I have had six Lexus vehicles since 1990, three LS and three RX models. Latest one being a 2013 460. Currently at 56 K miles, and not one issue or complaint.

Unfortunately, Lexus took a fork in the road with the new LS 500 design and configuration that his senior driver, with regrets, is not comfortable. A new MB S560 is now on order.

I've learned a lot from this forum, and hope to contribute my thoughts on the transition from Lexus to MB for those who may be tempted to "jump ship."

 

With the giant space... I was hoping to get a glimpse of the new toy... Congratulations on the new ride. I must admit, the aggressive appearance definitely turned off a lot of the loyal customers. Especially, when the LS and RX markets are mostly family members. I, for one, am a fan of the new look. But from a retention standpoint, I think Lexus definitely dropped the ball on that one...

 

Yeah, kinda don't blame you. Lexus should have kept the flagship modes with a more traditional look. A refresh of the 2013-2017 would have been nice along with a 5.0V8
I might be going back to the Cadillac Brand. They are looking good these days. Lexus models seem to be getting uglier and uglier while everyone else improves.

 

 

You are spot on with the Nissan Maxima comparison with the LS500. I got a thorough look at an LS500 Sport in the showroom while I was getting a key reprogrammed. It only looks like "luxury" on the inside. Even Toyota brands are not immune to the controversial styling. The Camry and Avalon looks pretty hideous to me. I'm not going to buy a vehicle where the looks need to grow on me first. Hopefully this exterior styling will phase out in the next 5 years.

 

I don't blame you. Not a fan of the new LS500 either inside or out or the choice to go with a V6, it does not seem to be selling very well from what I have hearing and reading, a stretched Maxima/Nissan is exactly what I thought when I saw it. I was hoping I would like it more when I saw it in person but I still had the same impression when I saw it at the dealership, just nothing desirable about it to me.

S class is very nice, seems like it is a good flagship, I find it more desirable then any S class and I think it is the clear segment leader now. I used to like the A8 but the new ones interior is terrible. I do think the S class is overpriced, but a lot of people pay that price so more power to them if they can get away with charging that much.

Did you check out the G90? I know it does not have the prestige of the S class and missing a few things the S class has but it seems really nice and gets good reviews and would be a significant savings over a S class and likely much more reliable and trouble free.

 

The S Class will serve you very well, they're beautiful and ride and drive great. I'd have one but they're more than I want to spend, and I'm worried about my clients' reaction to me driving one.

Only concern to me would be reliability, but if you trade in 50k miles you'll be fine.

 

I think everyone is spot on about the Maxima comment. I love the way the S class looks but I keep cars a long time so unless something changes dramatically I don't think Ill ever own one. I see way too many low mileage MB to trust the reliability. If the ppl that buy these cars know yo get rid of them before the warranty is up that tells me a lot.

 

It's a 'wall'. The LS is so ugly.

 

I look forward to reading about your experience with the 560. I'm an LS loyalist but I know one of these days I'll find my way into an S class. Best looking large sedan by far IMO. Hope you enjoy,