Lexus shows the 2007 "all new" LS460

I really don't understand this perennial Toyota/Lexus/Japanese bashing. I personally have no vested interest in the matter, but isn't it just a tad pathetic? Shouldn't we be better than that? I don't understand this at all: Why don't people feel an equal sense of outrage when they see, say, the new S550's interior? Isn't that a clear-cut BMW interior design rip-off?? What about the newly "Bangled" S550's butt?? Oh, and what about the new I-Drive (let's call it what it is) in the MB?? Why aren't people up in arms about that?? Note that in this instance at least Lexus can't be accused of "copy-catting" the oh-so-superior Germans. So, let me get this straight: it is perfectly OK for MB to be a...what was that again...."copy-cat" and "spy"? That's innovation, is it? But, oh, when Lexus does what everybody else does, that's somehow morally repugnant??

Lexus is *good* for us consumers. They are *not* the enemy. They offer us choice, and they keep these otherwise arrogant German carmakers on their toes. And, besides, I don't know about you, but I am a strong believer in meritocracy. The day Lexus makes a car that drives as well as a BMW *and* retains all its current quality standards; that's the day they get to earn my hard-won dollars. If BMW and/or MB can't compete, then they deserve to go the way of GM and Ford.

End rant.

cheers,
suntan

Originally Posted by suntan

I really don't understand this perennial Toyota/Lexus/Japanese bashing. I personally have no vested interest in the matter, but isn't it just a tad pathetic? Shouldn't we be better than that? I don't understand this at all: Why don't people feel an equal sense of outrage when they see, say, the new S550's interior? Isn't that a clear-cut BMW interior design rip-off?? What about the newly "Bangled" S550's butt?? Oh, and what about the new I-Drive (let's call it what it is) in the MB?? Why aren't people up in arms about that?? Note that in this instance at least Lexus can't be accused of "copy-catting" the oh-so-superior Germans. So, let me get this straight: it is perfectly OK for MB to be a...what was that again...."copy-cat" and "spy"? That's innovation, is it? But, oh, when Lexus does what everybody else does, that's somehow morally repugnant??

Lexus is *good* for us consumers. They are *not* the enemy. They offer us choice, and they keep these otherwise arrogant German carmakers on their toes. And, besides, I don't know about you, but I am a strong believer in meritocracy. The day Lexus makes a car that drives as well as a BMW *and* retains all its current quality standards; that's the day they get to earn my hard-won dollars. If BMW and/or MB can't compete, then they deserve to go the way of GM and Ford.

End rant.

cheers,
suntan

You make good point. I think what tends to fuel the flames is when people compare Lexus to BMW. Lexus is a great car for a particular market but does not compare to BMW. Each are great products. However, when people stop trying to compare them as if they are competing with one another, then a lot less ranting will occur.

Originally Posted by chuck92103

You make good point. I think what tends to fuel the flames is when people compare Lexus to BMW. Lexus is a great car for a particular market but does not compare to BMW. Each are great products. However, when people stop trying to compare them as if they are competing with one another, then a lot less ranting will occur.

Hey, Chuck92103, no, I agree with you. I test drove the old-LS430, MB S500, and also the E350 along with the 750I when I was planning purchases, and I couldn't see any comparison whatsoever - the 750I was the clear winner (for my preferences, I mean). It's just a bit big for my taste in the end. Honestly, I personally think BMW makes the best cars in all 3 classes. But, they aren't close to perfection though.... If they could only get Audi to work on their interiors, and the Japanese to help them out with the electronics, BMW would rule the world.

Originally Posted by suntan

Hey, Chuck92103, no, I agree with you. I test drove the old-LS430, MB S500, and also the E350 along with the 750I when I was planning purchases, and I couldn't see any comparison whatsoever - the 750I was the clear winner (for my preferences, I mean). It's just a bit big for my taste in the end. Honestly, I personally think BMW makes the best cars in all 3 classes. But, they aren't close to perfection though.... If they could only get Audi to work on their interiors, and the Japanese to help them out with the electronics, BMW would rule the world.

Then we would be complaining that the BMW's look like Camrys on the inside and BMW copied the Japanese. It is a no win situation.

When it comes to cars, we can't have it all and never will.

Dry and bland. Like canned tuna fish without mayonnaise.

As long as I'm being driven in it (and not being forced, at gunpoint, to actually drive it) it should be just fine.

Originally Posted by philippek

Dry and bland. Like canned tuna fish without mayonnaise.

As long as I'm being driven in it (and not being forced, at gunpoint, to actually drive it) it should be just fine.

Hahahahaha got thirsty just reading that.

Yep, the folks I know who prefer Lexus really do have different priorities when it comes to their cars.

as a car fan, and having been driving the GS, the E and the new 7, i am quite disappointed at the New LS460 ... i would expect it to be better than this...
it's quite ugly indeed !... no comparison to the facelifted 7 and the new S

Originally Posted by chuck92103

Do they think gramps is going to understand this better than iDrive?

the lines on this lexus are aesthetically more pleasing than the 7er.

My mother can't wait to trade her current LS430 ('04) in on a new LS460. She's thrilled that it's being redesigned so she'll have the "brand new Lexus" and she doesn't even care to drive it first.

She's the perfect LS customer.

Originally Posted by jek889

I swear they stole the body design from the 7 series. Does Toyota ever make anything that isn't derived from something else? Everyone likes to criticize the iDrive concept, but is fumbling around with two remote control units while you drive a good idea?

Agreed. Im not impressed not one bit