Saw my first LS500 in person...
 

On sunday. An older gentleman at my church just bought one. It was a very sharp-looking car in person. It was Autumn Shimmer with parchment leather, and I am pretty sure every option available except for the kikiro (?) package. The spindle grille looks terrible in pictures, but in person it is extremely well executed, especially with the triple row headlamps. Autumn shimmer is a GORGEOUS color, I think one of my favorites ever from Lexus, which is funny because I am not a fan of brown typically. I did not get to drive it, but I did get to sit in it and I gotta say, its a very comfortable car. I do think the LS460 is more comfortable to sit in (seats are not as highly bolstered), but by and large the LS500 is pretty great.

It's November and I've seen about 6 on the road. Was trying to like it and even went to the event and drove it. For whatever reason, it's got Mazda 6 proportions that I don't find appealing...

I've seen several of them around and they really do look better in person. If I were in the market for a car of that size, I'd definitely consider one.

i guess they succeeded in going after younger buyers as i've not seen one in florida yet. :D

I sat in a base LS500 at my dealership ($79k sticker) and it felt like a whole lot of car. To me, it was very striking in person. It has a great stance and presence and definitely looks better in person both interior/exterior wise. Interior was not as roomy as I expected it to be (i remember test driving the new 2007 LS460 at a Lexus event in NY and that felt more spacious inside).

The LS500 is probably the best big lux car coming out of Japan at the moment. I've seen about 10 or so in Manhattan, NY in the last few months.

i've seen a few in person too and it certainly has presence, but i think the front being kind of pointy and the sloping rear window don't make it look as "grand" as it once did.

also this is probably from being used to my LS but the 500 is definitely more cramped and less airy inside than the 400 with much worse visibility. also the gauge cluster is strangely small for a flagship luxury vehicle, and i still think the V6 lacks the feel and definitely the sound of the V8. the "move over peasant" factor as i like to call it has been reduced. extremely smooth and quiet drive though. still hate the grille.

at one point (like 10 years ago and earlier) i would've said there's no reason to get the base S class over the LS, i've driven the W220 and W221 (S500/S550 models) and each were definitely below the LS 400 in quality. even performance wise, they were no faster and certainly felt more barge-like. nothing about either of them made me think WOW this is truly a step up.

now however, i don't think i can say the same.

The LS looks better in person but with the right interior color-combo and the gorgeous reclining rear seats in top trims. Although I am a big fan/owner of F Sport-only Lexus cars, I would pass on the LS F Sport as the interior details like the aluminum trim and darker high-gloss wood don't exude the luxury for the price here in Canada ($110k ! ) Took some shots a couple weeks back and was left a bit disappointed. Rear seat and controls too unfortunately.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...0d9991aa43.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...7076ba6a53.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...c2db4e1024.jpg

It looks exotic and artsy.

I too think they're very good looking, and I love the Autumn Shimmer color. The tightness inside though and the sportier drive just kill it for me though.

I haven't test-drove one yet, but from the ones I've looked at on the lot, I wasn't impressed with the new interior either, for a number of reasons. It's lost some of the warm, plush look the previous LS460 had with its wood trim and softer seats.

I don't really understand that. The LS500's interior is gorgeous from a material standpoint, better in that regard than my LS460 for sure. The seats are also much better, very comfortable, massaging, etc.

Wood trim, thats a change for sure.

Oh, I agree. They aren't using junk inside on the new LS by any means, but, to me, it just doesn't have the look of a traditional Lexus flagship. Same with the ES....the new one, IMO, just can't compare with the superb 4Gen model.

Anyhow, I won't be posting very much on Car Chat tonight. I'll be following the voting-returns all evening. See you all tomorrow. ;)

It doesn't have the look of a traditional Lexus flagship, thats Intentional. Its way more modern looking, unique looking, very Japanese. Lexus is going after a different demographic. I like it a lot, aside from space the interior isn't an issue for me on the car at all.

well i'm sure many of their original customers have "moved on" lol so they need to keep people interested

most people aren't like me, since i want them to build a farty boat type vehicle again haha

i think people are forgetting how nice a car can be when it isn't made to corner flat and instead gracefully glides between turns