I'll be flamed for this:
I recently sold my 03 LS and am thinking of a new 460L. IMHO the old car, while not attractive so to speak, had more " presence " than the new model. I think it is attractive enough but not really different from many other cars. If the rumored price increase of $20K U.S. is true I might slip into a Vanden Plas and risk the added unreliability for the charisma (Yes I have owned Jags in the past)
Douglas

 

Have you seen the car in real? The new car not only has more presence than the old one, but in my opinion rivals or surpasses the best from Germany. Wait until you have seen one, if you haven't, and then wait again until you can see one side by side to it's rivals. The LS more than holds it's own. Trust me on this-you need to see the S, Jag, 7, and LS in one setting to really appreciate the LS.

Personnaly the Jag is not even an option. It looks much to much like the previous generation and the beating that you'll take when you get rid of it will be like going 12 rounds with Tyson. But I hear they are great cars too, so what do I know?

 

You have to see this car in person to make judgement.

I was quite unmoved by pics of the car, but when I saw the car in a private event earlier this year, I completely changed my mind.

The car has PRESENCE. It's not bling, it's not flash, it's not overdone, it's not drop-dead gorgeous, it's not overdramatic: It has CLASS. And that's what the LS should be exuding...

 

As an LS 430 fan, I would say the old car has, in pictures, more of a imposing and 'watch out' even brute strength character. The LS 460 is smooth, more slippery, more like a sculpture in ways the LS 430 is not. So it naturally stands to reason that the 460 looks less like the 430 and more like its own deal. But the LS 460 is rather muscular and forceful as well, just that it's a bit more trim and lithe vs. the 430's mass, and simplified angles.

But like all the new L-Finesse designs, have to see it in person to tell...supposedly the 460 L in particular is very big indeed.

 

I haven't even seen the LS460 in person yet, just pics & videos, & I think the new LS460 is a big improvement over the LS430 in appearance, it's not even close.
I like the LS430, but only the 04+ facelifted version with it's sharper looking headlights & more aggressive front end.

 

The '04 refresh onward is my fave LS 430 too, and I like how it transitions into the 460's look.

 

i am a big fan of the current ls430, love the car, and i almost got one back in 04 but ended up with the sc430. with that said, i have to say that to me the ls460l/600hl is several big steps ahead of the ls430, in terms of style, technology, presence, and class. it's also "younger" as well imho.

everyone has their opinions of course, and i am sure we all respect each other

 

Thanks for the great replies and I'm glad to hear that pictures don't do the new LS justice. Will patiently wait 2 more months for them to get north of the 49th.
Cheers
Doug

 

please let us know how you feel about the car once you see it and maybe drive it in person as well. the car didn't have the wow factor to my wife when i showed her the pictures.

but after we saw and drive the car in person? she probably likes the car just as much as i do now

 

I am not sure what your understanding of charisma is but according to most sane and intelligent people 40 years ('60-'00) of rotten cars, manufacturing facilities worse than yugo, myriad electrical gremlins, frequent out-bursts of fuel-pump and/or radiator, countless trips to mechanic, poorly plastered wood, haughty attitude and total lack of innovation and excitement is not considered charismatic.

Even now, after 15 years under Ford, things are far from charismatic.

Charisma means high energy, soaring spirit, pinnacle of intelligence and innovativeness, sex appeal, understated elegance etc.

LS 460 has all of the above.