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

[Sal Collaziano]

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

The first reviewer is stating that you get ALMOST as much as the 750i with the Genesis for less money. Which is great. For someone who's looking to save money.

The other reviewer is just too confused by the technology offered in the 750i and can't get passed it. He can't give the 750i any credit because he can't get the features to work. It took me three minutes to get used to the iDrive system in my car.. It's really not rocket science - and a vehicle should not get a bad review on all levels because it has too much technology. Oh, the guy in the back seat couldn't figure out how to get the rear entertainment system working. Forget the 2009 BMW 750i......

I'm not aware of any changes to the suspension in the 2009 over the 2008 750i. It should be the same as mine. The main differences are much more power and an interior on par with the Lexus LS460 - making the BMW a car that not only handles much better than the Lexus - but no longer lags behind in terms of comfort and amenities...

These reviewers let their emotions get in the way of their ability to report. I hold no allegiance to any brand. I'm not being paid to report and I don't have any personal feelings toward to BMW, Hyundai, Cadillac, Mercedes or whatever. I tell it like it is.. A car is a car. That's all it is. It doesn't have a "soul" (to me). It's a bunch of metal, plastic, fabric, leather and electronics bolted together. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[dh19440113]

["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."

The fact that Lexus takes longer to stop is suprising but far from dangerous.
reference road and track
Lexus LS 460
From 60 mph 143 ft
From 80 mph 251 ft
Total swept area 554 sq in.
Swept area/ton 248 sq in.

Genesis v8
Minimum stopping distance
From 60 mph 120 ft
From 80 mph 218 ft
Total swept area 551 sq in.
Swept area/ton 275 sq in.

As you can see it takes an extra 23-33 ft to stop, lexus certainly need to make improvements on braking.

With regard to handling well Lexus is designed to provide a cushy ride and the suspension is tuned to that effect. Its customers like it that way due to the fact that they don't care about fun to drive. Although heavy understeering in rear wheel drive car is bothersome. However, When i asked weather the understeer in my aunt's ls 400 bothered her she doesn't know what i am talking about. As you can see, a typical lexus owner doesn't care about the heavy understeering or numb handling. They want to be pampered with a cushy ride and thats what they get.

If you want precise handling then BMW 750i is second to none in this segment, but not all luxury saloon shopper care about fun to drive.

Genesis on the other hand is jack of all trade master of none. It neither satisfy my father who feel lexus has a better ride or myself who thrive on handling. (powerslide cough)

The jaw dropping price is what got me into a hyundai dealership. (Genesis is a good car overall i don't mean to put it down in any way)