Lexus LS 460/LS 460L Styling Impressions

hpowders

Ha! Ha! The side and rear have BMW written all over it.
From the side it looks just like my 2005 545, only a little longer.
A great tribute to Chris Bangle.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!

In all honesty though, the car is quite nice looking and a major improvement over the previous tired-looking LS.

I will drive one later this year when the dealers have them.

I hope the auto mags get an early shot at reviewing the driving dynamics.

ljflx

Come on H Powders - you keep trying to make a skirmish here but it's not working. It's a beautiful car and will be built even better than the current car which already has the best build of the current crop.

callmedrfill

No sweat.

Pricing is what's important.

No one would bat an eye at $64,900 to start.

Rumors persist of just a $3k hike, keeping it under $60k!

I wouldn't do that, I'd go from $65k to $85k, loaded.

What does the GS450h cost again? Was it $65k?

Can't get over the exhaust design! Straight pimpin'!!

DrFill

samstayton

I think they have done it this time. The new lexus has original design and the interior is really nice. The power is greatly improved, but lexus still needs an optional power train in 450-500 hp range to compete with Rolls Royce Phantom and Maybach.

Also, its obvious that with this new car lexus has Phantom well with in its reach. Besides, its good for the customers. They get to own a car better than rolls in every respect and save a cool 250,000 dollars.

samstayton

On a scale of 0-100 I would rate:

1. Rolls Royce Phantom - New Lexus LS 460L - 98 (vow its a tie)

2. Mercedes Maybach - 65

3. Mercedes S550 - Bentley Spur - 40

4. BMW 7-series - 38

5. Infiniti - 35

6. Audi A8L - 33

7. Jaguar - 25

8. Cadillac STS - 12

samstayton

Lexus will attempt to achieve V12 power and V6 fuel economy with 600hL. I think they should shoot for at least 450 hp. Otherwise the difference between 380 hp and anything less than 450 hp wont make any sense.

They should also make sure the launch is trouble free as this is a very sensitive and crucial stage for lexus.

samstayton

In my opinion the pricing should be

LS 460 - 60,900 $

LS 460L - 65,100 $

LS 600hL - 79,100 $

I am not sure if they are coming up with LS600h (short wheel base) any news on this?

navigator89

The Rolls Royce Phantom, Maybach 57 and Bentley Flying Spur are not competition to the LS. They all cost a LOT more and are completely out of the LS price range. They compete with each other, not with the LS.

Lexus LS Inside line coverage

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/AutoshowArticles/articleId=108790#1

samstayton

Did anyone get a chance to sit in the back seats. From the pictures it seems like they are equal or even better than Maybach.

samstayton

bentley costs 175,000 $ which is 150,000 $ less than rolls and maybach (each 330,000 $ +). This means from price perspective even bentley cannot compete. But thats not the case.

However, price is not an object when you collect these top line cars. So in that respect Lexus is a true competitor to phantom and perhaps maybach

brightness04

Not sure I'd agree. I spent nearly an hour in a RR Phantom at one of my advertisers' parties last summer. To be honest, nothing in terms of creature comformts or interior quality was significantly better than the current LS430. The center stack was extremely busy. It did not even have rear refrigerator. The one "cool feature" that the chauffer could not resist the urge to show me was the button opening and closing the rear suicide door . . . I was like, okay, I can get three powered rear doors/gates on a single $35k minivan, what's the big deal.

brightness04

You never really know what those "top tier" cars sell nowadays. I saw an ad offering $100k off Maybach the other day!

navigator89

Wow that's incredible, I didnt even know Mayback advertised. :surprise:

hpowders

No skirmish. I said it's an improvement in design (from the photos), but more important to me as a BMW fanatic will be the driveability factors-the usual suspects: the brakes, steering and cornering.
I really hope this one handles less like a barge.
I look forward to finding out for myself this fall.

I wonder how long we will have to wait for some of the auto mags. to test it?
Although when they do, they do it grudgingly.
One mag. qualified a 2004 LS review with something like 'We don't usually review this kind of a vehicle." I guess the implication there is too much luxury, not enough performance. A car to be chauffeur driven.

callmedrfill

I see much more aggression, more in the VAIN (not derivitive) of the 7-series/A8 than the S-Class, in response to Edmunds assertion that the S-Class is very visible in this new iteration.

