KL2DC's preview test-drive of all-new LS460. Other cars tested as well. Pics and Vids

[KL2DC]

This year's Taste of Lexus event was aptly themed "Design and Innovation Edition"-main showcase was the mighty LS460 sedan. Previous year's included "Performance Edition" -showcasing the IS250/350 and "Luxury Edition"-tons of cars to abuse. Right on to it.... Event took place on weekend of 7th-8th October at Fed Ex Field stadium in Maryland. KL2DC's comprehensive Venue Review As outlined, this event is a little different than the earlier ones I've attended. Its more of an experience, to give attendees a slice of what they wish to communicate is the Lexus lifestyle/brand. Lexus does this well, from color schemes to background music to management's uniform. They take the art of kissing ass to a new level Their presentation can't be faulted. Awesome (and expensive) pavillions with ample lounging areas, exhibits, great attendants and facilities/amenities. Awesome catering-all you can eat and drink

. Lexus definitely feeds you the best over Mercedes-Benz, BMW et al. We came in at 09:00 and started off with various bagels (with fancy toppings like smoked salmon etc), various pastries, eggs, breakfast meats. At lunch time, their menus switched over to chickenskewers on pita bread, various pasta dishes and various sweets for dessert. Of course there was free-flowing Fiji brand water and sodas/juices service

I think we spent a little too much time eating and let the lines build up outside, negating any advantage of an early arrival

The F&B were set-up over 3 pavilions showcasing different cars....Lexus ES350, Lexus GS450h (Hybrid tech showcase) and the LS460 Showcase.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Track Setup There were 3 tracks/tents set up: 1st Tent (Pinnacle)W221 MB S550BMW E65 750iLexus LS 460L (Pre-production) Short track, tight corners, acceleration/braking runs, slalom, off-camber turns. http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f143/kl2dc/DSC02853.jpg -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2nd Tent/CourseRX 350RX 400hSC430ES350 Longer course, U-turns, slaloms, suspension compliance test etc. http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f143/kl2dc/DSC02874.jpg --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3rd Tent/CourseIS250IS350GS350GS450h Faster course, bust-stop chicane, varying radii turns, slalom etc. http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f143/kl2dc/DSC02911.jpg

 

[KL2DC]

The Cars!!!!

Lexus LS460L

This was the car I was anticipating to drive. I am sure most of you have read the previews/specs etc on this monumental effort by Lexus. Quick run-through: This is the first major redesign of the LS sedan since debut in 1990. First production car with 8-Speed Automatic transmission. That's right, folks 8-Speeds!!. All-new 4.6l 380bhp/370lb ft torque V8, said to be developed with Toyota's F-1. philosophy/expertise. 0-60mph in less than 5.5 secs.

Crazy features/Firsts:....

Enclosed Engine Bay, shade-tree mechanics need not apply

Baccarat crystal inspired headlights

Lots of space in the back...

How'd she Drive?

The LS460 cars onsite were 4 of 8 pre-production models in the U.S. These were handmade prototypes out for evaluation. With that in mind, the first thing I felt were that these specific cars were definitely not ready for prime-time.

The LS460 looks conservatively handsome next to the E65 and W221. The interior is spot on with the right amount of toys/gadgets. No-i-drive style controller, just good old-fashioned buttons and knobs and plenty of them. Nobody, short of RR and Bentley does leather like Lexus...this is a fact!

Right out of the box, I though the steering wheel was a little lifeless/isolated. It was easy to overshoot corner turn-in. It was not an involving drive. The engine is wonderful though. Smooth as a baby's behind, lovely V8 sounds when prodded, great power delivery. Its a gem!. The handling on the LS460 I drove was a little wallowy, I thought. It definitely had a soft turn in which I thought made the car felt big and ungainly in the tight confines of the auto-x course. It was made worst again, by the lack of feedback/communication from the front end.

