LS No longer a luxury car
07-31-13, 09:38 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Utah
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
LS No longer a luxury car
Some years ago we wanted a car that drove well, but also provided a good ride for important passangers in the back seat. The LS430 fit the bill. We loved it. But Lexus, I guess, thought they needed to make their car look sporty or sleek or something. I say, it looks like it was designed for a wind tunnel, and not for people. In the newer LS's, you have to duck your head to get in. Not os in the 430. And if you want to be the 3rd passenger in the middle, best if you don't have a head.
I haven't tried out the big Mercedes or BMW yet, but one attempt to get into the backseat of a Lexus LS in the dealer's showroom says "if you want a nice car for back seat passengers, look elsewhere. This is no longer a luxury car."
I have always appreciated that the LS did not look pretentious. The 430 was understated luxury. Now, the LS not only does not look like a luxury car (it looks like the cheaper ES), it doesn't provide nice, easy to get in/out, and easy to see out, experience to pamper your important back seat passengers.
Still having some Lexus loyality, and appreciating the convenience of my local dealer, I would buy a new LS if they returned to the lessons that made the LS such an appreciated automobile. But with cheap-looking slanting rear roof line, they are not there yet.
I haven't tried out the big Mercedes or BMW yet, but one attempt to get into the backseat of a Lexus LS in the dealer's showroom says "if you want a nice car for back seat passengers, look elsewhere. This is no longer a luxury car."
I have always appreciated that the LS did not look pretentious. The 430 was understated luxury. Now, the LS not only does not look like a luxury car (it looks like the cheaper ES), it doesn't provide nice, easy to get in/out, and easy to see out, experience to pamper your important back seat passengers.
Still having some Lexus loyality, and appreciating the convenience of my local dealer, I would buy a new LS if they returned to the lessons that made the LS such an appreciated automobile. But with cheap-looking slanting rear roof line, they are not there yet.
08-01-13, 04:21 AM
#4
Moderator
Not a luxury car anymore?!?! Back seat passengers don't get pampered with a FULLY equipped LS LWB?!?!?! FOH lol...get you a used Rolls Royce then if that makes you happy haha
Sent via Club Lexus Mobile App
Sent via Club Lexus Mobile App
08-01-13, 05:40 AM
#5
Moderator
I would be one of those people, I'm 6'1 sit in my back seat all the time and have no issue getting in or out without ducking. I have yet to have any rear passengers complain actually its more raves than anything, they love all the rear seat options, leg room and comfy the seats. The LS430 back seat is very nice, it is flat end to end, the LS460 rear seats are a bucket design leaving the center high and my thought is the middle is more for a small person to a child. I have never had three adults in the rear at one time, that goes for the LS430 too.
Were you looking at a SWB or LWB?
Were you looking at a SWB or LWB?
08-01-13, 06:50 AM
#6
I have to disagree with you. The LS is definitely luxury and provides more than enough room for my passengers. Now granted I have a LWB, but the reaction I receive when people get in my back seat is glorious. I can't even reach my kids in there car seat while driving. I literally have to remove my seatbelt and reach back for them if needed. I'm not a small guy either (6'0 270lbs) and my wife is 5'11) We have more than enough room. If your issue is the lack of leg room in the rear, I assume you have a SWB. I'd recommend a LWB with comfort plus package (reclining rear seats, heated/cooled rear seats/soft close doors). I think your important passengers would appreciate and enjoy those amenities.
Trending Topics
08-01-13, 06:39 PM
#8
Here's one more disagreeing member with a 2013 LS460 SWB. The LS as with all cars is evolving with the times. I always loved the 430 and still do to this day, but times change. I would love to own a 430, although the difference in the technology in both the 430 and the 460 is quite different... I would say for the better. I don't know of anyone who can walk straight into a car without bending over, the middle seat would be reserved for a smaller person. I've had 5 people in my back seat, 3 adults and 2 children ( long story ) but we got to our destination in comfort. Luxury??? Hell yeah, and lots of it.
08-05-13, 08:13 AM
#9
Well guys i am trading in my LS600hL better known to the world as a FLAPSHIP sedan since its no longer considered to be a LUXURY vehicle. I strongly suggest to all of my CL LS family to do the same since all of our cars are no longer considered to be as luxurious as we had originally though. So on that note i guess that we will have to trade up to the Hyundai Genesis for a true luxury vehicle. HA!!!!! I not the one for bashing anybody I only state the facts and for someone to say that the LS is no longer a luxury vehicle is ludicrous. The only way that the LS series is uncomfortable is if your rear passengers are Yao Ming height then that would be understandable. Another question comes to mind is if the individual actually was sitting in an LS and not an IS, ES or GS on the showroom floor (not bashing these models but they are smaller in size compared to the LS). So i must say to LSSteve that since you feel this way about the lastest LS model then i STRONGLY suggest that you remain with the vehicle that you are most content with. In addition, I will also say ( and i am sure that the whole CL LS Family feels the same) that your statement of the LS not being a luxury car anymore is RIDICULOUS and INSANE.
