Well by being the "flagship," regardless of characteristics, they do compete and take up the same space.

How many near $100k or more coupes are there? Defining the competition becomes less discrete at this range and it's definitely not as simple as Camry competitors, but these two cars, whether intended or not, are competing against each other.

Just because one is more "luxury" versus being more "sporty," both of which are subjective anyways, doesn't mean they can't and don't compete. Most people think BMWs are more "sporty," but that doesn't mean it doesn't compete with smooth, "more luxurious" cars of similar class.

 

Yes, in a way, the sporty LC coupe will compete with the luxo S Class coupe, and you are right, the Benz tends to be noticeably pricier.

 

I think when you have something as personal as a coupe, the decision making process is a little different. Do people really go out and drive several luxury coupes or do they guys go buy the one that is speaking to them? IMHO and from the behavior I've watched from people I know who have them, they just go get them. An S Class coupe or 6 series or SL or whatever has been speaking to them for a long time, and they finally give in and go buy it. No comparison shopping happens as happens with a more practical purchase.

 

i got to see the LC500h last night. No way are either of them direct competitors as they are worlds different type of cars, however they are competing for the high end dollar. . The new LC has its own completely different personality and design compared to other top coupes from other brands that have their own design.

 

Don't want to bring up wounds but just look at how the market has responded thus far to the GSF and RCF vs an C class AMG or m5...

Similar class of car but top dollar buyers are more likely to pay extra dollars for the old stalwarts over new entrants like Lexus.

 

Well when Lexus decided to charge similar money but down on power....yea even the blind can see it wont work out well.

 

That's exactly how I feel about V6 LS.

It should not be priced like a V8 S550 or 750i. It won't go well.

The V6 LS should be priced slightly lower than the V6 counterparts.

 

I really don't think it will be...

 

im more drawn to the ultra contemporary interior and design than the engine. No one else has a look like this. BMW and Benz have their boring exterior and interior as usual. I dont like turbo cars in sportscars but in a comfortable luxury sedan i can live with one.

 

Oh but it will.

 

100% agree or otherwise it will not sell.
Nobody is buying the LS right now, all those people that went to MB, BMW will not be jumping back to V6 LS unless the value is there.
It should be priced at $75k for base model to $95k for fully loaded.

All those RWD SWB LS460 customers will be getting a sticker shock.

 

I don't think it needs to be that cheap, early $80s to start I think still presents a good value if its well equipped as base.

 

Yeah, I can't ever recall a car jumping almost $20k in MSRP from one year to the next, just unheard of no matter how much of a redesign. That's like moving the MSRP of the Camry up $5k from one year to next due to a redesign. Ludicrous.

Hey let them MSRP this at $90k. It won't sell well. Some lessons have to be learned the hard way.

 

And this is where you are dead wrong, you should look at the percentage increase and not the dollar increase. A $5K increase for the LS is a different percentage than the Camry. Your Camry example is a poor example. I do believe the LS500 will be around $85K or so.

Look at the increase in LX570 vs the past LX470 back in 2008. I believe the base LX470 was about $60K while the 08 LX hit $75K base. Now the LX570 is close to $89K.

 

He understands that...thats why he said a $20k increase to the LS is like a $5k increase to the Camry.