Drove an LS460 (CPO, 2007) today as a comparison

[wayoutwest]

Although they wanted just north of $50k for the car (don't know what it could actually be negotiated to), I must say I was VERY impressed with the car, but not for the price difference. Something I found odd is that there is no iPod controls, just an AUX in headphone jack... pretty bad for such an expensive car. I also like the DIS control on the Genesis MUCH better than the crowded center stack of the LS. It does have a lot of little luxurious extras, but nothing that would make me think twice about the price difference. Also I told the wife when i got home that I drove the LS, and she said she'd rather me drive the Genesis than sport the L-badge (which i kind of agree with her on )

Anyone else cross-shop a CPO LS460 when they were looking at the Genesis?

Cheers!
Dave

 

[faizal]

>It does have a lot of little luxurious extras

Just curious.. what specifically?

 

[Mark_888]

Something I found odd is that there is no iPod controls, just an AUX in headphone jack... pretty bad for such an expensive car.

The 2009 LS460 has iPod controls. I don't know if iPod control was included in the optional 2007 Mark Levinson Stereo upgrade, but iPod control probably was not all that common in 2007 models.

 

[mkaresh]

iPod control was rare in 2007.

My information suggests that even now the LS only has an aux-in port standard, and no USB port. As I understand it, full iPod control requires a USB port, but I'm far from an expert here.

Do you know otherwise, on either point?

 

[ultra63]

I hated the over assisted steering and poor visibility for the driver of the LS460.

 

[Mark_888]

iPod control was rare in 2007.

My information suggests that even now the LS only has an aux-in port standard, and no USB port. As I understand it, full iPod control requires a USB port, but I'm far from an expert here.

Do you know otherwise, on either point?

Full iPod control does not require a standard USB socket at the user end. It can just use a separate proprietary iPod connection that has the USB end hard-wired back to the receiver. However, it is clever the way the Genesis has it where the USB port can be used by iPod or just as a generic USB drive.

According to Lexus website, iPod control and a separate AUX-in port are standard equipment on 2009 LS460.

 

[PINGGOLF]

FYI

I moved this thread to GENESIS VS. COMPETITION.

Have an awesome day!

 

[wayoutwest]

>It does have a lot of little luxurious extras

Just curious.. what specifically?

Like the trunk opens/closes itself (I think it is smaller though), the door suck themselves shut if you don't close them all the way, the seating position is a little better. Parking brake sets/releases itself. Controls for the passenger seat on the driver side so you can move it without reaching across. Little stuff like that

Cheers!
Dave

 

[mkaresh]

Full iPod control does not require a standard USB socket at the user end. It can just use a separate proprietary iPod connection that has the USB end hard-wired back to the receiver. However, it is clever the way the Genesis has it where the USB port can be used by iPod or just as a generic USB drive.

According to Lexus website, iPod control and a separate AUX-in port are standard equipment on 2009 LS460.

Thanks for the info.

All I can find on the Lexus site:

And standard on the LS, you’ll find an MP3/WMA port located just inside the center armrest. This auxiliary port can accept a standard stereo miniplug from portable audio devices such as MP3 or WMA players. Just plug in to enjoy your entire library through the remarkable LS sound system.

And under specifications:

Auxiliary iPod®/MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) port

Since the "port" is singular, and includes a standard miniplug, does this imply that the LS has neither a USB port or a propritary iPod connection? Or would a proprietary connection include a standard miniplug?

I do see that an "Interface kit for iPod" is optional on most Lexus models, but not on the LS and LX. All models have the "Auxiliary iPod®/MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) port."

Photo of adapter in the LX here: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/lexus/photo/2007_12_Lexus_LX_570_59-prv.jpg

Looking at the high-res version of this photo, it's clearly just a basic aux-in port.

 

[Mark_888]

I thought that the 2009 Lexus LS had iPod integration, but now I am not so sure. Looks like there are several after-market kits for full integration.

I love the iPod integration on my Genesis. My 256 kbps AAC files sound great, better than I expected. The only thing I don't like is that songs start at the beginning when I start the car, and not exactly where it left off previously (as does an iPod operated manually).

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[JOwest]

The only thing I don't like is that songs start at the beginning when I start the car, and not exactly where it left off previously (as does an iPod operated manually).

You can make it to restart where you left off by following this procedure:

1) Turn off the Lexicon manually (by pushing the knob on the head unit)before you shut the engine off.
2) After restarting your car turn on the lexicon manually.

The music will continue where you left off the last time.

 

[mkaresh]

I found a high-res photo of the iPod connection (link above) and asked owners over at clublexus.com.

No Lexus currently includes iPod integration as a standard feature. They all simply have a basic aux-in port.

Sadly, it's often this difficult to get correct specs. Maintaining TrueDelta's features database can be a PIA.

