Test Drove an LS 500
Driver
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 180
Likes: 48
From: NJ
The v-8 had much better low-end torque than the new model. I drive a 17 ES. A v8 should be in the LS just like in the LC. They need to ditch the twin turbo v6 for the V8. The LS 460 was a better driving car.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 338
Likes: 76
From: Tx
Going from a long drive in my old 2013 460 to a long drive next day in a 500 with twin turbo, I honestly did not feel much difference and did not feel underpowered at all. Nothing on the highway could match the 500 and the rpm’s were never stressed. Just my observation- I’m just a regular driver.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,074
Likes: 204
From: California
Going from a long drive in my old 2013 460 to a long drive next day in a 500 with twin turbo, I honestly did not feel much difference and did not feel underpowered at all. Nothing on the highway could match the 500 and the rpm’s were never stressed. Just my observation- I’m just a regular driver.
The torque on the previous gen ls peaked at 4100 rpm, whereas the torque on the v6 peaks at 1600-4800 rpm. It also has more torque to begin with.
I would love the sound of a v8 in my ls but I think it's more than enough power.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 31
From: California
Driver
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 180
Likes: 48
From: NJ
The 7 series around 1990 had an inline 6 or a 12 cylinder, they then added a V-8. Yes, now it is a twin turbo inline 6, or a twin turbo V8. But we are talking Lexus here, and the the V-8 from the LC500 should be in the LS500. At least make the V-8 in the LS an option.
Last edited by Lexuss07; May 24, 2020 at 03:17 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 31
From: California
Where was the SC 500 sold?
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 744
Likes: 12
From: California
Different strokes...... I've had the 2007 and 2012 LS460's. I prefer the twin turbo. Pulls the very heavy LS500 so nice with the additional torque.. The NA V8 seems to me, to be behind times without twin turbos or superchargers.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16,859
Likes: 464
From: Knoxville, TN
T
I did encounter a bit of a speedbump with this dealership I visited. I made the mistake of going to the Lexus dealer that's only a few exits down from where I work, and I'm now reminded why I bought my last one from across town and 40 minutes out of my way. It's extremely off putting to me to be talked down to and virtually ignored trying to follow up and buy the car. If I didn't meet their criteria of who they're willing to sell an LS to, it makes sense why they're the only dealership with new 2019's still on their lot (I think they have 4 actually). So they can keep it where it belongs in their collection of past model year vehicles. It's a shame too, because I'm sure it's because I'm relatively young (under 40) didn't show up in a jacket and tie. I'd like to ask Lexus why risk alienating your bread-and-butter buyers by designing cars to go after younger executives (or who are otherwise successful) if your dealership model largely feels like it wants to filter us out?
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I did encounter a bit of a speedbump with this dealership I visited. I made the mistake of going to the Lexus dealer that's only a few exits down from where I work, and I'm now reminded why I bought my last one from across town and 40 minutes out of my way. It's extremely off putting to me to be talked down to and virtually ignored trying to follow up and buy the car. If I didn't meet their criteria of who they're willing to sell an LS to, it makes sense why they're the only dealership with new 2019's still on their lot (I think they have 4 actually). So they can keep it where it belongs in their collection of past model year vehicles. It's a shame too, because I'm sure it's because I'm relatively young (under 40) didn't show up in a jacket and tie. I'd like to ask Lexus why risk alienating your bread-and-butter buyers by designing cars to go after younger executives (or who are otherwise successful) if your dealership model largely feels like it wants to filter us out?
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Rookie
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 27
Likes: 9
From: TX
Urghh
Thanks for all your input guys. I always appreciate hearing from actual owners vs. the online blog "reviews" written by someone who maybe spent a few hours with the car and then regurgitated the manufacturer's press release (oh how I miss actual journalists!).
PCW and bigblack01, your cars look great! Those are probably my two top color choices for this car. My ES is white though, and I'm halfway convinced nobody will even notice I got a new car if I go with a white one.