08-05-13, 08:37 AM
#10
Moderator
Well guys i am trading in my LS600hL better known to the world as a FLAPSHIP sedan since its no longer considered to be a LUXURY vehicle. I strongly suggest to all of my CL LS family to do the same since all of our cars are no longer considered to be as luxurious as we had originally though. So on that note i guess that we will have to trade up to the Hyundai Genesis for a true luxury vehicle. HA!!!!! I not the one for bashing anybody I only state the facts and for someone to say that the LS is no longer a luxury vehicle is ludicrous. The only way that the LS series is uncomfortable is if your rear passengers are Yao Ming height then that would be understandable. Another question comes to mind is if the individual actually was sitting in an LS and not an IS, ES or GS on the showroom floor (not bashing these models but they are smaller in size compared to the LS). So i must say to LSSteve that since you feel this way about the lastest LS model then i STRONGLY suggest that you remain with the vehicle that you are most content with. In addition, I will also say ( and i am sure that the whole CL LS Family feels the same) that your statement of the LS not being a luxury car anymore is RIDICULOUS and INSANE.
Sent via Club Lexus Mobile App
08-05-13, 07:19 PM
#11
Lexus Fanatic
This is preposterous LOL.
Times change, styling changes. The LS400 and 430 were great cars...in the 90's and early 2000s...we had both. The tall greenhouse provided great access...and that look was stylish then, it isn't now. The LS460 provides excellent access both front and rear, and does it with sleek, modern styling. I'm 6' tall and have no headroom issues with access in the front or rear of the 460.
If your only definition of "luxury" is wide open headroom for access...then maybe it isn't a "luxury car" anymore...but then neither is any other modern sedan.
Times change, styling changes. The LS400 and 430 were great cars...in the 90's and early 2000s...we had both. The tall greenhouse provided great access...and that look was stylish then, it isn't now. The LS460 provides excellent access both front and rear, and does it with sleek, modern styling. I'm 6' tall and have no headroom issues with access in the front or rear of the 460.
If your only definition of "luxury" is wide open headroom for access...then maybe it isn't a "luxury car" anymore...but then neither is any other modern sedan.
08-06-13, 04:49 PM
#12
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: May 2013
Location: ct.
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some years ago we wanted a car that drove well, but also provided a good ride for important passangers in the back seat. The LS430 fit the bill. We loved it. But Lexus, I guess, thought they needed to make their car look sporty or sleek or something. I say, it looks like it was designed for a wind tunnel, and not for people. In the newer LS's, you have to duck your head to get in. Not os in the 430. And if you want to be the 3rd passenger in the middle, best if you don't have a head.
I haven't tried out the big Mercedes or BMW yet, but one attempt to get into the backseat of a Lexus LS in the dealer's showroom says "if you want a nice car for back seat passengers, look elsewhere. This is no longer a luxury car."
I have always appreciated that the LS did not look pretentious. The 430 was understated luxury. Now, the LS not only does not look like a luxury car (it looks like the cheaper ES), it doesn't provide nice, easy to get in/out, and easy to see out, experience to pamper your important back seat passengers.
Still having some Lexus loyality, and appreciating the convenience of my local dealer, I would buy a new LS if they returned to the lessons that made the LS such an appreciated automobile. But with cheap-looking slanting rear roof line, they are not there yet.
I haven't tried out the big Mercedes or BMW yet, but one attempt to get into the backseat of a Lexus LS in the dealer's showroom says "if you want a nice car for back seat passengers, look elsewhere. This is no longer a luxury car."
I have always appreciated that the LS did not look pretentious. The 430 was understated luxury. Now, the LS not only does not look like a luxury car (it looks like the cheaper ES), it doesn't provide nice, easy to get in/out, and easy to see out, experience to pamper your important back seat passengers.
Still having some Lexus loyality, and appreciating the convenience of my local dealer, I would buy a new LS if they returned to the lessons that made the LS such an appreciated automobile. But with cheap-looking slanting rear roof line, they are not there yet.
Last edited by 55excl; 08-06-13 at 04:53 PM.
08-07-13, 08:25 AM
#13
Pole Position
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Vancouver Island, BC -ex Illinois &Toronto, ON
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Well that was LSSteve's first post. Based on this reaction I suspect he may not venture out of his hole again for a little while 
I just re-read my post and realize it sounds a lot more sarcastic than I intended. I hope he is not scared away.