It is bold and powerful, yet tastefully conservative in front.

DrFill

kenshin10

IMO, this LS is a winner. Many people are criticizing the interior about how the dash is awkwardly placed and give praise to the S-Class interior. To me, the S-class interior is a direct copy of the 7-series. The dash of the S-class is boring, flat and seems like it's taken from those 90s Buick. The Benz steering wheel is just hideous. Pay attention to the interior finish of the LS. It's like a jewel.

syswei

Lexus plans to release more details about the new sedan’s technology at the Geneva auto show in late February, and will show a hybrid powertrain version of the new LS at the New York auto show in April.

neno8403

2007 Lexus LS460 Pics on ToyotaNation.com

barrys

I carefully looked at the bumpers on all the pictures now available and I don't see any of the front and rear bumper ultrasonic detectors. Wonder if that option will still be available..... Also wondering about the rear camera view on the screen.

garyh1

CNBC is broadcasting from the Detroit auto show today. They interviewed Jim Press of Toyota USA, and just briefly mentioned was a reference to a feature of the new LS that will parallel park the car! I guess this is the next generation of the current model's "Parking Assist". I recall this being demonstrated years ago as a computer science project, but putting it into production ... WOW. Probably in a few years only we old fogies will be able to manually parallel park, just like our kids can't do math without a calculator.

mikeroch

Am I right? No AWD on either the short or long w/b? (Perhaps it will only be offered on the hybrid?)

syswei

I need AWD too. But there is no indication thus far that it will be an option with the ICE versions.

daryll44

I also need AWD in Pittsburgh. Will it be available or not?

syswei

Maybe it is time for people to call 800-usa-lexus and ask them, and also put in our 2 cents that awd should be available as an option even on the non-hybrid cars.

oac

I said it's an improvement in design (from the photos), but more important to me as a BMW fanatic will be the driveability factors-the usual suspects: the brakes, steering and cornering. I really hope this one handles less like a barge.

Does the LS not be an equal or better in braking than the S or 7 ? Does the LS not beat out all its competition in a 2004 C&D comparo ? Does the LS not steer and corner with precision ? How can a car that won a comparo in its class among its peers drive like a barge ? I know you've done some test drives of the LS430, but c'mon, I own one and it certainly does NOT drive like a barge. That car is super quiet and super smooth at highway speeds. Its speed is deceptive, its braking is super tight, and unless you are taking a corner at reckless speeds, its body roll is minimal. Its not a sports sedan afterall, but a large full-size luxury sedan. Want a sport sedan, buy a 3-, M-, or IS. Want a luxury full-size sedan, buy an LS, S or 7 or A8...

nexuslexus

Spoke to some product specialists from Lexus today. Here is the latest updates:

The LWB will only have the footrest on the passenger side.
Both seats will recline.

AWD is only expected on the LWB Hybrid car.

Hybrid will be LWB only.

Will have LWB pictures tommarow.

syswei

I'm very disappointed if that info is true, that AWD will only be on the LWB hybrid.

With my kids only 6 and 8, and the ICE having 380hp and 25mpg, I'm not sure I have much of a need for either LWB or a hybrid. Requiring that I get both just to get AWD seems a waste.

nexuslexus

I would agree... and I would hope that my source is incorrect. I will try contacting corporate, and will get back to you.

ljflx

Syswei - I would not jump to that conclusion yet. It doesn't make sense (business or logic) that you can get AWD on only the least expensive GS and then at the next level on only the most expensive LS. My bet is that AWD will only be offered on the LWB cars regardless of whether they are gas or hybrid. There is a reason why info is still scarce and that can only mean not all decisions have been made yet.

oac

Can I suggest a 4x4 SUV for the family during inclement weather ? That's what we did by buying the LX for those times you need the traction, and the LS for all others. But I do agree with Len, AWD will surely be on the LS460, but may be an option, while it is standard on the LWB trims.

sorter

Because it only have 5 speed. Kind of like a Dodge minivan has.

hpowders

I drove the 2005 LS twice and felt there was room for improvement-particularly with the steering which has too much power assist IMO and I didn't find the driver's seat all that comfortable. My 545 is a big vehicle too yet it corners much better than the LS.
Come to think of it, I did not have any problem with the LS brakes.

