cawimmer430

My scanner won't install in my computer so I can just give you the fine points.

There was a lot of praise but also a lot of negative comments, especially regarding the pathetic trunk space and load capacity.

The LS handled well if driven in a relaxed manor, but the moment one tried driving sporty with it, it's poor handling became apparent. It's no match for any of the German V12s in this class when it comes to handling - or performance. 6.3 seconds to 100 km/h is slow when compared to the Mercedes S600 for example (4.5 seconds).

Fuel economy in the mix was good, but outside on country roads and the Autobahn, the LS600h will use a lot of fuel. The engine was quiet and the comfort was good, except on uneven road surfaces where the suspension made a lot of noise.

The interior was heavily criticized for two reasons. One, the poor ergonomics. There are buttons for various features all strewn across the interior. AMS felt the logic behind this was confusing. Second, the interior materials are cheap for this class according to AMS. This type of interior would be ok in the midsize class (E-Class, 5er, GS, A6 etc.), but not here.

Lexus hopes to sell 5,000 Lexus LS in Europe. They expect that 60% of LS's sold will be Hybrids. Optimistic?



+Quiet engine
+Fuel economy (9.3 L/100 km mixed)
+Very comfortable
+AWD/traction
+LED lighting
+Interior space
+Low wind noises
+High speed comfort


-Slow acceleration for this class (6.3 seconds)
-Extremely small luggage space (330 liters now instead of 505 liters [LS460])
-Extremely poor load capacity (200 kg!!!)
-Noisy suspension on uneven road surfaces
-Poor handling / vague steering
-Cheap interior materials / poor interior ergonomics
-High fuel consumption outside urban environments



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Tycoon

I ain't gonna defend Lexus, but this part:

-Cheap interior materials / poor interior ergonomics

Are we so sure about that? C'mon, leave the bashings aside, i don't believe this... It's their top model after all...

Bruce

I've got to agree man, I don't agree with that. I've been up close with the LS many times and I have never seen any issues with the interior. I'm not saying Lexus is perferct because they aren't and I'll openly admit the IS and GS interiors are far from perfect (especially when it comes to quality)

But on the LS

Nonetheless, thanks Wimmer.

Merc1

I agree the, cheap interior materials part is a little bit much, but, but, but this car clearly isn't a S600 competitor in fact it barely outdoes the S550. I'd call it hype, smoke and mirrors, or just plain not accomplishing the objectives stated by the over amped marketing department.

M

YoUhimhER

the interior material used in lexus LS ain't cheap, but if u put it next to a8, 7er, s-class, i, for one will not consider them to be in the same class.

oh and what is with 200kg load capacity? does that mean it can't sit four 60kg ppl??!!

Mr. M

Agreed Marcus.

ateekt

Even if, everything stated up there is right, LS is gonna be a big "hit" ...!

No doubt, it is the "best" luxury sedan ever from Japan ...!

cawimmer430

I didn't make that up if that's what you're implying. AMS said that they found the interior rather plasticky and it just didn't have an elegant feel to it.

I've sat in the LS460 at the local Toyota-Lexus dealership, but I sadly was not allowed to take pictures of the car. The interior is good, but it just doesn't feel as high quality as that of the Audi A8's or Mercedes S-Class. Design wise, it has a very "Japanese look" to it, which is fine, but the people in this class want Elegance and the Lexus LS460 interior just doesn't have that IMHO. AMS probably felt the same way.

cawimmer430

This is exactly how I feel. It's a good interior, but place it next to the Germans, especially the A8 and S-Class, it comes across as lacking something.

Load capacity refers to how much extra weight the car can carry. 200 kg basically means you can carry two average adults of 80-85 kg each and perhaps a woman's purse in the trunk!

dr Dunkel

This meaning you can't bring three fully grown men along in this car? But rather just two, and their spare eating sticks?