Luxury Lounge

1210211213215216428

Comments

  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 5,209
    Warning Will Robinson! He's driving on the wrong side of the road! And the steering wheel is on the wrong side of the car, too! Wow, what's up with Jag build quality? How did this one get by Inspector 23???

    Indeed, in any flavor, the XK is one tasty looking morsel. A lovely drive, too, I'm sure...

    A couple of coworkers and I plan a field trip to the Jag dealer down the road from our office to check out the XF (and XK) in the next few weeks. Then, lunch at McDonalds! Class all the way.

    ;)

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    The best advice I could give you is to drive these luxury cars for yourself and see which one you like best.

    In addition to CR rating the Lexus LS as the highest rated car they have ever tested, it was also rated as the most reliable luxury car.

    Edmund's also rated the LS the top luxury car over $60,000, and believe it or not Edmund's also rated it as the top car over $60,000 that costs the least to own!

    Some say that the LS lacks performance but I will tell you that unless you are taking this car to the track, you will never notice any lack of performance. It is set up for everyday driving and outshines all the others in this respect.

    Again, you simply must drive the cars and see which one you like best.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • tx_buzzardtx_buzzard Member Posts: 130
    That is why the LS is acknowledged as the #1 luxury car in the world. Period.

    I read a few reports that listed the Infinity M35 & M45 as the #1 lux car. But regardless of someone's opinion, they are boring cars. I am not saying they are not reliable or plush, as they are, yet IMHO they are boring as hell to drive.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    While Lexus may need a huge advertising campaign to bring awareness to their hybrid model range in the US, it couldn’t be any different in Europe, where hybrids are accounting for a major percentage of vehicles sold.

    In 2007, 38% of all Lexus sales in Eastern Europe were hybrids, up from 26% in 2006, and it’s even more impressive when broken down model by model. Hybrids made up 86% (!!) of the total RX sales and 55% of all GS sales. And even with its mid-year introduction, 56% of LS sales were for the LS 600h.

    As a point of comparison, only 17% of RX sales and 10% of LS sales in the US were hybrids, though the LS is a special case, as the non-longwheelbase version of the LS 600h is available in Europe.


    Source: The Passionate Pursuit

    Diesels, watch out!!

    ;)
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    I was disappointed in its long lag-time as it searched way too long for a lower gear when attempting to downshift (as would happen in a "kickdown" passing maneuver).

    The so called "lag" was a function for improving fuel economy.

    If you are interested, go try to test drive it again but this time flip the ECT Power switch on, I would bet that lag feel will go away completely.

    Or you could just take my words for it...
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Well, it would be an awfully dull forum around here if we all liked the same cars, right? :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    I have never seen them go that high before.

    Really? I thought they gave that to almost every 3er and 5er they've tested, at least to the 330i back in '06 for what I remembered.

    Not to mention that C&D decided to give 1 "must have" point to the 330i in order to break the tie between it and the IS350 when the two were first introduced back in '06.

    Talk about fair and balanced...
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Well, it would be an awfully dull forum around here if we all liked the same cars, right?

    Correct. And it would be even worse if Car & Driver and other credible sources always agreed with Consumer Reports! Thankfully, however, they so often do not. :shades:

    TagMan
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    Fair and balanced? :surprise:

    Car & Driver is a magazine written by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. Of course, their writers will be ecstatic over BMW and Porsche vehicles-which are some of the best, most exciting vehicles on the planet. Enthusiasts drive exciting cars like BMWs and Porsches. If you do not love cars, you still have a choice:
    Ya don't have to read C & D. Meanwhile, my heart skips a beat toward the end of every month when I open each exciting new issue brimming with ecstatic reports on the latest BMW and Porsche vehicles. :shades:

    You want to read about cars as passionless appliances, buy Consumer Reports.
    For the rest of us there is Car & Driver. :)

    Mr. H
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    I don't have beef against C&D but at the same time they can be both enthusiastic and fair and balanced toward car reviews.

    Normally I agree with their reviews but what's up with the one extra "must have" point just to break the tie. Why can't another car tied in their comparo with a BMW 3-series? Why can't the comparos just purely based on objective PERFORMANCE figures since they are bunch of enthusiasts? Isn't that at the end, the raw PERFORMANCE figures are what matters the most to any enthusiast?