I hope when I check out the new LS this fall, I have a better experience.
I am certainly not married to BMW even though I have driven nothing else for the last 12 years.
I expect a $60k+ vehicle to knock my figurative socks off.
The 2005 LS unfortunately did not.

gumps

I'm putting this message here in hopes someone from Toyota/Lexus hears me and can incorporate this into future LS 460 refinements. I bought a 97 LS400. It was the best car I had ever owned. After driving it 5 years I had hoped to upgrade to the new style LS. Upon driving the new LS 430, I discovered the seats were smaller in all directions and i just was not as relaxed inside as the older model. (and no I hadn't grown any in the seat!) I really wanted another Lexus but the entire car felt smaller. As a result I bought the 745 Li BMW. It's a great car if you have a live in mechanic. But really, they totally get ergonomics. Compared to the current LS the seats have more adjustments and support, are wider and there is more shoulder room and head room and the extension for your legs is awesome on long trips. From the pics I have seen, Lexus is missing the boat on some of these finer details. Ergonomically, they are forgetting that in America we like our recliner chair in the front as well as the back. What makes Lexus different than BMW is that BMW was made for the ultimate driving experience and they have looked at the finest details of driving and incorporated them. (repair is another topic) The ultimate driving experience means that they sell to everyone who subconsciously wants to race indy cars and enjoys being on the edge. This driver enjoys the cockpit design of the BMW. For Lexus buyers, they like the cockpit feel but are just as happy to ride in the back of the corporate jet with plenty of legroom and headroom. So if you are listening Lexus, keep the performance but don't give up the comfort. Your product dependability crushes BMW. Maybe it's Fung Shui, or just simple engineering but the BMW 7, and the 97LS 400 both feel less constrained than the LS430 and how it feels is what makes purchase decisions. I can't wait to drive the LS 460 to see how it feels and my BMW is coming off lease in January!

callmedrfill

I never thought I'd hear TWO people pitting driver's cars vs, a Lexus LS!

You want a driver's car, definitely get, and stick with the Bimmer. No one would ever question it. You just have to take the good with the bad, that's all.

If you want a better Mercedes, have I got sumpin' fur you!

Most car buyers drive like passengers. There are very few mutants, like me, in the LS demographic.

Suffice to say, Lexus has decided to turn up the intensity this time around, and if you can't find your 4-door dream here, keep dreamin'!

It's not a BMW, but it'll smoke a 750! If that's settling, SETTLE! SETTLE, SETTLE SETTLE, SETTLE (Liar Liar)! :shades:

DrFill

syswei

Well, if the info is true, which I'm hoping it's not, it could well be that Lexus finds it technically difficult to put AWD on such a powerful engine. That might explain why the GS only has AWD on the 300, not the 430. If only the hybrid LS has AWD, it would probably be implemented by having the electric motors drive the front wheels, or possbibly all four wheels, while the ICE drives only the rears.

As far as having an SUV for the snow days, we actually have 2 SUVs now...I am looking to replace the RX so that I can drive to my office with an AWD LS, while my wife drives the LX (or replacement).

nexuslexus

ESPN is also reporting that AWD will be on the Hybrid, and doesn't mention whether it willbe on the regular. I agree with Syswei that it could have something to do with engine (afterall, there is no AWD M45, or lexus GS430.

AWD on hybrid would be easy- hybrid could drive the front wheels, just like it drives the rear wheels on the RX400h.

callmedrfill

In the mid-gen facelift, or just before, in 2009-2010.

Nobody's perfect, fellas.

The pursuit continues. Passionately.

DrFill

lexusi

More about the lexus Intelligent Park Assist system, its something from outter space, Iam waiting for those BM fans to say, no this is not a big deal :P

"This is the world's first parking assist system that enables the vehicle to be automatically steered when it is being backed into a garage or being parallel-parked.

