Sick of current car trends?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,078
Likes: 110
From: Southeastern PA
It doesn't make sense to have a set of buttons on the dash to adjust rain-sensing wiper sensitivity, another set to adjust lane-keep assist sensitivity, another to adjust how loud the car beeps at you. Some cars also display tire-pressure monitoring system info, it wouldn't make sense to have a small display just for that. Same goes for cylinder deactivation or hybrid system displays. And these are just the mainstream modern cars, luxury models with more features would require way too many buttons, *****, or capacitive touch switches without a screen/infotainment system that is capable of navigating through all of these features in "one place".
I agree that some infotainment systems are harder to navigate than others, but it's only going to get more complicated as more features are added. At the moment, I can't think of a solution that gets rid of the screen without plastering buttons everywhere. It would seem that it's on the software designers/engineers to make using the infotainment more intuitive, while ensuring that the hardware can keep up.
I agree that some infotainment systems are harder to navigate than others, but it's only going to get more complicated as more features are added. At the moment, I can't think of a solution that gets rid of the screen without plastering buttons everywhere. It would seem that it's on the software designers/engineers to make using the infotainment more intuitive, while ensuring that the hardware can keep up.
I never owned a German car until my current car, and one thing I like is BMW's 8 preset buttons that can be programed for shortcuts to almost any feature in iDrive, not necessarily radio presets. I have telephone speed dials, a couple of radio stations, TPMS and text message reader. This way, each individual can program shortcuts for what they want quick access to.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 71
From: WA
Some features you use constantly, and there should still be hard buttons for. HVAC is a good example. Radio controls is another, but satellite controls on the steering wheel is a good substitute. Personally, I think heated/vented seat buttons should be dedicated - but Volvo's system seems to make them easy to access on the main info screen.
I never owned a German car until my current car, and one thing I like is BMW's 8 preset buttons that can be programed for shortcuts to almost any feature in iDrive, not necessarily radio presets. I have telephone speed dials, a couple of radio stations, TPMS and text message reader. This way, each individual can program shortcuts for what they want quick access to.
I never owned a German car until my current car, and one thing I like is BMW's 8 preset buttons that can be programed for shortcuts to almost any feature in iDrive, not necessarily radio presets. I have telephone speed dials, a couple of radio stations, TPMS and text message reader. This way, each individual can program shortcuts for what they want quick access to.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: BOP
Not to mention the GS. I bought my son a GS 350 Lexus. Relly comfortable, smooth and ultimate luxury. I couldn't care less about 0 to 60 seconds, NM, or BHP. I want a car that is reliable and comfortable. Many of the later cars are chunky, not put together too well and as you say build for a maniac speester.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,514
Likes: 392
From: ON/NY
We're not talking about sporty cars. we're talking about bolstering in seats. My S560 is just as quiet and comfortable, moreso, than your LS430 but go around a highway offramp or onramp in both and you will be more comfortable in the S560 because the bolstering in the seat will hold you in place better. Trust me, I've had both cars.
The idea that bolstering in a car seat in an anti-luxury feature is just not true.
The idea that bolstering in a car seat in an anti-luxury feature is just not true.
What did you expect? The Lexus seat was in production like 20 years ago....lots of electronic stuff in that seat that was all new.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; Aug 4, 2021 at 01:59 PM.
One of the coolest features I've ever experienced was in a Mercedes CLS550. It had adaptive side bolsters. Say you take a hard right and your body naturally shifts/slides a little left, well the left bolster would push back to keep you in place. Very cool
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,571
Likes: 265
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
^^^^ Here's where we get into semantics, though. Where do you draw the line between "luxury" vehicles, and "sport-oriented" vehicles? Vehicles that are designed for aggressive driving are not what I would considered "Luxury", and, IMO, a true "Luxury" vehicle is not intended to be thrown around corners. Yes, some vehicles are compromised by adjustable COMFORT/NORMAL/SPORT electronic suspension-settings and adjustable seat-bolsters, but, IMO, that is exactly as described....a compromise. Jack of all Trades......Master of None.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: AZ
New vs old
Over the last decade basically everything that has come out is geared toward sporty driving and "sexy" looking cars. Aggressive grille designs, thick bolstered steering wheels, paddle shifters on every car, 20 inch wheels, body kits, spoilers, all that stuff. We even saw an Avalon get the TRD treatment for god sake. If that isn't an oxymoron I don't know what in the world is.
