bad, but I think it could be a little better.

Doublebase

HUDHUD is one of the best features I've seen in a car - I honestly don't know why every car doesn't have it - it's not distracting and you never have to take your eyes off the road. I'm shocked more cars don't have it.

CarGuy89

Interesting take on the chassis part! You are right maybe it's a German thing. My family also has an E60 5 series and while it rides firmer, I feel like it damps the bigger bumps better. Likewise with the 7 series. I have yet to drive an A8 but heard those are absolute tanks (but tend to spend lots of time in the shop).

I agree 100%

Wandl

Somewhat related - LS460L named the best Lexus you could get...and a list of best/worst models for each make

https://www.yahoo.com/autos/the-best-and-worst-cars-by-brand-from-consumer-116052864517.html