 

[jabrown6940]

You can make it to restart where you left off by following this procedure:

1) Turn off the Lexicon manually (by pushing the knob on the head unit)before you shut the engine off.
2) After restarting your car turn on the lexicon manually.

The music will continue where you left off the last time.

I don't turn the radio off manually. My I-pod starts where it left off.
???

 

[Dimitry]

The LS is a superior beast, I love pretty much everything about the vehicle. Business had a 06 GX and LS, and those were great cars - I liked the touchscreen controls the most, and I don't think the LS was clustered with center console commands, it was just right.

One problem, is LS also costs 50% more than the Genesis, would I pay that much more to have the LS? The Gen comes out on the top due to overall value.

 

[dh19440113]

LS isn't in the same market as Genesis V8. Genesis basically mimic the first LS back in early 90's. Price is the only thing going for Genesis and thats the point.

 

[jwaters943]

The Genesis is better in every measurable way than the original LS400, and no, price is not the only thing going for the Genesis.

Compared to the current LS460, the Genesis has significantly better steering and braking performance. It also lacks the "L" snob appeal which some people actually appreciate. The LS has the edge in feature content and overall refinement. The materials are also a bit higher-grade in places. Good car no doubt, but the Equus will be more of a true competitor to the Lexus LS, even though the Genesis is about the same size as the LS460 and the Equus is about the same size as the LS460L. It will be interesting to see which car comes out on top in comparison tests when the Equus gets here next year.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

The Genesis is better in every measurable way than the original LS400, and no, price is not the only thing going for the Genesis.

Compared to the current LS460, the Genesis has significantly better steering and braking performance. It also lacks the "L" snob appeal which some people actually appreciate. The LS has the edge in feature content and overall refinement. The materials are also a bit higher-grade in places. Good car no doubt, but the Equus will be more of a true competitor to the Lexus LS, even though the Genesis is about the same size as the LS460 and the Equus is about the same size as the LS460L. It will be interesting to see which car comes out on top in comparison tests when the Equus gets here next year.

I'm pretty sure the LS460 does what it's supposed to do exactly as intended. The steering is numb on purpose and the braking is supposed to be smooth.. The Genesis is more of a luxury sport - the LS460 is pure luxury. To me, there is no comparison between the two other than power. The Genesis is a very comfortable vehicle inside - but the LS460, to me, is even more comfortable.

It would be kind of ridiculous if Hyundai truly built a better Lexus LS460. I'm quite confident that even the Equus is going to fall short of "being" a Lexus LS. It'll be close - and will be a better deal for the price - that I have no doubt. But it will not be an equal.

I agree, however, that the Genesis is better than the original Lexus LS400 - from 1989.

 

[jwaters943]

Sal, I respect a lot of what you have to say, but there is no excuse for poor steering/braking. At least not to the degree that is present on the LS460. It's a very good car, I'm not trying to say it isn't, but if MB can manage to build a luxury sedan that is both rewarding to drive and able to cosset its occupants in luxury, so can Lexus. The braking is so bad on the LS it really is a safety concern.

http://www.autospies.com/news/Lexus-LS-fails-Auto-Motor-und-Sport-braking-test-AGAIN-28551/

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Sal, I respect a lot of what you have to say, but there is no excuse for poor steering/braking. At least not to the degree that is present on the LS460. It's a very good car, I'm not trying to say it isn't, but if MB can manage to build a luxury sedan that is both rewarding to drive and able to cosset its occupants in luxury, so can Lexus. The braking is so bad on the LS it really is a safety concern.

http://www.autospies.com/news/Lexus-LS-fails-Auto-Motor-und-Sport-braking-test-AGAIN-28551/

I've heard a bit about the brakes - so you're probably right. I did drive the car for a day and didn't feel there was an issue.. So that's why I'm a bit at a loss there.. In any event, you're 100% right about how Mercedes can do such a good job at offering a very soft ride while still having the car handle well. The S550 is a bit rougher over bumps than the LS - so I think Lexus is giving the passengers a more serene experience - and I do think a lot of people appreciate that.

The LS HAS stiffened up a bit - and they do have a stiff suspension option available - but I've never experienced it. I have to say that TO ME the BMW 750i offers the best blend of soft ride and capable suspension. I just don't know for sure that that's what Lexus LS buyers want...

 

[jwaters943]

I know we're getting off-topic a bit, but have you driven the new 7 Series? I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on how you feel it stacks up to your prior-gen in terms of ride/handling/overall greatness.

FWIW, Motor Trend and Edmunds don't seem to be impressed at all w/ the new 7.

http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/2009/04/face-off-2009-hyundai-genesis-vs-2009-bmw-750i.html
http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/2009/05/2009-hyundai-genesis-or-2009-bmw-750i-part-ii.html
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112_0908_luxury_sedan_comparison/index.html