Guys,

First of all I am shocked by the amount of activity in this forum. I always thought of LS as the old man conservative and less involving alternative to 7 series, S class A8 etc. That being said I have owned a 95 LS400 way back when (at the time I was like 24 - go figure. I'm 36 now). And I have always been a fan of the engineering prowess and how competent the cars are. However, I have not owned another Lexus in about 10 years.

I am now debating a daily car/business car and thought I'd get your objective feedback. I'm about to trade my 2011 XKR for a Gallardo, GT3 or Vantage V12. I also need a daily driver for business runs to airport and customers etc. I was debating an E60 M5 for this duty. But then I have been thinking... Maybe I just need a quality, smooth, isolated sedan that is also somewhat understated and very competent and reliable.

Also, contrast is the spice of life. Perhaps any supposed "lack of involvement" will make me love and look forward to the rare times I drive my toy even more! Anyhow, I was debating Audi A8, E500, E55, 335 for my daily car. The LS460 goes from ho/hum to really cool looking on wheels I have noticed!

Anyhow, my questions are:

1) Why do you love LS460?

2) Describe the type of enthusiast you are. Just like luxo quality and cruising? Driving enthusiast? Show-boating primarily?

3) What else have you owned, or currently own or did you compare it against? How does it compare in retrospect?

4) Have you modded yours?

Thanks in advance guys!

 

Evoking, you need to test drive all those cars you are considering and see what fits for you. I test drove several of the vehicles (or close enough to them) you mentioned, but why I rejected them might be the reason you would embrace them.

As to mods, see the sticky - Official 4LS Modification Thread at the top of this forum for that info.

Good luck with your search and let us know what you ended up buying.

 

Nospin,

Of course I will do my own evaluation. Was specifically looking to hear what each of you personally appreciate about the car and how you compared it to the others. If you don't want to share your experience no worries. Thanks for responding.

 

Well, you made it to clublexus. Welcome aboard.
I don't have an LS. I have 2 GS cars but I have been in the LS enough to give some input. It's extremely reliable. Very comfy. Very stylish. If you get the LS460 F Sport, it's not as isolated as you might think. Even with the regular model, a nice set of wheels and a drop will dial in more road feel and better handling.
I'm trying to say its a really great car.

Surprised to see you're getting rid of the XKR. Sounds like you're stepping up your game so do your thing. See ya round....clublexus and jaguarforums.

 

I recently leased a 2013 LS460 F-Sport. I have owned or have extensively driven an Audi A8, BMW 7 series, Mercedes E550, Porsche Panamera and am enamored by the ride, reliability and performance of the LS F-sport. For the daily drive, I love the smooth ride, slightly more sportier than the non F-sport, slightly lower but the softness of the regular LS when you need it. Has paddle shifters if you want to change gears yourself.

I am a car enthusiast, having owned many different cars, if I need some fun I will take my Porsche 911 S for a spin. I appreciate luxury and the Lexus cannot be beat for price and reliability. The ride is more than acceptable for a car nut like me.

 

I'm three weeks into my 2010 LS460 CPO with low miles. I traded in a MB GL320, and in the past have owned a few E class MB's and a 745 BMW. I also had access to an MB S500 and drove it often. I also own an SL550 when I want to get a bit more flashy and sporty. Here is why I love this Lexus:

1. The ride, isolation/quiet cabin, and comfort is incredible. Nicer than the S or 7 Series. Does not have the road presence of an S Class MB, but see #3 below...

2. I believe the LS will be more reliable, all of my German cars have been temperamental and a huge PITA to own. I know from research TCO will be lower with Lexus, and really what I desire most is a hassle free car.

3. I appreciate the understated elegance of this car. I cart customers around often and have not gotten the comments (now I see where all my money goes) I would get with the 7.

4. It's pretty fun to drive. Not as sporty as the 7 or the S, but these are not sports cars, they are big cruising autos, so in my mind no need to have a sporty big sedan that is sporty or handles like a sports car. I really like how comfortable the seats are, how comfy the car is in general.

I think that's it after my short time with the car, I can't believe it took me this long to switch over to Lexus. Will likely always own a Lexus moving forward, and will have a sporty ride on the side.

 

There's a grownup in the room - nice post.

 

Well said Wigwam. I think I will always be with an LS. It's the most reliable flagship vehicle. I've always had fun vehicles but I had to take a break because I kept getting caught. Next fun car I will have will most likely be a GTR, though I'd like an LFA..

 

If you plan to use the car to chauffeur clients around, get the L variant with the rear executive package.