I traded a 2008 Lexus LS600hL in for a new 2017 Genesis G90 (lease). What I really wanted was a new, completely up-to-date technology-wise LS 460L, but Lexus was taking a turn to the sporty and gaudy (LS500) that I didn't care much for, so the Genesis seemed to be a logical choice. I got a terrific lease rate at the time (maybe $700 a month as I recall), and there were insane lease rebates to get the price that low

Anyway, my initial love of the newer technology (HUD, really nice LKA, etc.) wore off quickly and I realized I really missed my old LS600hL, even though it wasn't as technologically updated as my G90. I was able to trade the G90 in quickly without much penalty due to the great rebates I had gotten, and I bought my "Lexicorn" 2010 LS600hL with the Executive Seating Package and pretty much every option. It was a 1-owner with 66k miles. Original sticker was $125K+, and I paid around $27k. I added a 6-year CNA warranty for around $2800 and have been enjoying being back in a Lexus flagship ever since... I've had my LS600hL for nearly 2 years now with zero issues... My next car will likely be either a newer LS600hL or a Tesla Model S (not in the same league, quality-wise, I realize, but intriguing nonetheless).

 

Interesting. What year did you buy the 2010 600? Can you say what the 600 had that you missed in the G90? I'm not sure they're apples&apples, I wonder about comparison to my 2011 LS460. I've no need for LWB, and back seat amenities would go unused, there has never been a passenger in the rear seat on my 460. I feel as you do about Tesla S, I'm interested in the technology, but it's not my idea of a luxury vehicle.

 

I bought my LS600hL in April of 2018. It's kind of hard to articulate, but I just feel "special" driving the LS600hL. It is so incredibly quiet and refined, and everything I touch just works so well and silently that it feels like a part of my body. The G90 was very nice in quite a few ways, and would probably be preferable to a new LS500 to me, since I'm an "old-school" luxury car buyer. I think a lightly used G90 coming off lease would be an insanely good value at around $30k, and I've owned many Hyundais in the past and always found them to be pretty bullet-proof.

I made the mistake of test driving a Tesla Model S and was completely infatuated by the amazing auto-pilot feature! If followed curves, changed lanes, etc. all automatically, and I was in love! My wife drives an electric Chevy Bolt, and we'll be getting her a Tesla Model 3 this spring as a replacement, so I'll get to fool around with a Tesla while still keeping my LS600hL for now...

 

Does the LS600hL come with air suspension? How would you compare the ride quality and interior noise level between the G90 and the LS600hL?

 

Yes, the LS600hLs will all have air suspension, which adds a risk of failure to the equation (though my CNA warranty will cover air shocks for 6 years). The G90s don't have an air ride option (I don't think), but their suspension set up is pretty amazing for non-air ride, and is selectively adjustable between Sport, Comfort, Comfort Plus modes. Overall, I'd say my LS600hL is definitely a bit quieter and smoother than the G90, but in the same general ballpark. I had the V6 Twin Turbo G90 model instead of the V-8, and while the engine had plenty of power, torque and refinement, it lacked the feel of the NA V-8 in the LS600hL. I found the transmission in the G90 to shift too early at low speeds while accelerating slowly, and it tended to bog down a bit more than I liked, but that might have been tweaked in later models (or via a software update). My LS600hL is a CVT transmission, and with the incredible engine/hybrid combo, never lacks for power at any speed. At 75 mph on a flat highway, my LS600hL often is running at just over 1,000 RPMs (barely above idle). That helps explain how quiet and smooth that car is!

 

You're under the impression I was trying to communicate with you, I wasn't I was responding to another poster. Thats your opinion, and thats fine...but most people who buy luxury cars do care about image and prestige whether they admit it or not.

I'm in sales, and image is important.

As for leasing. The car is under warranty, so repairs are covered under warranty. Maintenance is the same as if you bought it, some companies offer complimentary maintenance (like Genesis and BMW) and some dont (like Lexus and Mercedes). You really have to buy new, and if you like trading a car every 3-5 years leasing may make sense for you. If you can write a vehicle off for business it makes even more sense.

 

Thanks for the information! I did a test drive on a V6 G90 awhile back and to me the smooth ride and the lack of interior noise was very nice. It drove and felt like a big, quiet luxury car (exactly what I wanted). My 2011 LS (non air suspension) feels very similar but feels like a smaller car.

 

If your LS460 is a SWB it is a smaller car

 

I checked CNA, to see if I'd use it for a used car. It has 75.8% unfavorable Yelp reviews.

 

Genesis needs to be more competitive with their lease rates to get a bigger chunk of the market. I don't typically lease cars, but had been seriously considering leasing a Genesis - that is until I started talking to different dealers about their rates. G80 V8 was ~$750/month and G90 V8 was ~$1000 month. This was for 2019 models, as I was looking about 3-4 months ago. They only incentive they were giving me was $1000 for owning another luxury vehicle. I had seen some people on the Genesis forums getting the G90 V6 for ~$700/month, but no dealers here in LA would touch that deal. I was honestly shocked, as it was close to the end of the year and inventory was just sitting. $1000/month is getting into S-class territory!

 

Yes, that's true. 5.9 inches smaller in length.

 

Yeah those deals are terrible, and not what I had seen when I was looking.

S Class is way more than $1,000 a month but the point stands. You can certainly lease an LS for $1,000 a month.

 

I've been doing a little research. I thought these figures would be interesting to add to the discussion.

Note, the LS460 numbers reflect my 2011 LS and may differ for the updated 2013-2017 models.

 

I've never leased a car, but am considering it. Advice in Consumer Reports and elsewhere speak of considering amount due at lease, mileage allowed, value at end of lease and other things, in addition to monthly cost. Were the dealer offerings the same in these regards?

 

Bear in mind too thats the SWB LS460, the LS460L is about 5 inches longer. About the same size as the G90.