So yesterday I looked at the new S class pictures, and while I have always loved S class, I have to say I was kind of underwhelmed. LS500 interior actually looks more upscale to me - not a fan of that new Mercedes design language.

Hope Lexus is not planning on doing anything like that, even though I was planning on keeping my LS500 for 5-6-7 more years anyway..

What did you all think

Pic is taken from CNET article
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cnet.com/google-amp/news/2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-level-3-autonomous-driving/

 

It's definitely lost it's elegance. But the tech is top notch. Catch-22

 

As someone who owns an LS460, I have test driven all the luxury cars in this category in order to see how the other manufacturers stack up. Last week I test drove a 2020 S Class. I have to say objectively that the S Class is the best pound for pound luxury sedan in the world. The brand Mercedes Benz S Class demands a certain level of luxury and exclusiveness that unfortunately Lexus doesn't want to go. In the mid 2000s Lexus had the luxury game in its hands. The LS430 was better than the S Class. It gave the customer exactly what this type of customer was looking for. For some reason, instead of continuing to reach new heights and set new standards for a luxury sedan, they leveled off. When you spend around $100k, its not all about reliability. It's about the feeling of being exclusive. Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Mercedes Benz have been branded to cater to a particular customer who expects nothing but the finer things in life.

I like Lexus a lot and respect them. I own it. But after test driving the 2020 S Class and seeing the 2021 S Class, you can see that Mercedes is willing to go to the limits to prove to the world that they are THE premier luxury automobile company. There's no reason why Lexus can't make a car better than the S Class. The LS500 is a great car. But its not in the S class territory anymore in my opinion. They are cool being in the discussion but are no longer concerned with being number 1.

 

The new S Class looks like a Kia 900. The interior lost its elegance. Good luck trying to operate it, especially if your computer illiterate ( not me though)

 

I respect your opinion. But to me it looks great. They set the stage for what others will do. I guarantee you that the next LS will copy it. The current LS was built like a Panamera or Jaguar XJ. The LS is supposed to be roomy and deliver occupants to their destination in supreme comfort. That's what the S Class does. The LS500 has lost it's way. Hopefully, the next generation will return the LS to it's former glory.

 

If there is a next gen LS

 

they did a phenomenal job with redesign

Lexus should take lessons on ergonomics, features, rear wheel steering, electronic interfaces.

if they did the ls500 wouldn't have been the complete failure it is, sad but true

and Mercedes stays true to the customer segment they have built for 50 years,
Lexus ostrastrizes itself from the most important people their customers over the years and what they desire,

10 years in development with a huge car and if your 6 foot 1 can't feel comfortable in cabin, makes a lot of sense

 

Lexus needs to work in the performance department first and take the training wheels off, I have honestly been thinking of going to Mercedes for an S63 but I really don't feel like spending most of my time at the dealership. I'm not a fan of the new S-Class as it doesn't look as elegant as its outgoing model, it was a huge step for them but as LexRuger stated the tech is top notch.