don't forget that when toyota designed the LS, it was intended to beat the s class in a number of key performance areas, and they literally drove it at "top speed all day" on the autobahns so it's quite up to the task of triple digit cruising.

and i say it's a good thing that the ES doesn't handle at high speeds as well as a bmw, since that would mean giving it the same firm harsh suspension as a bmw and the car isn't about that. the average ES driver i see is either like ancient or some younger kid who probably inherited it, and obviously doesn't care THAT much about performance or they'd get rid of it. i'll happily come drive the S550 at 100 btw lol...

 

Most modern cars can handle 90-100 mph. But I do not recommend driving like that on public roads. There is truly no reason for it (not even for passing) and only trouble can result over a period of time. It's like those who go out for a night of fun..."nothing really good can happen after midnight."

Now, from everything you mentioned, I recommend the ES or GS. The ES will save you some money and still deliver. The GS will make a bit more of a statement, stand out a bit more, and introduce a small amount of sport. Both are fine cars, highly reliable, comfortable, built very well, and hold their value. You would not be sorry with either.
Good luck!

 

 

OK, OP....back to the original question (not debating about what speed to drive, which we have thoroughly discussed in other threads), given your tastes, I'd look at a newer LS.....one with lower miles and less wear on it. The LS430 is (arguably) the smoothest-riding car that Lexus ever built, but the LS460's noise-isolation is probably even better, and they are more likely, as used vehicles, to have fewer miles on them.

 

(and a 3rd, not so efficient V8 but who's keeping track) well hey now i bought that car used, and what's more green than recycling! believe me though if my commute wasn't only a few miles i'd be thinking more about mpgs. i'd love a prius prime at some point, it's actually quite awesome and nice driving. like a slow tesla!

 

This with good tires should give you what you're looking for. Big fan of the 2nd gen

 

Whew. A Prius is a penalty box to me. I'm all about efficiency, but those are so slow they're dangerous. I had a rental Focus hybrid last year and after a week of driving it, I decided I rather liked it. It had plenty of pickup yet still got mpg in the 40s.

Every time I get one of those CTs from the Lexus dealer with the Prius' powertrain (it's been a while) my foot is to the floor constantly, and not much happens. LS430 is a quick car, but it's not some overpowered AMG beast. However, it sure feels like it after I pick it back up. You don't have to nudge the gas much to get up to speed in the LS. A Prius I wouldn't even be comfortable with in any (unfamiliar, at least) major metropolitan interstate situation because they're so slow.

 

as far as i'm concerned a regular prius is penalty box, but the prius prime (plug in) is actually really cool. if i'm saying that considering what i drive, you know there's something noteworthy about it. try to race people with it and yea it'll suck, but if you try to be super eco with it, a task that the car literally turns into a game for you with the on screen graphics, it's one of the most cost effective ways of getting around i think.

idk about now, but when i was selling them there was a $3,500 federal tax rebate, an $1,100 NY state plug in rebate which you got immediately at purchase, and any additional manufacturers rebates so you could get a pretty substantial amount off msrp. and the difference between msrp and invoice was only about $700 (much to the annoyance of the sales managers) so no matter what it's pretty much always a good deal. i once took one from new rochelle back to the dealer in roslyn, and i don't know what mpgs i really got since the trip computer maxed out at 199.9 mpg! in the entire drive, the gas engine ran for maybe 2-3 minutes and did everything else on the battery (it had a full charge when i left).

with a full charge at least, there's enough off the line torque to literally chirp the front tires so to call it "dangerously slow" is a bit of an overstatement lol... i feel ya but it's not THAT slow!

 

perhaps some didn't see this request. subsequent posts on this were deleted.