I did encounter a bit of a speedbump with this dealership I visited. I made the mistake of going to the Lexus dealer that's only a few exits down from where I work, and I'm now reminded why I bought my last one from across town and 40 minutes out of my way. It's extremely off putting to me to be talked down to and virtually ignored trying to follow up and buy the car. If I didn't meet their criteria of who they're willing to sell an LS to, it makes sense why they're the only dealership with new 2019's still on their lot (I think they have 4 actually). So they can keep it where it belongs in their collection of past model year vehicles. It's a shame too, because I'm sure it's because I'm relatively young (under 40) didn't show up in a jacket and tie. I'd like to ask Lexus why risk alienating your bread-and-butter buyers by designing cars to go after younger executives (or who are otherwise successful) if your dealership model largely feels like it wants to filter us out?
Phew...now that I'm off my soap box and done ranting, I'm still going to keep my eyes open for another LS elsewhere that's optioned how I'd want. It's a sweet car I think I'd be happy to own, but until then I'll still enjoy my ES 350 UL.
PCW and bigblack01, your cars look great! Those are probably my two top color choices for this car. My ES is white though, and I'm halfway convinced nobody will even notice I got a new car if I go with a white one.
I did encounter a bit of a speedbump with this dealership I visited. I made the mistake of going to the Lexus dealer that's only a few exits down from where I work, and I'm now reminded why I bought my last one from across town and 40 minutes out of my way. It's extremely off putting to me to be talked down to and virtually ignored trying to follow up and buy the car. If I didn't meet their criteria of who they're willing to sell an LS to, it makes sense why they're the only dealership with new 2019's still on their lot (I think they have 4 actually). So they can keep it where it belongs in their collection of past model year vehicles. It's a shame too, because I'm sure it's because I'm relatively young (under 40) didn't show up in a jacket and tie. I'd like to ask Lexus why risk alienating your bread-and-butter buyers by designing cars to go after younger executives (or who are otherwise successful) if your dealership model largely feels like it wants to filter us out?
Phew...now that I'm off my soap box and done ranting, I'm still going to keep my eyes open for another LS elsewhere that's optioned how I'd want. It's a sweet car I think I'd be happy to own, but until then I'll still enjoy my ES 350 UL.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 611
Likes: 91
From: FL
That's not my experience at all. I've had 4 different LS460s and now an LS500. The LS500 is joy to drive and I've never really felt that it lacked power when compared to the LS460s. I'm not a speed demon though - no jack rabbit starts from a stop light or any other risky driving behavior. I want a car that gets me from point A to B serenely, in comfort and safely. All the LS models that I have owned deliver on these criteria.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16,859
Likes: 464
From: Knoxville, TN
0-60:
LS500 5.3; LS460 5.6.
Not trying to talk negative about your cars but dropping the V8 was a fatal mistake. .3 seconds is not a significant difference.
I've never heard anything but incredible engine praise for any V8 LS. Literally not one negative thing, other than maybe the 460 was a little slower than the competition.
Motor Trend said the 500 feels sluggish with moderate throttle and that the engine "struggles to move it"; even Consumer Reports said the car posts good numbers but doesn't feel particularly powerful in around town driving until the turbos spool. That's not necessarily a knock against this specific Lexus V6tt, it's just the turbo crap in general. Bring back the V8, IDK what Lexus was thinking. Lexus LS always held the crown of having the world's smoothest V8. That's dead and gone.
My 290hp V8 feels effortlessly powerful at any RPM. Great torque. Hardly ever goes above 2300 RPM. No waiting for anything. It's the perfect engine for a luxury car.
A friend of mine's parents bought a 500 who have always had LSs, he said it drives ok but sounds bad. They aren't happy with the V8 gone. There are lots of people, myself included, that have to have a V8 for the sound and feel. Especially in a luxury car.
No offense, I do not want to argue. But I still remember reading the original press release where they mentioned the V8 gone. Fatal mistake. Yeah and what happened to the power seatbelt anchors? That ooooozes luxury and I use it more than people would think. LS is the only car I can think of that used to have power height adjustable seatbelts that you controlled.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 31
From: California
Per Motor Trend
0-60:
LS500 5.3; LS460 5.6.
Not trying to talk negative about your cars but dropping the V8 was a fatal mistake. .3 seconds is not a significant difference.
I've never heard anything but incredible engine praise for any V8 LS. Literally not one negative thing, other than maybe the 460 was a little slower than the competition.