I suspect the optional air suspension will help things out. I have read favorable reviews on air-suspension equipped LS460s

The prototypes were rattling like crazy, something Lexus officials swore won't happen on the production run models. They did their best to assure me. Each car out of the factory will be run on a pebble course to fish out rattles/squaeaks before shipping them out.

The Video!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iipzmSASVBg

 

[KL2DC]

More....

Mercedes-Benz S550 (LWB)

Wow...I was pretty excited to drive this car. I've always been a fan of big black benzes. Immediately, the car felt momentous. There is an air of ocassion upon sitting down behind the wheel with all those shiny bits of chrome, aluminum and wood shining back to you. The dashboard layout works for me, looks better in real life than in the pics. There was a lot to play with, I'd save that for later, I was here to push the car. All I can say its a far departure from the plasticky and disappointing W-220 S-class' cabin. The leather is still a step down from the Lexus and I though the wood could've been done better. The i-drive copycat works well but I still prefer the Audi A8's MMI knob or the Acura RL's joystick-inspired controller. I thought the analogue clock looked kind of cheap. I am not a big fan of these new column shifters btw....

And the car definitely drives better than the W220. It feels sportier and lighter on its feet. It feels more solid and expensive with good and smooth thrust from the 5.5l V8 pumping out a reported 382hp/391 lb ft torque. The car I drove had the standard airmatic but not the ABC system so I thought the body roll could've been better sorted out. It still leans like a boat but not to an extreme. Definitely drives thorugh the course, tighter than the LS460 and felt like a smaller car. You're definitely not aware of the size around you, which is great. I also though the tires could be better, a lot of squealing.

If I could steal one car that morning, this would be it lol. Although, if I were to buy a W221 today it'd have to be with the optional ABC active suspension and the AMG sports package for sure.

Note: Now I didn't drive the E65 750i as I have driven the car a few times before. The E65 on hand was not equipped with the sport package/suspension. Based on my recollection, the E65 should be tighter around the course with better steering feel and louder engine sound.

The Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaN54sxe3k4

 

[KL2DC]

more cars...

I'll keep these shorter....

Lexus SC430

Wife's favorite!! lol. I skipped out on this one here but I've driven the SC quite a few times before. I like this car a lot. Its a smooth cruiser, definitely not a bruiser. The interior is beautiful, fantastic leather. Good thrust by the 4.3l 300hp V8. Great V8 sounds, could be louder though lol. Handles decent, won't scare you. But the car doesn't feel as solid as the SL500/SL550 (R230) or the E63 BMW 650 cabrio. The body does feel looser than the germans, no doubt hindered by the complex and heavy hard-top mechanism.

Anyways the video with my wife at the wheel...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1lZNyiZpu4

 

[omegaoracle]

As always, comprehensive reviews and comments.. thank you for the post

don't you love the retro clock on the dash of the S550?

 

[KL2DC]

more cars....

Lexus RX400h Hybrid:

Actually I quite enjoyed driving this SUV. This is the 2nd time I've come across this car. The RX400h boosts the power of the standard 3.3litre V6 with 3 electric motors: 1) one sends 165hp to the front, 2) second sends 67hp to the rear and the third starts the car up. 0-60mph in 7.2 secs. The AWD system is setup different than the standard RX, it works better: Better cornering balance (less understeer), more sure-footed around the track (I think battery pack lowers Cg), better grip (VSC cuts in less), its better made (US RX350s come are assembled in Canada, the RX400h is CBU). Also smooth power delivery....

