Originally Posted by oohpapi44

ok, you win. Really done because you're missing the point of the discussion and reading this like I'm bashing the RX.

Feel free to line up the F-Sport at a track or a red light against, the Cayenne, X5 or ML3xx series and think it will be a fair fight.

Originally Posted by rayaans

Do people really take SUV's on a track?

Originally Posted by corradoMR2

Looking at the figures for the ML350 CDI and taking into consideration the extra mass + the twitchy gearbox, I bet I could have one on the lights.

Originally Posted by corradoMR2

Hmm wonder what happens when the new RX comes out with "hopefully" the 340hp hybrid system from the GS.

Originally Posted by corradoMR2

But what I'm saying (and probably rayaans too) is the RX F-Sport is a truly fun-to-drive vehicle that can carve into the curves with aplomb while also providing real-world daily practicality and comfort when compared to the base RX but still lags FAR behind any of the level above 5 seater SUV's.

Originally Posted by corradoMR2

Again to put things into perspective, in a similar fashion, the IS 350 F-Sport RWD is not the best at everything on the track in particular acceleration against the 335i and S4, but the intangibles and overall combination of fun-to-drive track and real-world driving experience makes the IS a winner.

We're pointing out two different perspectives, yours on pure numbers alone, and myself (and rayaans I believe) as an overall ownership experience. Unfortunately for us F-Sport owners, the RX's stigma as a soft un-engaging soccer-mom SUV will make even Lexus enthusiasts skeptical of the RX F-Sport's capabilities, and my response is that only once you've owned one, can you understand how good it is No harm done. Makes for a good thread.

This commercial that aired a while back, with the man fully engaged in the driving, smiling, and getting that rush of satisfaction, perfectly sums up the F-Sport experience.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iop3gYXaAgw

Originally Posted by EMSLEXUSRX

A friend of mine took advantage of the promos on the 2014 Mercedes E350. She got a large discount also off of the MSRP. It was loaded to the gills. The Mercedes dealership that she bought the car from also gave her a hundred dollar gift certificate to a high-end restaurant in Tampa called Donatello. This restaurant has been around in Tampa since the seventies.

We had a nice dinner and a fun evening at Donatello, and I had the chance to ride in her new Mercedes. Although the car drove very nice, I didn't care for the start/stop technology that is now in the new Mercs. For me, it ruined an otherwise nice ride. When she would accelerate from a stop, the car would shutter a bit before coming to life. She also had it in ECO mode, and I told her she needed to try out the other modes that are available. She doesn't know a whole lot about cars, so she didn't get what I was trying to explain to her. All she cares about is getting the best gas mileage out of the car. They should allow the driver to turn off that start/stop stuff if the driver wants to.

I remember driving an RX400h back in 2006, which we know that hybrids have this technology, but I don't remember it being so noticeable. Maybe my memory is flawed.

Otherwise, the Merc E350 is a very nice vehicle

Originally Posted by RXSF

^^ me too. before we even get to crashworthiness, Mercedes Pre Safe systems are incredible. We are talking about seat position, seatbelt position, and window/sunroof positions moving right before an accident to give you the best possible chance of surviving.

Originally Posted by GoGiantsNJ

I will keep my unexiting extremely reliable RX over the ML. My coworker has seen Mercedes service quite a lot with his ML
I see my Lexus dealer twice a year for routine service.

Originally Posted by oohpapi44

Yes



err NO



Again, No, not going to happen



My only point



And for Lexus, any step forward performance wise is a good thing. No one is more pissed than I am with the banishment of a v8 in the GS.

Originally Posted by rayaans

The RX is also available with a pre crash safety system and Im pretty sure that the new IS just got a 5 star NCAP rating in the UK. Its the best in the whole segment so go ahead and take the equivalent Merc saloon if you wish and try a head on collision and then take the new IS and do it all over again. Be sure to let me know which felt better.

BTW I have had an accident in my C Class and didnt really notice any difference between having a collision in that or in my 1998 Passat.

Originally Posted by corradoMR2

Agreed. And I agree even more with you on the removal of the V8 in the GS

As an important aside, I didn't write quotes 2, and 3 you reference with my name in your post above. I take it you inadvertently copy/pasted my name

Originally Posted by RXSF

Not only does the Merc pre collision system do what the Lexus systems do, they go multiple steps further. The mercedes senses a collision and adjusts the seat position and seat belt position so that the occupants are in a better position for collision. the windows and moonroof closes for before impact. Then, upon collision, the doors automatically unlock and the hazard lights flash. No other brand goes this far to help occupants survive not only the impact, but easily accessible by rescue teams.

Originally Posted by oohpapi44

I've heard the same. But have plenty of faith in what Lexus does to protect the cabin upon impact as well. Think both brands go above and beyond, but yes, MB does go a step further.