Consumer Reports' Ultra-Lux Face-off: LS 460 L vs. S550
10-01-07, 04:22 PM
#1
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Consumer Reports' Ultra-Lux Face-off: LS 460 L vs. S550
From an article which headlines with mid-size luxury vehicles, which was a separate comparison.
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/...20News/660776/
99 out of 100 for the LS 460L is higher than the highest score for the winner of the midsize comparison as well. 
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/...20News/660776/
Ultra-Lux Face-Off
The Lexus LS 460L easily outscored the Mercedes S550 in CR's tests of the ultra-luxury cruisers. Both cars provide the highest levels of comfort, quietness, roominess, and luxury features. The Mercedes had more agile handling, better steering feel, and a slight edge in ride comfort and acceleration. But its score was hurt by its much lower fuel economy (21 mpg in the Lexus vs. 17 mpg in the Mercedes) and complicated controls that can be frustrating to use.
The Lexus LS 460L easily outscored the Mercedes S550 in CR's tests of the ultra-luxury cruisers. Both cars provide the highest levels of comfort, quietness, roominess, and luxury features. The Mercedes had more agile handling, better steering feel, and a slight edge in ride comfort and acceleration. But its score was hurt by its much lower fuel economy (21 mpg in the Lexus vs. 17 mpg in the Mercedes) and complicated controls that can be frustrating to use.
The November issue also includes tests and ratings of two $70,000-plus ultra-luxury sedans, the $76,572 Lexus LS 460L and the $90,200 Mercedes-Benz S550. The LS 460L easily outdistanced the Mercedes in that group, achieving a 99-point overall test score; the maximum score is 100. The S550 received an 86-point score, considerably lower than the Lexus but still in the "Excellent" category.
Four of the vehicles rated for this issue are recommended by Consumer Reports -- the BMW 535i, the Infiniti M35, Lexus GS 450h and the Lexus LS 460L. The Mercedes E-Class and S-Class have subpar reliability in CR's subscriber surveys, while the Volvo S80 is too new for CR to have sufficient reliability data.
10-01-07, 08:30 PM
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10-01-07, 09:55 PM
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I seriously considered the S550 when I shopped for my LS460. I really like the style of the S550 and the handling was better. The problems were the poor reliability, and with virtually the same options, the S550 listed for $25K more. I just couldn't figure out what the heck I was getting for all that extra money.
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10-01-07, 10:25 PM
#8
I seriously considered the S550 when I shopped for my LS460. I really like the style of the S550 and the handling was better. The problems were the poor reliability, and with virtually the same options, the S550 listed for $25K more. I just couldn't figure out what the heck I was getting for all that extra money.
10-01-07, 11:28 PM
#9
I seriously considered the S550 when I shopped for my LS460. I really like the style of the S550 and the handling was better. The problems were the poor reliability, and with virtually the same options, the S550 listed for $25K more. I just couldn't figure out what the heck I was getting for all that extra money.
10-02-07, 05:50 AM
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The biggest problem I have with the Mercedes is that they all basically look the same to me. I can't see a $100K variance in price for similar looking cars. I think the SLR should look more distinctive too.
Plus, that reliability issue is major. Can't see living in the shop. Nothing like buying cars that actually work.
Plus, that reliability issue is major. Can't see living in the shop. Nothing like buying cars that actually work.
10-02-07, 08:56 AM
#12
The biggest problem I have with the Mercedes is that they all basically look the same to me. I can't see a $100K variance in price for similar looking cars. I think the SLR should look more distinctive too.
Plus, that reliability issue is major. Can't see living in the shop. Nothing like buying cars that actually work.
Plus, that reliability issue is major. Can't see living in the shop. Nothing like buying cars that actually work.
(don't worry, for the life of me i can't mix up between the two 
)
10-02-07, 04:12 PM
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I still have trouble determining at first glance which Lexus model I am seeing when one goes by the other way, for example. This is certainly more true than 5 years ago when the IS, ES, GS and LS all were way different from one another. Doesn't bother me though- it just means they all look good to me now. In fact, I doubt I would have bought my LS but for the more aggressive redesign. I was originally going to get the GS350 AWD but hated the run flats and had trouble getting in and out of the car because I am extra large.
10-02-07, 05:27 PM
#15
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I still have trouble determining at first glance which Lexus model I am seeing when one goes by the other way, for example. This is certainly more true than 5 years ago when the IS, ES, GS and LS all were way different from one another. Doesn't bother me though- it just means they all look good to me now. In fact, I doubt I would have bought my LS but for the more aggressive redesign. I was originally going to get the GS350 AWD but hated the run flats and had trouble getting in and out of the car because I am extra large.
Last edited by Johnny; 10-03-07 at 03:20 AM.
