There are minor differences such as sports suspension and lighting. In all, one is more comfortable and lux, whereas the other is more rigid and sporty.
Nav only does not play DVDs. ML only has no screen. Having both changes the CD changer to a CD and DVD player with Surround Sound, hence $500 upgrade.

 

It doesn't seem to be a fair difference between the LL and ST package given the small $200 difference.

Are you implying that ordering both ML and NV separately is not possible, or that if you order ML and NV together it's not the same as the VN option - the DVD player you mentioned being the exception. If so, why would a DVD player be worth $500? Is it supposed to play DVD audio, like the Acura TL? It certainly can't plan DVD movies due to regulations.

 

Either the option packages are wrong pricing or Lexus is raking everyone over the coals in the options department. I would tend to think the latter. No xenon's standard? But yet the only way to get them is to spend 3K. Bluetooth not standard? But the only way to get it is to spend $2550? Very very lame. So the base prices are nice and the options are extraordinary. Such a marketing ploy and I am very disappointed by that.

 

You're right. I think they bundle too many stuff into sport package. I only need 18inch wheels, sport suspension and HID. I have to say that i like how BMW packages features better.

I agree with jrock. They should put more standard to IS350. 330 has bi-xenon HID w/auto leveling headlamps, power and memory front seat, and rain-sensing wipers as standard. All of these are included in sport package in IS.

 

The LL package has wood trim and power sunshade and is $200 cheaper.
The ST package has 18" rims and sport suspension (no wood and no sunshade).

So,

Wood trim + power sunshade + $200 = 18" rims and Sport suspension

 

I agree that that is what the conclusion ends up being, again, assuming the prices quoted earlier are correct.

But is it equitable? I guess I'm one sided on this. I think the sport side of the equation is a much better value. Is anyone willing to share their opinion as to why they would prefer the wood trim, the power sunshade, and the $200 savings of the LL over the ST package? My only conclusion is that you want a less stiff ride and don't care about the 18's.

 

What exactly are you missing out on if you just get the base 350 with nav/ml? Little things like rain sensing wipers, memory seats park assist don't do anything for me. What big difference are there between a base 350 and one with a package?

 

I do agree with this, HIDs should have been standard. Hell they are on the IS 300 now

 

The Navigation in the Audi also includes SD slots behind the NAV screen, so you can play MP3s directly, without dealing with CDs. Only the NAV DVD needs to be loaded into the reader in the glovebox.

 

Actually, depending on where you’re from, I think ventilated “air cooled” seats are needed. I live in southern California and the leather seat could get really hot. I have not tried the IS ventilated seats, but I did sat in the GS430. IT IS AWESOME, IMO.

 

I think the GS has cooled seats, whereas the IS just has ventilated seats.

 

Both New IS and New GS feature ventilated seats. The New IS' ventilated seats take it a step further by offering a fan for the lumbar area instead of just the lower seat cushion.

 

That’s AWESOME!

Flipside909, do you know if using the ventilated seats will activate the A/C compressor?

 

No it won't. I believe only the LS does that right now.

 

I see, thanks XeroK00L.