Motor Trend said the 500 feels sluggish with moderate throttle and that the engine "struggles to move it"; even Consumer Reports said the car posts good numbers but doesn't feel particularly powerful in around town driving until the turbos spool. That's not necessarily a knock against this specific Lexus V6tt, it's just the turbo crap in general. Bring back the V8, IDK what Lexus was thinking. Lexus LS always held the crown of having the world's smoothest V8. That's dead and gone.
My 290hp V8 feels effortlessly powerful at any RPM. Great torque. Hardly ever goes above 2300 RPM. No waiting for anything. It's the perfect engine for a luxury car.
A friend of mine's parents bought a 500 who have always had LSs, he said it drives ok but sounds bad. They aren't happy with the V8 gone. There are lots of people, myself included, that have to have a V8 for the sound and feel. Especially in a luxury car.
No offense, I do not want to argue. But I still remember reading the original press release where they mentioned the V8 gone. Fatal mistake. Yeah and what happened to the power seatbelt anchors? That ooooozes luxury and I use it more than people would think. LS is the only car I can think of that used to have power height adjustable seatbelts that you controlled.
0-60:
LS500 5.3; LS460 5.6.
Not trying to talk negative about your cars but dropping the V8 was a fatal mistake. .3 seconds is not a significant difference.
I've never heard anything but incredible engine praise for any V8 LS. Literally not one negative thing, other than maybe the 460 was a little slower than the competition.
Motor Trend said the 500 feels sluggish with moderate throttle and that the engine "struggles to move it"; even Consumer Reports said the car posts good numbers but doesn't feel particularly powerful in around town driving until the turbos spool. That's not necessarily a knock against this specific Lexus V6tt, it's just the turbo crap in general. Bring back the V8, IDK what Lexus was thinking. Lexus LS always held the crown of having the world's smoothest V8. That's dead and gone.
My 290hp V8 feels effortlessly powerful at any RPM. Great torque. Hardly ever goes above 2300 RPM. No waiting for anything. It's the perfect engine for a luxury car.
A friend of mine's parents bought a 500 who have always had LSs, he said it drives ok but sounds bad. They aren't happy with the V8 gone. There are lots of people, myself included, that have to have a V8 for the sound and feel. Especially in a luxury car.
No offense, I do not want to argue. But I still remember reading the original press release where they mentioned the V8 gone. Fatal mistake. Yeah and what happened to the power seatbelt anchors? That ooooozes luxury and I use it more than people would think. LS is the only car I can think of that used to have power height adjustable seatbelts that you controlled.
https://www.lexus.com/models/LS/spec...00-f-sport-awd
Isn't it 4.6 sec?
Does the LS 460 have massaging driver seats along with a heads up display? How about cornering lights?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 16,859
Likes: 464
From: Knoxville, TN
https://www.lexus.com/models/LS/spec...00-f-sport-awd
Isn't it 4.6 sec?
Does the LS 460 have massaging driver seats along with a heads up display? How about cornering lights?
Isn't it 4.6 sec?
Does the LS 460 have massaging driver seats along with a heads up display? How about cornering lights?
All I meant was, even the professionals are complaining about this engine. Nobody uttered a peep about the old V8s as they were that good.
And I said I wasn't trying to argue, I hope and am glad you like your car. But yes my LS430 has cornering lights, it's one of my favorite features. LS460 had them too, but I don't think massaging seats.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 31
From: California
4.6 seconds is the Lexus quote that hasn't even been close to duplicated. It's a wee bit liberal.
All I meant was, even the professionals are complaining about this engine. Nobody uttered a peep about the old V8s as they were that good.
And I said I wasn't trying to argue, I hope and am glad you like your car. But yes my LS430 has cornering lights, it's one of my favorite features. LS460 had them too, but I don't think massaging seats.
All I meant was, even the professionals are complaining about this engine. Nobody uttered a peep about the old V8s as they were that good.
And I said I wasn't trying to argue, I hope and am glad you like your car. But yes my LS430 has cornering lights, it's one of my favorite features. LS460 had them too, but I don't think massaging seats.
How many ways is the LS 460 driver's seat?
Is the steering wheel heated on the LS 460?
How many watts is the audio on the LS 460?