    Just so you know, I don't read just C&D, normally I read all 4 major car mags (R&T, C&D, MT and Automobile) and make my own decision afterward. I don't take them as the bible because after all, they all contain subjective opinions and the only way to see the whole picture is to read as much as I can.
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    I like 3 out of the 4 you mentioned. Motor Trend is a serious cut below the other 3, in my opinion. They tend to come up with ridiculous "surprises" in their comparos, seemingly, just to make waves and be different. They have no credibility with me.

    Of course, even better than reading is test driving as many vehicles as one can. I can't wait for late March to check out the BMW "1" Coupe and also to see if I experience similar feelings like those of the C & D staff after driving the 328i.

    I believe in writing only about vehicles I have seriouly driven which means the Infiniti M35, Infiniti M45, Lexus LS, Lexus GS, Acura MDX and Honda Accord EXL V6, in addition to the BMW 3 Series, 5 Series and X5.

    Well, if pure performance figures are what you want, wouldn't BMWs usually be on top in the comparos?
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    I think it's easy enough for most, if not all, of us here to agree that numerous opinions written by enthusiasts are favorable to a single source. It builds a concensus, filters through the biased views, and gives an overall better impression of how a vehicle truly stacks up.

    We also have our favorite sources and those we do not like. I personally think that's fine, just as long as we don't limit ourselves to only one source for our vehicle information. That would thwart the inherent nature of building a concensus.

    That said, in the end, the only single point of view that matters is our own when it comes time to making that very special and wonderful purchase of an automobile.

    We individually have that privilege to purchase any kind of vehicle we want... fast or slow, gorgeous or ugly, gas-sipper or gas-hog, reliable or shop lizard, fun or function, practical or impractical. It's all up to us. The most typical limitation of our choice is, unfortunately, the vehicle's price tag. Darn.

    TagMan
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    I simply believe everything I read here.

    :)

    Except maybe that one about the Eastern European Lexus sales.
    It does state in another article that total sales were 17k units so 38% of that is in hte neighbourhood of 6000 units. Doesn't seem like an awful lot of hybrids considering that includes all 3 models.
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Like me ;)

    I suppose you're right!

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    ...of the A3, here in the Chicago suburbs in the dead of winter.

    http://img165.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc0013as4.jpg

    Enjoy.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Many things are simply subjective and you have to go with your heart.

    I agree.

    I still think (in my biased manner) that the Cayenne is the superior SUV.

    And I, the BMW.

    Conversely, one thing I really liked about the Cayenne was the fact that it was a Porsche. It feels different from any other 'ute out there. Ultimately, though, that was also the thing that stopped me from buying it. The X5 matches or beats it on every objective measure, but more importantly, my older kids (25 and 21) just didn't think their mom should drive a Cayenne. My daughter, especially, just doesn't like the image. She sees it as a gas-guzzler and a dumb car in general. I think the X5 strides a fine line, and it makes everyone in my family happy, so that's what I went for.

    Enjoy the Porsche. :D I think we can call it a tie.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    Never fret mon frere!

    I could never say anything like that about the most coveted and respected luxury car on the planet.
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    I could not agree with your post more. Mercedes has lost their way entirely. A big, bloated, overpriced wannabe Buick is a very good description.

    You realize, though, that this applies even more accurately to the Lexus LS460?

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Some say that the LS lacks performance but I will tell you that unless you are taking this car to the track, you will never notice any lack of performance.

    Pardon me, but have you always been this way?

    That is flat-out incorrect. It's quite easy to notice the differences between these sedans just driving down a neighborhood road.

    You may prefer the LS460, but that doesn't mean every body else has to. :sick:

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    I'm sick of writing it. It's annoying. You all know what cars I have.

    The only reason I've kept at it is because I felt like, if I've done it this long, how could I just stop now?

    Should I get rid of it?

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.T0 DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Should I get rid of it?

    No. :)

    TM
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    It's much better to see this turn out this way, IMO.

    Good job, mates!

    TM
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Hello Blkhemi

    We met a few years ago over on the A8 forum, you with the w12, aand I the a8 short wheel based car....Since then you have had the good fortune to own quite a few cars, while I alas am still driving the Audi....How have you liked the bmw three that you owned ? Has it given you any problems? Any suggestions for a model car that you think to be a `sleeper` Old friend Tony ps the Audi has been and still is very dependable, only a little dust on the useless navigation device...Lexus sure has it beat in that department, but I find I don`t need any of them..
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    Is it me, or have we overlooked the sales for the LS this month?

