Soooo CL members here is my dilemma. I'm in the market for a new/newer ride based on these priorities (listed in order):

1) Quiet
2) Cushioned comfortable ride
3) Adaptive Cruise Control
4) 360-degree camera
5) Seat Thigh Extenders (I know, I know...)
6) Apple Carplay
7) Not horrendously unreliable


I've narrowed down the list to:
Top choice: 13-17 LS460 with DRCC
2nd - 19 LS500
3rd - 17+ Genesis G90
4th - 17+ Lincoln Continental

I've tried out a lot of sedans ranging from the Volvo S90 (too noisy), CT6 (just average), Avalon/ES350 twins (not polished enough), E400 (meh), RLX (just old...) and leaning towards the 13-17 LS460 that, while it doesn't have many key features, I believe rides quieter & smoother than the LS500. The Continental surprised me the most; it isn't the frontrunner but has a lot of bang for your buck because no one is buying them.

I'm going to try out the 2019 K900, Genesis G70, new A8. My question the CL community, what cars should I consider?
Mmarshall curious as you're 1 year in your Lacrosse journey how it may stack up?

 

What about a G80?

Personal preference for me
1 G90 8 cylinder, then 6
2 LS460 though if I could get one a lot cheaper then a newer G90 I might go with it being number 1
3 Just don't care for the LS500, too expensive for a car I don't like, used Continental could be very tempting if they turn out to be pretty reliable.

 

is budget an issue for you?
if not simple unless your over 6'2

ls500
ls460
and the other 2 in another class of car be prepared for the nonsense with hyundai service and quality
the lincoln black label if it was 25 k below the 75k new price might be tempting but its front wheel drive i believe
that would be a deal breaker,
good luck

 

What trim level was the CT6 you looked at? If you didn't check out a Premium Luxury or a Platinum, you might want to revisit. As the owner of both a 2013 LS460 Ultra-Luxury and a 2018 CT6 Premium Luxury, I wouldn't call the CT6 average at all The technology jump is obvious These things can be had at steep discounts too.

 

Among the ones you listed, the LS460 is likely to be the most reliable, and, though I have not personally driven an LS500, most reviewers agree that the 460 is smoother and more refined, both in ride comfort and powertrain. I like the Genesis G80 and G90, though, for overall build-solidness....the body, interior, trim, and general hardware have a carved-from-granite feel that the others can't match, although the Volvo S90 and the body/doors of the Continental come close. The two Genesis sedans, of course, come with the best and longest warranties. I was very impressed with the plush-looking interior of the Continental...arguably the best from Ford in decades, though it wasn't quite as refined on the road as I had expected, and I wasn't a fan of its inside electronic door-unlock buttons vs. a conventional pull-lever.

As far as the Avalon/ES350 not being "polished enough", try a version with the 17" 55-serties tires...they ride noticeably smoother and quieter than the 45s, which are simply too sport-oriented for my tastes.


Actually close to 18 months now.....I plan an 18-month write-up soon. With 18" wheels/tires, IMO clearly the best car in its class for smoothness/quietness and riding/seating comfort. I absolutely love driving this car, especially for the money (35-40K for a Preferred-Trim version). But the GM transverse-FWD 9-speed transmission, though usually smooth as butter, may not be perfected yet (some shifting-quirks here and there, which can also be temperature-related). The 2017 model uses an Aisin-supplied 8-speed before the shift to the domestically-produced 9-speed for 2018. I've also had a few quirks in the electronics on the dash, a premature failure of a taillight bulb, and a repair/replacement of some electronic regulator-parts in the climate-control system when the heat/cold air-blends in the air vents and defroster stopped working properly.

 

try a 1 year old certified S-Class, 450 or 560.

 

Yep. The benchmark. A level above the ones listed.

 

Thanks all!! Keep it going =)

Genesis G80 - Liked it, but liked the V8 G90 that much more
Budget - Between $50k-$80k (know that is a big range)
CT6 - Looked at a 17 Premium Luxury but worth another look!
Avalon - Will revisit, I did test drive a 19 ES350 UL and my wife said "don't get this, just get the LS"...
S-Class - Knowing this is the class standard, just fearing the massive drop-off in depreciation but a CPO with a 5 year/unlim mileage warranty doesn't sound too bad...

As a side note, pre-owned Lincoln Continental's and G90's are taking a $20k-$25k haircut for 1-year old vehicles, pretty astounding bargains (though I've also seen CL members get $13k-$18k off a leftover new 18 LS500). Depending on how 2019's economy goes, the combination of the anticipated slower growth and even-reduced demands for sedans may yield greater deals!

 

Buying any of these cars brand new is a sure-fire haircut. A buzz cut at that. I see what all the cars listed here are bringing at auction. The first-year depreciation is staggering. Worse than you know.

 

The Lincoln Continental is nice but it's too small. It's more of a mid-sized sedan and therefore can't compete with the other choices.

 

Any idea why cars in California are generally more expensive then other states?

 

So, I've driven all of these cars multiple times. When it comes to LS460, A8, G90, S Class you're getting a very similar ride quality and noise isolation/refinement. They are all very close. I do agree the LS500 is considerably firmer, and I would no longer put it in that same category. Where the car's differ is their execution. The LS460 is going to be the reliability safe bet, but you mentioned Apple CarPlay and its not available on the 460 (or the 18 500). I also believe you need a refresh S Class to have CarPlay. The S Class is the "best car" in the category, but you will pay a projected reliability penalty and a cost of repair penalty.

The Continental, CT6, etc are a step below in overall product refinement and quality and also a soft and quiet ride, especially the Continental.

Something like an Avalon or ES350 just aren't in the same league...

Sounds to me like overall a G90 would be a good fit for you.

 

Here's the thing with the G90. Intellectually, I know it's a good car. But who aspires to one day own a Hyundai? I've been around long enough to remember where they started and it's a mental block I just can't get past in a luxury automobile.

 

those are some good choices. I would also recommend LS460. You just cannot go wrong with it. The reliability is better than others. Mine has 179K miles and trust me, I am not always very kind to my vehicles. I like to stress them out and LS and LX have been the only vehicles who are able to take the beating and deliver every single time.
I will also suggest to look into LS600hL AWD. I like that vehicle but i'm waiting to hit 250K on my LS460 before I find me an LS600.

Please keep us posted on your new ride decision and do not compromise on the Adaptive Cruise Control. I've been using it since 2005 and can't imagine a drive without it.

 

While I will tell you I probably wouldn't drive anything but a Lexus, my neighbor did a lease on a K900 last year. He absolutely loves it. I will say it is very well equipped. My wife and I drove in the backseat last week and it was quiet and comfortable with lots of bells and whistles. You probably could get a great deal on an 18. Another neighbor has the G90 and said they'd never drive anything else. As for getting over the Hyundai moniker, many had to get over the Toyota big dollar car tag as well. Good luck.