Does anyone wish they could have a good selection of cars like the old LS and ES, the old Avalon and Camry, Town Car, old Buicks, etc. that ride like a cloud, really quiet, and very conservative, clean looks? Every single car released now has to be some sort of "drivers car" and something you just cruise in is long dead I feel.
Personally I think that the so-called automotive journalists are the ones to blame for their incessant rants about those cars I mentioned. Their lack of road feel and driver engagement, they say. These "experts" think we just want AWD or RWD sporty cars that you can feel every bump due to their 20 inch, 35-series sidewall tires so you can get the most handling possible around corners. Personally I think it's all a bunch of non-sense. That's fine if there's cars like that, because some people like them. However, it's annoying that there are basically no old school Avalons, LS or ES models, etc that just glide down the road in complete isolation from the world.
Does anyone wish they could have a good selection of cars like the old LS and ES, the old Avalon and Camry, Town Car, old Buicks, etc. that ride like a cloud, really quiet, and very conservative, clean looks? Every single car released now has to be some sort of "drivers car" and something you just cruise in is long dead I feel.
Personally I think that the so-called automotive journalists are the ones to blame for their incessant rants about those cars I mentioned. Their lack of road feel and driver engagement, they say. These "experts" think we just want AWD or RWD sporty cars that you can feel every bump due to their 20 inch, 35-series sidewall tires so you can get the most handling possible around corners. Personally I think it's all a bunch of non-sense. That's fine if there's cars like that, because some people like them. However, it's annoying that there are basically no old school Avalons, LS or ES models, etc that just glide down the road in complete isolation from the world.
New cars may be technically better and safer, but the luxury cars of decades past have a charm and grace that is MIA now. I miss that too.
We need steering wheels like this again...
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If you are asking me personally, I tend to factor in most of the aforementioned, but it can be case by case, there's no template that cars must adhere to.
Say you take a hard right and your body naturally shifts/slides a little left
I don't care as much if a car is sporty, luxury, or luxury sport so long as the seats are comfortable and support my lower back (the more adjustments the better) I'll be a happy driver or passenger.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,916
Likes: 4,121
From: Maryland
You do not only experience lateral forces when driving in a spirited manner.
Thats also why handling matters even in a luxury focused car. Heaving over and leaning steeply in every corner is not comfortable. Luxury is about comfort.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 5,482
Likes: 89
From: N/A
To be sure, the styling of older Lexus cars is easier on the eyes. But to claim that no new cars ride well is a bit of an overstatement. The old, more floaty suspension is hard to find these days since there is always some tradeoff between ride and handling. But the better cars out there do manage to hit the sweet spot.
New cars may be technically better and safer, but the luxury cars of decades past have a charm and grace that is MIA now. I miss that too.
We need steering wheels like this again...
New cars may be technically better and safer, but the luxury cars of decades past have a charm and grace that is MIA now. I miss that too.
We need steering wheels like this again...
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,550
Likes: 668
From: SC
I was just stating that it would be very expensive to replace, but probably not something new buyers care about because warranty takes care or it and they have money to burn. I expect some sticker shock for some folks down the line that buy them used, but that is nothing new.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 5,482
Likes: 89
From: N/A
^^^^ Here's where we get into semantics, though. Where do you draw the line between "luxury" vehicles, and "sport-oriented" vehicles? Vehicles that are designed for aggressive driving are not what I would considered "Luxury", and, IMO, a true "Luxury" vehicle is not intended to be thrown around corners. Yes, some vehicles are compromised by adjustable COMFORT/NORMAL/SPORT electronic suspension-settings and adjustable seat-bolsters, but, IMO, that is exactly as described....a compromise. Jack of all Trades......Master of None.
The vehicles of the 50s-70s all rode like a cloud but also would bounce like a waterbed if you made a turn. I'm quite happy with modern suspension setups that have no such consequences. Heck, some Volvo's still use leaf springs for the rear suspension- and Volvo's sit on the more comfort-oriented side of the luxury spectrum.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,514
Likes: 392
From: ON/NY
I expected something way less than $8000. You can buy a fairly decent entire LS430 for that.
I was just stating that it would be very expensive to replace, but probably not something new buyers care about because warranty takes care or it and they have money to burn. I expect some sticker shock for some folks down the line that buy them used, but that is nothing new.
I was just stating that it would be very expensive to replace, but probably not something new buyers care about because warranty takes care or it and they have money to burn. I expect some sticker shock for some folks down the line that buy them used, but that is nothing new.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,571
Likes: 265
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I don't care as much if a car is sporty, luxury, or luxury sport so long as the seats are comfortable and support my lower back (the more adjustments the better) I'll be a happy driver or passenger.