    DOWN 25% for the month. Yes, that is down with a "d". Although some may want to forget about this, it was said in the not to distance past that "no matter what, the LS will maintain a solid increase in sales monthly". Well, that hasn't come to pass, and I don't think the numbers overall are that impressive.

    Could somebody please post the S-Class numbers please.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Could somebody please post the S-Class numbers please.

    Hemi, overall Mercedes sales were up. However, the economy is messed up, and LS sales were not the only HELC to be affected. The impact of the economy is very similar upon the S-Class as it is upon the LS. S-Class sales fell 28%.

    BTW, Audi A8/S8 February sales dropped 11.8%.

    When we return to more normal economic conditions, it will be easier to compare those vehicle's sales data.

    In addition, as I have suggested in prior months, I believe the significance of the HELC has diminished anyway. There are simply more desireable and enjoyable vehicles to drive... like an R8, for example. ;)

    TagMan
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    I've loved my 335i since the day I pulled it off of the lot. The car never ceases to amaze me, With unlimited power and the true Teutonic taut but compliant ride, what's more to ask?

    It's the perfect size for scooting in and out of traffic along our super busy thourogh-fares and for stealing parking spots. I went with the anthricite/slate interior for annonymous motoring and that sleeper appeal that you elated. It has been a model of dependability and with BMW's free servicing plan, I'm all set. And now they even have concierge so you don't have to go to the dealer.

    As to the Audi's, I have the most respect for Audi. My vehicles have all been reliable and true. But with sadness, I will part ways with the S8 so we can make room for the R8. I have referred Audi's to many people that are close to me. My son-in-law gave up his trouble-prone LR3 for a Q7 4.2 for him and my daughter(Sucker, she keeps her S4 Cab). My brother of course replaced his W220-bodied S500 with an A8 Sport. And my very best friend needed a new personal coupe, so the S5 it was, replacing his, ehmm, 2002 Cadillac Eldorado(with the Landau top and Vogue Tires, yuck) and getting more street cred in the process. Damn you Tony Soprano..

    As to outright sleeper cars, that depends on what exactly you're in the mood for. If it's your everyday compact, I'd recommend a V-Dub GTI or Mazdaspeed 3 any day. For something with a little more sizzle and luxury, I am really, really, liking what I see in the Chevy Malibu LTZ. Most will laugh, but it is good enough for me to have to put the CamCords on the back burner, although it lacks a nav. I prefer a Garmin anyway. When in the heck was the last time that happened? But for all out luxury, the A6 and A8 is as much of sleepers as you can get.
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    Agreed! You know that. And I know that. But some don't know that.

    All sales were flat across the board. Even GM's impressive Silverado sliced 29% off of sales, all the while Toyota is throwing an unprecedented 6k rebate on the Tundra, which has leveled backwards also.

    Home troubles, economy troubles= no car sales.
  • clemboclembo Member Posts: 253
    I didn't know you typed it everytime, I thought it was set up as a profile. Keep it if you want, I always check it to see if you have added - '08 Audi R8.

    I know that one of these days when you shake out the piggy bank you'll add the R8.
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    My lease is up in December. I have had thoughts along the same lines as you regarding 1 series, 328, 335. I am ruined with the handling and I drove the 5 one day during service and I liked it but it is as you say. Ruined with the 3.

    I suspect the one'er will be a fun car if one can get comfortable behind the wheel.

    Also will look at the G-8 just for s_-_-'ts and giggles but alas, at over 2 tons, it's really inferior as far as weight goes...if you want razor-edge handling, that is. Besides, the 135 will burn the G-8's socks off!

    Regards,
    OW
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Isn't that at the end, the raw PERFORMANCE figures are what matters the most to any enthusiast?

    In a word, the stats are just a guide. It's the seat of the pants-o-meter that tells the final tale!

    Regards,
    OW
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Not looking good but we all knew the "I'll take 2 McMansion's - and Super-Size Me, please" debacle would create this, didn't we?

    link title

    Regards,
    OW
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    True, but the banking industry was giving away money that was accompanied with a ticking time bomb. Many, many innocent people have been hurt. It' wasn't primarily the McMansion buyers that got suckered... it's mostly ordinary hard-working Americans. Let's not forget that, so we don't blame them for what has happened to them. It has affected families with children.