This system enables the driver to park the vehicle into even difficult spots, only requiring the driver to specify the desired parking spot on a display and back up the vehicle while checking the surroundings for safety"
souce, toyota.co.jp

and more, from CNN.com

"Toyota President Fujio Cho sat in the driver's seat at a demonstration laid on for the press, surprising reporters by holding his hands up as the car quickly parked itself.

"I forgot to put on the brake," Cho said. "But it's easy." "

thats wow, go lexus

Lexusi

ljflx

The hybrid will have the same powerful V8 as the LS460 gas plus battery of course. So I don't see how the engine comes into play. If they can do it on the hybrid they can do it on the LS460L

idele

My RX400h has a rear view camera with its navigation system. Now that I have it I wouldn't want to be without one. It seems to me that the parking assist carries this much further and I enthusiastically welcome it. I rarely use the navigation system and in the past never paid for the option. I discovered that when trading in a car a navigation system is a big plus. Now that I have a navigation system, and the one on Lexus is, so far as I can tell, the best around and have used it in an essential way, it's an option I'll always want. Rarely mentioned are the safety advantages of the Toyota/Lexus hybrid synergy systems. The improved balance and much lower center of gravity makes the vehicle much more stable in maneuvers.

lexusi

Hi,
Concerning the movies in the lexus.jp, i want to see the movies without interuption and becoz my DSL keeps lagging i cant, please anyone can help me if their is a way to download the movies so i can watch them offline?? any programme i can use? i tried almost everything in the net, from offline explorer, flashget and so, but no use!

anyone have the movies? is it posted anywhere in the net? can i download them? please someone reply me,

thanx

Lexusi

syswei

here, click "archived videos" to see it.

desertlexus

Does anyone have definitive information as to whether the 2007 LS will have Lexus Link? I spoke with a rep from Lexus Link this morning and she indicated they would; however, I got the impression she was sort of shining me on and telling me what she thought I wanted to hear! Which is certainly true, I want to hear that more than anything but the truth would also be good! ;-)

Anyone? And please excuse this question if it has already been covered here but I didn't find any answers when I searched the forum. Thanks for your help!

Oh, and this site is the best! I currently drive the 2001 LS and I'm holding out for the LS600h but it's killing me, it really is! Bring it on! (But the Lexus Link is a must!)

ljflx

No mention of Lexus link. If they bring it back it better be without the voice telling us it is active. We had a lot of uproars about that on the LS board. I tend to doubt it'll be back. It was supposed to be on this year's GX but isn't.

ljflx

No one ever posted the link so here it is and it represents available knowledge we have. I also heard real-time traffic reporting in the video. You can sign up for future news here as well.

http://www.lexus.com/2007ls_preview/specifications.html

syswei

Yes the press conference unveiling mentioned real-time traffic rerouting presumably similar to what is in the RL, only I guess we would hope better.

wbwynn

Any thoughts on how this would work and/or integrate with an ipod?

Thx

ljflx

wbwynn - I'd imagine a USB port into the hard drive.

What's your thoughts on the car. I love the LWB and will likely go that route.

cyclone4

Hello everyone!

This board was so inactive for a while (back in December), that I stopped checking it on a daily basis as I was accustomed. I was gone for most of the past couple weeks. I knew that the North American Auto Show was about to start so I checked the board today after returning from Boston. All I can say is WOW! The excitement about the next generation LS with its technological breakthroughs is overwhelming me. It is so great to have a site such as this to get all the latest news on my favorite automobile. My preference is the LS600h so it looks like I will have to wait for another year or so, but that does not stop me from dreaming about this vehicle. My wife and I are going to the Detroit Auto Show on the weekend of the 21st. Our daughter lives in a western suburb very close to DTW. I can't wait.

desertlexus

Thank you so much for this link! However, I'm seriously bummed about it not including Lexus Link. I know, I know, it has Bluetooth technology. Big deal. I'm talking about the concierge service, folks, and yes, maybe it's a "chick thing" but I love it! It kills me that Lexus would spoil us with it and then take it away. Wah!

Okay, there, I'm done. Still lovin' the car, though!