I currently have an '11 LS 460 that I'm quite happy with and am considering trading my '16 S coupe for a new or low miles gen 5 Lexus. How does this version compare to my '11 LS?

 

It's a totally different car. Upgraded interior, upgraded tech. Has V6 to your V8. May be smaller than your 2011.

 

Thanks, concerned more about ride and handling.

 

u have to drive it to feel it,
its lower, more cramped inside
handles much better with the platform it has, lower to ground
and ride quality is good with less cowl shake than your 2011. It has better structural ridgity than your 2011
it rides well but not as Smoot has a air suspension 4th gen

 

Fwiw, I was looking to upgrade my ls430 UL to the current gen. But after test driving an inspiration series was disappointed. The ride quality, overall refinement and audio system just wasn’t what my LS430 was. It’s not out of the question for me yet though, just going to now explore other brands before making a decision. The new s580, A8 and 7 series is what’s on my radar.

curious as to how other ls430 or 460 owners who upgraded feel too.

 

I have had a 2007 ls460, upgraded to a 2013 ls460 and have now had a 2018 ls500 for over a year. Each was a joy in its own right and I would not at all go back to an earlier version. The 2018 is a pleasure to drive, love the music, maybe seems smaller inside but it’s not, and ride is comfortable on good roads. Mine is an AWD which is unusual in Texas and I feel the bumpy roads a little more, but an awesome drive on our frequent trips to Colorado and road conditions there.

 

I owned a ES350, LS460 and test drove the new LS500 and ES350 , Seems like the newer these models get the stiffer the ride i don't understand the logic behind it . And this is across all the models. Most people like lexus because of the smoothness . Why not leave the sport type of design and ride for the F sport models.

 

I went from a 2004 430 UL to a 500 executive and don’t regret it. The carpet quality is my only gripe as it’s thin and cheap compared to the 430.

 

Bigger rims & thinner tires is the reason. It's very hard for even an advanced suspension system to replicate a 16-17 inch rim with fat 60 or 50 series tire ride. Car makers now a days want to look cool with bigger rims and improved handling. The days of the old Buick floaty riding days are pretty much over.

 

..

 

Hmm I disagree. I went down to 19" non-run flats on my LS500h and appreciate the improved ride quality. It's like night and day.

 

Here’s a picture of the wheel and tire on my wife’s old Buick.
Wait a minute! It ain’t an old Buick. Badge on trunk says “LS430.” Been riding on 16’s for 23 years.
Wish my LS500 rode like it does.

 

It's larger diameter wheels and run flats. Eliminate those and the ride is great.

 

The ride on the 4th generation LS and the noise at high speeds is much less. I tested both using a sound meter on the same road at 140kmphr but this is the 2019 LS500 versus a 2017 LS460. Things have changed I believe as the LS500 has gotten softer springs and may be quieter, but that's all I remember.

 

Again, trash the runflat tires on the LS500 and replace with a premium set of allseason tires and you will like the ride.