    Also, look at the idiotic ways the Fed plays around and manipulates the economy. They mess with interest rates to the point of disaster. Add to that the idiotic and insane national debt. If any one of us ran our personal finances like that, we'd be called incompetsnt and we'd be screwed for life... yet the federal government has no fiscal restraint... They just borrow more and print more and spend more... much of it being thrown away outside our own borders.

    So let's put the blame where it really belongs. :surprise:

    TM
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    Could somebody please post the S-Class numbers please.

    Yes, down 28% with a capital "D".!! LMAO!! :P

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    She sees it as a gas-guzzler and a dumb car in general.

    There is ONE vehicle on the road that never ceases to piss me off. The Hummer. Quite possibly the dumbest vehicle ever made for highway travel. You get like 8 mpg, the interior looks like someone barfed plastic everywhere and when driving the vehicle you look like a colossal @$#%head.

    Should I go on?

    -moo
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Agree completely. It's just that one needs to read the fine print and understand debt before taking on debt. I understand the government idiocy but people need to protect themselves going in.

    Buying with no down payment works if you have the assets to back it up. Otherwise, there is no safety net. The 28% debt/income rule needs to be applied from a personal prospective. Stretching it is gambling. ARM's are fools folly.

    The term "save for a rainy day" is simple but oh so important. Particularly in the 5 and out employment terms of late.

    Regards,
    OW
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Yes...the thing is a nightmare to look at, total excess and has slothful driving dynamics.

    I love to see the people get out/in them and wonder about what makes them tick.

    Regards,
    OW
  • hpowdershpowders Member Posts: 4,331
    You still have plenty of time. I had two 325i's before the 545i and I have to say I genuinely miss the tighter handling of the 3 Series.

    I'm looking forward to driving the new 1 Series Coupes and the latest 3 Series Sedans at the end of the month, but I will be leaving my wallet home at that time.

    While I was having the new Contis put on the 545i, the wife called with all the latest reasons why we should get an MDX instead of a BMW sedan. :surprise:
  • bmlexusbmlexus Member Posts: 755
    After reading replys from (tagman hpowders and houndi) I come to a conclusion the best thing is to do like houndi said .

    The best advice I could give you is to drive these luxury cars for yourself and see which one you like best.

    i will keep reading abt the cars that i am interested in but when the time to buy i have to test drive all of them or even rent it ,

    ! feed back that i can give you guys rite now is that i did not feel comfortable in any other car then sitting in the x5 5 and 7 series .all 3 cars driving position was great and felt very7 comfortable for some reason the LS felt really big while sitting inside did not get that feeling when sitting in the 7 series.

    thanks guys.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    You are welcome, and please, as you drive all these cars, share your impressions with us. It is the most meaningful feedback there is.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • tx_buzzardtx_buzzard Member Posts: 130
    I am considering a performance exhaust for my '08 550i. I've always liked Dinan products, however their exhaust doesn't provide that Euro performance sound. So I am looking at the Remus and Eisenmann systems. Anyone have experience with these two exhausts? Comments and suggestions will be appreciated.
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    Yesterday afternoon I bought the 335d Coupé (Titanium Silver with Black Dakota leather and Intense Black inner trims). The car is loaded as posted on this Forum (post #10982) plus some more little things added in the last moment. The order was signed as if it was made on September 29th. As for yesterday, BMW car prices have officially increased here. I believe the dealer had to meet periodic sale objectives, which allowed me to be eventually satisfied with price and conditions.

    I got 15.4% out of MSRP (57,900 down to 48,900). I was finally paid 20,000 € for my crashed/repaired 530d (2,000 € more than previously offered). I added cash to make a first payment of 23,000 €. Thus, 25,900 € are postponed to be paid on March 2011. This is the BMW minimum guaranteed price for my 335d in three years time. Along these three years, I will pay a fixed 5,5% interest for the debt—which I believe is very favorable given the money price and inflation here. After the three years I will be able to (a) negotiate two more postponed years, (b) give the car to the dealer to pay back the debt, (c) keep the car but paying the debt, or (d) trade in it for a new car. Sort of a lease but owning half of the car. A real lease would have not been nice for me now. I could not take advantage from it in my income taxing. (Tony, neither can I from the depreciated value of the crashed car.)

