Test drove LS 500 - a quick comparison with 2014 LS
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,465
Likes: 3,989
From: Maryland
Passive aggressively insinuating if you can’t afford it, you have no business speaking is comical. We are here discussing the latest rendition of our hobby and there is an army of unimpressed individuals on CL.
I swear they could offer it in a 4 cylinder and you’d get lexus apologists here talking about not needing to take it to the racetrack.
An “army of unimpressed people” at CL who cant buy the car is meaningless.
Im not a Lexus apologist, I voted with my dollar, I just bought a loaded 2017 Lexus LS460L brand new vs waiting for an LS500. What did you buy? Answer is something not remotely comparable.
As for a V8 7 or S, optioned like that loaded $101,000 LS500 a S450 V6 would be $125,000, an S560 similarly optioned would be $140,000. Just option one up and see. I know because I just shopped them all and actually bought something in the segment.
Last edited by SW17LS; Feb 21, 2018 at 12:44 PM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,465
Likes: 3,989
From: Maryland
You really think $30,000 down, $20,000 trade and $700 a month for 72 months is out of reach for anyone here? We all own homes and have mortgages similar to that. As a USAF pilot for 10+ years I assure you my salary would suffice and possibly gain me access to this exclusive club of yours.
Let’s stay on topic and not insinuate what another member can, and cannot afford.
it is on topic, because the point is what you think doesn’t really tell us anything about whether consumers for the actual product will buy it.
I can physically buy any car. If I wanted a $500,000 Rolls Royce Phantom 7 I could find a way to buy it. However, my opinion on it and whether it’s worthwhile is of no value because I’m not actually a consumer for that vehicle. You’re not a consumer for the LS500 so same is true for you as pertains to that.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 200
Likes: 5
From: Austin, TX
Trying to decide betw. this and the S550/S63.....
IDK.. there's something about this car (maybe the side profile) that's not doing it for me... definitely not at that price range. Interior too is not as opulent as the S.....
Love Lex. cust. serv. though so this is going to be a tough choice
IDK.. there's something about this car (maybe the side profile) that's not doing it for me... definitely not at that price range. Interior too is not as opulent as the S.....
Love Lex. cust. serv. though so this is going to be a tough choice
Last edited by AustinHusk; Feb 21, 2018 at 01:31 PM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,465
Likes: 3,989
From: Maryland
If a Rolls Royce Phantom 7 had a more modern feeling interior I'd have my order in on one of those too.
Thats sarcasm, not a consumer for a RR, doesn't hurt me to admit that.
If money is no object, I wouldn't even hesitate I would get the S Class. The cars are not in the same price range, as we said earlier an S560 (no more S550) similarly equipped is $35,000 more than an LS460. Thats 35% more, not comparable. Certainly an S63...they are $80-100k more than a loaded LS500, essentially twice as much.
As for the interior, I disagree actually. The LS460 was not the S Class' peer inside but from what I have seen the LS500 is.
Thats sarcasm, not a consumer for a RR, doesn't hurt me to admit that.
Originally Posted by AustinHusk
Trying to decide betw. this and the S550/S63.....
IDK.. there's something about this car (maybe the side profile) that's not doing it for me... definitely not at that price range. Interior too is not as opulent as the S.....
IDK.. there's something about this car (maybe the side profile) that's not doing it for me... definitely not at that price range. Interior too is not as opulent as the S.....
As for the interior, I disagree actually. The LS460 was not the S Class' peer inside but from what I have seen the LS500 is.
This forum gets a bit snobbish from time to time. I used to check in here from time to time before I bought a 460 and shake my head at some of the comments. MB forums sometimes bash Lexus and Lexus owners bash other Lexus owners.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 31,944
Likes: 2,737
From: North Carolina
Sw, please drop the inquisition of ability or interest in purchase. That’s not a magic ticket that allows you to talk about things. Everyone can have an opinion and discuss it as long as not a recurring diatribe or trolling.
lets knock off the personal comments and get back to the car comparison
lets knock off the personal comments and get back to the car comparison
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Racer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 379
From: Illinois
Thanks for sharing this.
I personally like the LS500, but I can't say I love it.
I also cannot say I love it (yet?), since I haven't experienced it for myself. I have sat in it in the showroom and they let me take it around the block, once. The feel is definitely refined, but I felt a slightly disconnect. It could honestly be that I'm 'used' to my '13.
I cannot say I would never own the car as it's absolutely gorgeous and still fun to drive, but I do think it would be a while until a car like that (or any other car in a similar 'segment') would replace my current LS.
I'm sure I'm speaking with a little bias, but hey ... I still love Lexus as a whole
I personally like the LS500, but I can't say I love it.
I also cannot say I love it (yet?), since I haven't experienced it for myself. I have sat in it in the showroom and they let me take it around the block, once. The feel is definitely refined, but I felt a slightly disconnect. It could honestly be that I'm 'used' to my '13.
I cannot say I would never own the car as it's absolutely gorgeous and still fun to drive, but I do think it would be a while until a car like that (or any other car in a similar 'segment') would replace my current LS.
I'm sure I'm speaking with a little bias, but hey ... I still love Lexus as a whole
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 365
From: New Hampshire
I really haven't read through this entire thread but when it comes to the LS500,I guess the question I'd have is how does it drive, how reliable will it be long term and that's about it. I have seen one up close at the Boston car show, I must say I like it a little better in person than I did by looking at it on the internet (for what that's worth). The interior was a little strange but it was generally pleasing. The car that really caught my attention was the Genesis G90, but again the thing I always consider is long term reliability. I'm into that stuff - I don't care about the short term reports and the little red dots on consumer reports - I care about the long term, going the distance stuff. So I'll be anxiously awaiting the reports of reliability, gas mileage, things that they got right, things they didn't. Can't wait to see that real world stuff on these things over the next couple of years. At that point I'll make my decision to buy one or not (and turn my LS460 over to my son for his first car, lord help me).
Trying to decide betw. this and the S550/S63.....
IDK.. there's something about this car (maybe the side profile) that's not doing it for me... definitely not at that price range. Interior too is not as opulent as the S.....
Love Lex. cust. serv. though so this is going to be a tough choice
IDK.. there's something about this car (maybe the side profile) that's not doing it for me... definitely not at that price range. Interior too is not as opulent as the S.....
Love Lex. cust. serv. though so this is going to be a tough choice
I will give an example, the CD insert opening. Compare that against any previous models and that of 2018. I pay attention to such finishes which may or may not have any practical value. But it does provides a means for us to understand how much thought process went in to design and build each piece.
MB reliability has improved over the years. Regardless whether it is LS or S, I wouldn't own these without an extended warranty. Regular maintenance and repair (brake job etc) will cost more on S than LS.
Good luck and keep us posted on your decision.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 207
From: Georgia
Don't blame you there, and I've got dibs on your car when it is 5 years old! And when (good grief I hope) they do release the LS with the 5.0, I sure hope it has the same exhaust flange design in the back because a 5.0L Lexus V8 is bound to sound bad-*** when opened up, just a skosh!
Put me in the category that if it has a V6, I'm really having trouble calling it a flagship vehicle any longer. The V8 just has an aura of authority to it, that I think a flagship should have. A flagship should be big and boastful, with things that are not necessary, like superfluous pistons.
Jason Oliver
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 5,371
Likes: 526
From: BC Canada
As far as LS 500 interior, if I may suggest make a visit to dealer to experience that in first hand (if not already done).
As for affording 800 dollar payments?? Uhhhhh NO.