Anyways in-car footage/pics here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDratqnhMX4

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Lexus ES350

This is a new one. Takes over from the old ES330 (Toyota Windom, I think). Based on the new Camry platform. Uses Toyota's new corporate 3.5l V6 with 272bhp/254 lb ft tourque output, 0-60 in 6.8 secs and 6-speed auto. If you've driven the old ES you'd know what a softie that one was. It really sucked at spirited cornering, always felt loose and the VSC was always kicking in. I hated that car. This new one, is different. Its is improved. The engine is livelier/peppier and more characterful with a nice note at high RPMs. The handling is more controlled and less sloppy with good turn in. Its not bad for what it is, a entry-level luxury sedan for the 40plus crowd. I think it'll make a good commuter car to the office, its very soothing to drive at low speeds. Wonderful interior. This car was betrayed by the hard compound Michelin tires on....

Video/footage/pics:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft1pGXQVMzQ

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Lexus GS350

Gonna say it outright, I am not a big fan of this car. The GS430 is more appealing maybe but I'd take the E60 550i or the Infiniti M45 anytime. The styling is attractive, this is the 3rd generation GS but I think I like the earlier ones better, more edgier. The first initial impression of this car (this is the 3rd time I have driven a GS) is the interior looks cheap. The materials are decent, just the way its designed. Again it has the same corporate 3.5l V6 engine. The drive itself is pretty good but not memorable. This non-sport model suspension setting was quite soft (body roll) but gripped well nonetheless. The engine/power delivery was smooth but the overall driving experience was a tad isolated and none too exciting, RWD platform nonewithstanding. Maybe I am too young for this car. lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxKf-4ZKlvE

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Lexus GS450h

Now this car is interesting on paper. They took the GS350 and tacked on a big electric motor to send additional power to the rear wheels. This car is mated to a CVT transmission. Its output is about 350bhp. The 450 label suggests V8 performance with V6 fuel economy. And it doesn't disappoint. Great power delivery right off the line. Sounds like a huge electric dynamo upfront. CVT matches well. Handling is firmer on this spec level than on the GS350 but its still soft and VSC still kicks in too early. There is an interesting power usage display on the navi display.

Video (with my friend at the wheel)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khJ6xL7eBF8

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[KL2DC]

As always, comprehensive reviews and comments.. thank you for the post

don't you love the retro clock on the dash of the S550?

It reminds me of those cheapo travelling alarm clocks (the ones that fold in and costs RM5) that used to wake me up for school

For analogue clocks can't beat the ones in the Bentley Conti GT/Flying Spur and the Maserati Quattroporte/Coupe.

 

[David Yong]

Well done KL2DC
Nice write-up....

 

[KL2DC]

A few more....*phew*

Lexus IS250

This was a chance to revisit the car I nearly bought in place of my E90. Coming in at about the same price as my 325i it made a tough argument on paper, being well equipped and having the same performance numbers. Also Lexus' reputation for service and quality couldn't be beat. And to be honest I think the IS is a little more handsome than the E90, being more cutting edge in the styling department.

The car grips well and has good road-handling. Its fast and peppy (its Direct Injection 2.5l V6 makes about 204bhp to the E90's 215bhp 3.0l N52 I-6). The car also has the 6-speed automatic. I love the dashboard/interior presentation as well. But I ultimately chose the E90 over the IS250 due to the Bimmer's more superior steering feel, road handling and more hefty build. I also chose the E90 for its bigger interior space and the I-6 just felt better than the V6.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAm8RwY2C04

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Lexus IS350

This is the power broker competitor to the E90 especially the 330i sedan. It has a dual VVTi 3.5l V6 engine pumping out a healthy and ultra-refined 306bhp. It also has the VDIM system. This car pulls like a champ!! But my criticism (from a BMW driver) of this car and pretty much the entire lineup is the driving feel is distant. The engine is a firecracker on paper and in real life but it doesn't feel it. I demonstrate this point in my video where I overshot/overcooked the first corner as I couldn't feel how fast the car was going or where the limits are. Driving this car certainly is a video game experience. Again, the car handles very well, high grip limits, tight through the corners but it doesn't feel exciting, not like the E90. There is also a weight that is missing in the car controls. The weight that makes the E90 more confidence-inspiring.

