I traded in a 2017 LS460L with air suspension for the LS500. I couldn't really tell the difference in ride comfort between the two - at least on the roads that I drove both cars. I live in the Orlando area and for the most part the roads are quite good, so that might account for the fact that neither car's suspension had to work hard to smooth out the ride.

I've had a 2002 LS430, 2008 LS460 and 2012, 2014 and 2017 LS460L with all the LWB having the air suspension. Like everyone else here I went into this upgrade with a bit of trepidation - would I like the 6 cylinder turbo with runflats? And I've been pleasantly surprised. The HUD, active noise cancellation, massaging seats and the much nicer interior really improve the end user experience of this car. There's plenty of power and the car is quiet, smooth and comfortable. The 2008 still had the best Mark Levinson sound system, the 2012 was the worst. The 2014, 2017 and 2018 sound about the same - somewhere in between the 2008 and the 2012.

 

Not only have I personally tested this after accounting for as many variables as possible, using an ANSI approved decimeter, but Car and Driver has now done this as well in their instrumented tests.

The LS500 is the noisiest of the bunch. .The S class is quieter.

A Maybach S is even quieter than that. But guess which car wins in this category?

The 2019 Audi A8L.

Cheers. Check out the Instrumented Tests in C&D. You can download the PDF datasheets and see the noise levels yourself.

Ride is subjective, but for me, the LS500 rode the worst of the bunch if comfort is your thing. However, it is also the sportiest.

 

All great input. Thank you. I can live without HUD - so maybe a 2016 LS460L with air suspension is what I need.

Yes, the 2012 Mark Levinson audio system sounded worse than the low-end stereo system in my 2007...

I do hear that the LS500 isn't as quiet as previous generations... I'm not a big fan of where Lexus is heading... But I'll always hope they make a come back some day...

 

Now there's a nice dilemma if you can afford it, a Maybach or Audi 8L!

I bet you you could pick up a 1 or 2 year old of either at a significant discount to MSRP.

 

No offense to any owners but I think the new A8 is the least attractive flagship right now. It's also the newest but already looks dated.

 

The beauty about cars is that there are so many for all and we all have a different opinion. No need for anyone to take offense.

My favorite looking flagship would be the S class, by far.

The presence of that vehicle is just amazing.

The A8 has close to no presence, unless you're behind one. The rear is beautiful. The rest of the car? Not so much.
It's why I bought one. I don't want people knowing I'm driving a six figure car

 

I got 13% off with no dealer margin, other than the holdback, on a 2019 A8L. I was happy with that.

 

Agreed!

 

Thats great to read. I just bought one this past week - an 05 Ultra Lux w/ 83k on it.

 

Amazing find, Looks very very good. I had a very similar 430 which I traded it for the 460 I still miss that car.

 

That car looks new. It must be the desert air!

 

I flew out to Albuquerque to drive it back. Coming from BMW’s, I was amazed every single electronic was fully functional... Loving it so far!

 

I test drove the LS500 and the S Class back-to-back. The S is a little more comfortable and a little more quiet, but not a lot.

I wound up going from an LS460 to the S450. After switching to Bridgestone Serenity tires, the ride is comparable to the LS460. I suspect that both the LS and the S with air suspension and non-runflats will ride like the LS460.

Other Comments:
All the LS500 with air suspension at my dealer had 20" rims.
Only the S450 has 18" wheels standard. The S560 has 19".
I'm not disappointed with the V6.
Don't buy an S without Premium Package and Drivers Assist.
The S class trunk size varies with the rear seat options.

 

On the executive package I have seen acoustic rear quarter panel glass as some thing you get. Wondering if having that package makes the car quieter.

Run flat tires are the worst when it comes to noise and harshness in ride. Removing them significantly changes the Noise and Vibration characteristics of the car.