New here, thinking of changing the mix
Currently we wheel an FJ Cruiser, 2015 Bmw 335xi MT, Honda S2000 and an 86 911.
BMW was intended to fill the sporty/comfort
mission and does OK at
both but not great at
either and as the miles pile up expensive maintenance/repair
looms. Bigger BMWs don’t appeal to me
Lexus LS seems to fit the bill.( test drives to come)
Focusing on last V8 generation
Around here, AWD is useful and maybe all
that’s available.
Does AWD compromise the comfort,quiet or reliability that people love so much in the LS?

Inputs appreciated

 

I have the AWD version of the car and have driven the RWD version. I haven't had any vibration or mechanical issues with the AWD system. The RWD version does have a little more power and due to it being only 2WD, a higher percentage of that power makes it to the ground, so it feels a little quicker. However, the AWD version doesn't feel slow and I'm perfectly happy with the level of power it has. I'm not aware of it having an effect on comfort, quiet or reliability based on the reading I did before buying the car. The biggest difference is in acceleration, and it's not a huge difference, but you can feel it if you drive the cars back to back. I live in Illinois north of Chicago, so I wanted the AWD version for the winters here as well.

 

We have both. The AWD rides as well, sounds a little better at WOT (due to the different exhaust routing), and is more useful in winter. The AWD has slightly higher axle ratios that make it more responsive around town. And we did have a vibration that required work by the dealer (CPO) to resolve - but now it is as smooth and vibration-free as the RWD.

 

Some might say it compromises interior space as the transfer case is right under your leg. Taller drivers may have an issue. The extra 200+ pounds and decrease in power from the older log tube headers are something to consider.

 

You also can't get inexpensive after market control arms for AWD's, at least not yet.

 

I have had the LS460 both in AWD and in RWD. The RWD car feels a little quicker, but not much, and I like the driving feel of the RWD car better, but from a comfort, quietness and ride perspective there is no difference. Transfer case intrusion on the front footwell is barely noticeable, and its behind where your legs go, so its not an issue for taller drivers.