Check out my video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G17ddMuv_tw

 

[KL2DC]

At the end of the day...the cockpit of my humble 325 couldn't feel any better. I drove a lot of nice cars that day but somehow the steering of my 325 felt the best. I still feel that I made a great purchase. The BMW is definitely a more visceral experience over the Lexus. The Lexii may look great on paper and with higher numbers but there is a certain magic missing from the BMW. Hooray for BMW!!!

My car made some friends out on the parking lot....

Audi S4 and an E46 330Ci

 

[safri]

i don't have to buy auto magazines anymore...thanks man.

 

[KL2DC]

lol thanks Omega, David and safri for encouraging/nice comments. Thanks for Reading!! At the end of the day, we are all car fans here....

That concludes the driving events for the year....drove a lot of different cars this year...good bumper crop. Cars are definitely getting better across the board....

Some of the events/cars I drove this year...

 

[omegaoracle]

At the end of the day...the cockpit of my humble 325 couldn't feel any better. I drove a lot of nice cars that day but somehow the steering of my 325 felt the best. I still feel that I made a great purchase. The BMW is definitely a more visceral experience over the Lexus. The Lexii may look great on paper and with higher numbers but there is a certain magic missing from the BMW. Hooray for BMW!!!

That's the spirit bro... we all know why we drive UDMs ..

good job on the photo reviews... err.. are you a photo journalist by any chance? hehe.. can consider a career change

 

[rezzy3181]

Thanks KL2DC great job from you a good one. I am sure all enjoyed.

 

[KL2DC]

That's the spirit bro... we all know why we drive UDMs ..

good job on the photo reviews... err.. are you a photo journalist by any chance? hehe.. can consider a career change

Exactly man...all I can think of was:

Not a photojournalist by far It was just point n click....from the eyes of an enthusiast just like all of us here.

 

[initialM]

Hahaha. Nice one bro. like the cartoon thing

 

[3er]

KL2DC:
Are you a car mag writer/reviewer? Or somehow related to the car industry? How do you get all these invites? Its a great review and i'm sure i speak for most members here that we enjoy reading it and your pics. Doesnt matter if its non-BMW cos it gives us an opportunity to learn about other (competitor's) cars, some not even available in our market. Looking fwd to more of such in future. Great job! Keep it up!

 

[XXX]

Good Job kl2dc, when the time comes for our monthly newsletter to be produced we now know who to look for.....

 

[XXX]

I was tailing one of those Lexus yesterday SG plate...from far it looked like a E60 infact it was like a copy of the E60 with some minor adjustments here and there so as not to be sued by Bangle...

 

[KL2DC]

KL2DC:
Are you a car mag writer/reviewer? Or somehow related to the car industry? How do you get all these invites? Its a great review and i'm sure i speak for most members here that we enjoy reading it and your pics. Doesnt matter if its non-BMW cos it gives us an opportunity to learn about other (competitor's) cars, some not even available in our market. Looking fwd to more of such in future. Great job! Keep it up!

Golly! Thanks for the kind words Actually, through some contacts I always get (well, force) myself onto a bunch of invite list. Most of these events are held for each auto maker's specific target so its not publicised. Constant communique with key folks keeps me abreast of events to gatecrash I must say, I've been to some awesome events and I am thanful for that. I'm a car junkie, what can you say?

Well, I've found a great audience with you guys, its my pleasure to share the passion for cars

I'll be reporting soon, in the next 2 weeks on a meet we are organizing here in DC metro. We're shooting to host a mini-bimmerfest of sorts. So far I have 45 cars signed up (mostly E90s, 2-3 E92 335is, some E46 M3s, 2 E60 M5s, an X3, some E36s and E46s) and 3 Porsches including a 996 Turbo. I think there might be an Audi S4 somewhere. We are arranging a rally run through some scenic parkways and then onto a dealer-sponsored meeting area.

edit: my BCoM sticker will be proudly shown