Certainly the LS430 felt a little roomier than the SWB LS460 but I much prefer the LS460 styling. The 430 appears way too boxy to me now. As to Luxury, maybe a 1978 Rolls Royce was the height of luxury back then but not now. Time moves on and so does one's perception of luxury.
I just re-read my post and realize it sounds a lot more sarcastic than I intended. I hope he is not scared away.
Certainly the LS430 felt a little roomier than the SWB LS460 but I much prefer the LS460 styling. The 430 appears way too boxy to me now. As to Luxury, maybe a 1978 Rolls Royce was the height of luxury back then but not now. Time moves on and so does one's perception of luxury.
Last edited by edarte; 08-07-13 at 11:15 AM. Reason: clarification
08-07-13, 09:26 AM
#14
Some years ago we wanted a car that drove well, but also provided a good ride for important passangers in the back seat. The LS430 fit the bill. We loved it. But Lexus, I guess, thought they needed to make their car look sporty or sleek or something. I say, it looks like it was designed for a wind tunnel, and not for people. In the newer LS's, you have to duck your head to get in. Not os in the 430. And if you want to be the 3rd passenger in the middle, best if you don't have a head.
I haven't tried out the big Mercedes or BMW yet, but one attempt to get into the backseat of a Lexus LS in the dealer's showroom says "if you want a nice car for back seat passengers, look elsewhere. This is no longer a luxury car."
I have always appreciated that the LS did not look pretentious. The 430 was understated luxury. Now, the LS not only does not look like a luxury car (it looks like the cheaper ES), it doesn't provide nice, easy to get in/out, and easy to see out, experience to pamper your important back seat passengers.
Still having some Lexus loyality, and appreciating the convenience of my local dealer, I would buy a new LS if they returned to the lessons that made the LS such an appreciated automobile. But with cheap-looking slanting rear roof line, they are not there yet.
I haven't tried out the big Mercedes or BMW yet, but one attempt to get into the backseat of a Lexus LS in the dealer's showroom says "if you want a nice car for back seat passengers, look elsewhere. This is no longer a luxury car."
I have always appreciated that the LS did not look pretentious. The 430 was understated luxury. Now, the LS not only does not look like a luxury car (it looks like the cheaper ES), it doesn't provide nice, easy to get in/out, and easy to see out, experience to pamper your important back seat passengers.
Still having some Lexus loyality, and appreciating the convenience of my local dealer, I would buy a new LS if they returned to the lessons that made the LS such an appreciated automobile. But with cheap-looking slanting rear roof line, they are not there yet.
You are probably right. A minivan sounds like it would be more luxurious to you. Just think, every one in the van can sit up right, has plenty of headroom, and you can probably stretch your feet out more. Just be sure you ask your local Ford dealer if they have an espresso bar for when you are waiting on that oil change.
08-19-13, 04:51 AM
#15
I some how just skipped into this forum from my LS where I have driven a 2 430's 160k total miles, still have one. Some of us are a pretty biased on the 430 forum. I agree the fastback styling starts to look like the 350 but not a cheap one. Only sat in the front seats, and never drove one as I felt the higher center console was not for me. I do feel they are well made and very, very nice.
Take it easy on LS Steve it was kind of a bold move not sure what he expected. Maybe I can take some of the heat off him. I always buy slightly used and got a great deal on a Touareg Exec TDI with 8500 miles on it full warrantee to 110k miles(mandatory), almost the twin brother to the Cayenne without 20 way seats and air shocks. I poked around looking at other cars for 6 months.
I thought about the 460 didn't like the high console in the middle and wanted something built to handle well and not be an expensive built for comfort before handling sedan. I read some reviews and hope the newer LS's handle more like the A8.
When my current 430 gets up to 150k I may look at the 09 AWD and check the reliabilty from you guys when it gets sub $20g's. Enjoy the 460's like I said they have to be very very nice.
Take it easy on LS Steve it was kind of a bold move not sure what he expected. Maybe I can take some of the heat off him. I always buy slightly used and got a great deal on a Touareg Exec TDI with 8500 miles on it full warrantee to 110k miles(mandatory), almost the twin brother to the Cayenne without 20 way seats and air shocks. I poked around looking at other cars for 6 months.
I thought about the 460 didn't like the high console in the middle and wanted something built to handle well and not be an expensive built for comfort before handling sedan. I read some reviews and hope the newer LS's handle more like the A8.
When my current 430 gets up to 150k I may look at the 09 AWD and check the reliabilty from you guys when it gets sub $20g's. Enjoy the 460's like I said they have to be very very nice.