Lexus LS 500
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 273
Likes: 23
From: Indiana
Cars these days all look the same. Its ridiculous, like there is no style at all. You cant tell an LS from an Avalon and they want 80k for a little bigger nav screen. Back in the day luxury cars had features. Now every car has basically the same features. Whats the point?
As far as the engine, who cares if its powered by gerbils if it goes faster? Gas is getting more expensive and the big V8 is just not practical for most people.
As far as the engine, who cares if its powered by gerbils if it goes faster? Gas is getting more expensive and the big V8 is just not practical for most people.
Last edited by RushNatU; Jan 11, 2017 at 07:36 PM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,564
Likes: 389
From: PA
I think BMW finally realized the ship is sinking (first the 3 (F series 2012+ )which is the bread and butter was removed from the 10 Best list after 23 straight years, now sales are hugely down). Take a look at the new 5. Roundel is back on the hood, no more Jay Leno chin!
edit: looks do matter, but so does the powertrain. A V6 does not cut it at this level. It lacks primary and secondary balance, doesn't matter if you squeeze for high numbers.
Last edited by Johnhav430; Jan 12, 2017 at 04:54 AM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,667
Likes: 210
From: Someplace in CT
I think it looks OK, I saw about 6 videos and maybe about 40 pictures of it. The front end is kind of interesting but, it would grow on me, as I dont mind the newer 460's, I think it's just a progression.
The side profile, kind of reminds me of other cars but, the inside is as I would expect on a LS.
Very disapointed that they went with a v6 and powered with a Twin Turbo, I am sure they will hit the numbers with it and will get better MPG when your not kicking in full power but, I dont think your going to buy a LS if your looking to get 35mpg.... Nothing will beat a v8 and the reason why I looked at these cars...
I guess next progression is a LS460 or LS600 but, 500, not now at least.
The side profile, kind of reminds me of other cars but, the inside is as I would expect on a LS.
Very disapointed that they went with a v6 and powered with a Twin Turbo, I am sure they will hit the numbers with it and will get better MPG when your not kicking in full power but, I dont think your going to buy a LS if your looking to get 35mpg.... Nothing will beat a v8 and the reason why I looked at these cars...
I guess next progression is a LS460 or LS600 but, 500, not now at least.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,564
Likes: 389
From: PA
I think it looks OK, I saw about 6 videos and maybe about 40 pictures of it. The front end is kind of interesting but, it would grow on me, as I dont mind the newer 460's, I think it's just a progression.
The side profile, kind of reminds me of other cars but, the inside is as I would expect on a LS.
Very disapointed that they went with a v6 and powered with a Twin Turbo, I am sure they will hit the numbers with it and will get better MPG when your not kicking in full power but, I dont think your going to buy a LS if your looking to get 35mpg.... Nothing will beat a v8 and the reason why I looked at these cars...
I guess next progression is a LS460 or LS600 but, 500, not now at least.
The side profile, kind of reminds me of other cars but, the inside is as I would expect on a LS.
Very disapointed that they went with a v6 and powered with a Twin Turbo, I am sure they will hit the numbers with it and will get better MPG when your not kicking in full power but, I dont think your going to buy a LS if your looking to get 35mpg.... Nothing will beat a v8 and the reason why I looked at these cars...
I guess next progression is a LS460 or LS600 but, 500, not now at least.
I also do not like this car marketing where the number bears no relation to the displacement. I guess Lexus is on board with it. BMW and Infiniti are early adopters....
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,449
Likes: 604
From: SC
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 251
Likes: 18
From: Florida
I don't like the exterior look of even my own LS 430 (2006) but I love the interior...which is where I spend all of my time. That's not my problem at all. Lexus interiors are right up there with any of the world's automakers flagships.
My problem is that they keep thinking LS owners want HANDLING. What The F???? WHY would I want "sportiness" in my $100k LUXURY vehicle? I want comfort, quiet and effortless driving. If I want a sports car I will buy a freaking sports car and there I will expect handling, acceleration, aggressive gear changes and brutal braking and the rough ride that goes along with all that. A luxury car should have just enough handling to make it safe and the rest of the technology should concentrate on comfort and silent running.
I swear that once (if it ever happens) my LS 430 gets too old I'm going to look for a 1970's Lincoln or Cadillac and have it resto-modded with modern electronics.
Other than that, the LS 500;s looks are "meh" but the interior is epic.
My problem is that they keep thinking LS owners want HANDLING. What The F???? WHY would I want "sportiness" in my $100k LUXURY vehicle? I want comfort, quiet and effortless driving. If I want a sports car I will buy a freaking sports car and there I will expect handling, acceleration, aggressive gear changes and brutal braking and the rough ride that goes along with all that. A luxury car should have just enough handling to make it safe and the rest of the technology should concentrate on comfort and silent running.
I swear that once (if it ever happens) my LS 430 gets too old I'm going to look for a 1970's Lincoln or Cadillac and have it resto-modded with modern electronics.
Other than that, the LS 500;s looks are "meh" but the interior is epic.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 248
From: AZ
My problem is that they keep thinking LS owners want HANDLING. What The F???? WHY would I want "sportiness" in my $100k LUXURY vehicle? I want comfort, quiet and effortless driving. If I want a sports car I will buy a freaking sports car and there I will expect handling, acceleration, aggressive gear changes and brutal braking and the rough ride that goes along with all that. A luxury car should have just enough handling to make it safe and the rest of the technology should concentrate on comfort and silent running.
I swear that once (if it ever happens) my LS 430 gets too old I'm going to look for a 1970's Lincoln or Cadillac and have it resto-modded with modern electronics.
Other than that, the LS 500;s looks are "meh" but the interior is epic.
I agree that it's frustrating because someone that buys a really large luxury sedan is not the same person that wants to take it to a track and run some hot laps.
Car magazine writers are always spouting nonsense like "suspension is too mushy" but they aren't the actual buyers of these cars. They want every car to have the ride and handling of a Miata. Unfortunately the car companies tend to listen to these people and constantly make their luxury cars not so luxurious. I rode in a newer Lexus ES and it was like you could feel every pebble in the road.
Lexus sold the original LS400 in droves to Americans because they didn't follow the German philosophy of making a car that was good for the Autobahn but not great for American roads. Lexus was more of a Japanese Cadillac and that's what buyers preferred.
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Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,085
Likes: 401
From: Nor CA
We have had our LS460 just over a year now and the wife has been enjoying that one while I have the LS430 to drive. The new 2018 LS was pretty far off from the concept that supposedly inspired it and I too first thought "Infinity M37" when I saw it (my son has a 2011 M37).
We are not in the market for an LS anytime soon. I'd spring for an LC500 (but not too happy with the pricing) before buying a 6 cyl (turbo or not).
We are not in the market for an LS anytime soon. I'd spring for an LC500 (but not too happy with the pricing) before buying a 6 cyl (turbo or not).
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 47
Likes: 2
From: TX
One question: Where does the front license plate go? Slapping the license plate in the middle of that bling bling grill would ruin the whole front end look. Here in Texas, possible $200 fine without one.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,564
Likes: 389
From: PA
Seriously, would there be evidence of a front plate having been mounted on a 3rd gen? I never thought about it until now....
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 248
From: AZ
It's funny, that was like my first thought as well.
It would just look really off the license plate floating in the middle of the grille like that. It's such a prominent part of the styling and than having a big license plate slapped on.
Fortunately, my state doesn't have front plates, somehow law enforcement insists in other states they absolutely need front and back plates.