    At the end of the crash we have got no injuries and a new car for less money than feared.

    Okey, I must leave the Forums by now.

    Regards,
    Jose
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Doesn't seem like an awful lot of hybrids considering that includes all 3 models.

    You have to keep in mind that Lexus' best seller in Europe in the IS250/220d and there is no hybrid IS. That's why the overall percentage for the hybrids isn't as high as when it breaks down to individual models like the RX, LS and GS.
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    As some has mentioned that the S-class was down 28% and the A/S8 11%, I believe the only model that has an increase in sales in the HELC segment is the 7-series.

    By the way, who holds the number one selling title within that segment?

    I would bet my car key on the LS...
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Houdini... Your post is a re-post.

    I already posted that information (#11066) ... with comments. (although I didn't need to LMAO. ;) )

    TM
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    Louis, which Eastern European Countries were included in the report? May be it should be taken into account that the reported market is too small to be taken as representative of Europe as a whole.

    Regards,
    Jose
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Uh... I don't know why in the last article it was stating as "Eastern" Europe but here's the complete article from Autoblog Green:

    Lexus has announced that they sold 16,800 vehicles with Lexus Hybrid Drive (aka Hybrid Synergy Drive) in Europe in 2007, their best performance yet. Toyota's premium brand is dominating the premium hybrid segment in Europe. Not hard to do considering they are the only manufacturer offering premium hybrids. Thirty-eight percent of all the Lexus models sold in Western Europe last year were hybrids, up from twenty-six percent in 2006. Interestingly the LS600h has accounted for fifty-six percent of LS sales since its launch in July. Here in the U.S., the LS600h accounts for well under ten percent of sales. Similarly, the RX400h accounts for eighty-six percent of RX sales in Europe while, here they were only about seventeen percent last year. Given the relative disinterest in hybrids in Europe, these numbers seem unusual.

    Lexus Hybrid Drive sales continue to grow

    • Lexus continues to lead the premium market with hybrid technology. In 2007, 16,800 vehicles with Lexus Hybrid Drive were sold in Europe.
    • 70,000 tonnes quantifiable reduction in CO2 emissions (*) in Europe due to Lexus Hybrid Drive sales.

    Lexus Hybrid Drive

    Lexus remains the only premium manufacturer offering hybrid technology. The Lexus Hybrid Drive range consists of the RX 400h, the GS 450h and the flagship LS 600h. In 2007, Lexus has sold 16,800 Lexus Hybrid Drive vehicles in Europe, up from 13,200 units in 2006.

    Lexus' full hybrids, such as the LS 600h with its 165 kW electric motor, offer exceptionally powerful performance with greatly reduced emissions. They even allow for emission-free electric driving, for instance in urban environments.

    Lexus Hybrid Drive has proven a major attraction for European buyers. In 2007, 38% of all Western-European Lexus customers have opted for Lexus Hybrid Drive, up from 26% in 2006. Of the RX and GS ranges respectively, 86% and 55% of vehicles sold featured Lexus Hybrid Drive. Since the LS 600h went on sale in July, it accounts for 56% of LS range sales.

    Since introduction in 2005, European Lexus Hybrid Drive sales have saved over 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions (*).


    Funny that in Autoblog Green's original article, "Eastern" Europe was not mentioned.
  • scwmcanscwmcan Member Posts: 399
    Part fo the hybid "success" in europe is that they avaid the congestion charge in places like London, hybrids get a free pass no matter how the pollution/exhaust(co2) compares to ther cars, that is quite a hefty benifit from what I understand.
    Scott
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    No, not a re-post. A riposte!! :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    A couple of coworkers and I plan a field trip to the Jag dealer down the road from our office to check out the XF (and XK) in the next few weeks. Then, lunch at McDonalds! Class all the way.

    Enjoy! One of the posters here had a bad experience on their XK test drive, some kind of transmission issue, which is really unfortunate. The XK is an absolute joy to drive, and that transmission is one of its best attributes. I hope your experience goes well.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Just so you know, I don't read just C&D, normally I read all 4 major car mags (R&T, C&D, MT and Automobile)

    C&D is still a (fairly) decent rag, but the rest of them have really degenerated into nothing much more than PR parroting puff pieces at this point. I would suggest letting those subscriptions lapse, and trying out Sports Car International, CAR, and TopGear magazine instead. Sooo much better than the mainstream "buff books".
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