New Lexus 5 Series Copycat

We slam the Chinese and Koreans when they copy BMW's lines, but nobody seems to care when Toyota/Lexus does it. Here's the "new" Lexus. I guess the design people spent a lot of time tracing silhouettes of the 5er.

Click here for the shocking details! http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21147505/

[chuck92103]

This car has a fundamental design flaw. It is too small. A Honda Civic has more rear seat room.

I am not sure of the demographic that would buy a $68k sedan with so little room. Logic says a young single person with no kids. But can they afford a $68k car? :dunno:

Time will tell. But the car is still based on a $30k vehicle.

[boxboss]

The performance-tuned sports sedan is the fastest production car Lexus has ever built, designed to take on the BMW 3 Series, Audi RS4 and Porsche 911, among others.
Perhaps they mean the V8 M3? It's 400hp puts it far ahead of even the 335 TT in that department.

[NoM6D]

Before driving either vehicle, I'd narrowed my choices down to a new Lexus GS450h or an older 645. The GS touted active suspension, great torque, etc. I've been a fan of Toyota/Lexus for a long time but the GS450h turned that on it's head. The car seemed more cramped than my old Camry, the "active" suspension was a joke, and the power? Fuggheddaboutit. It's possible that I just knew I'd enjoy a 6er more, but my image of Lexus took a big hit. Not sure what this model is built on, but looks like a combination of the IS/GS lines to me. I guess imitation is the best form of flattery.

[chuck92103]

Before driving either vehicle, I'd narrowed my choices down to a new Lexus GS450h or an older 645. The GS touted active suspension, great torque, etc. I've been a fan of Toyota/Lexus for a long time but the GS450h turned that on it's head. The car seemed more cramped than my old Camry, the "active" suspension was a joke, and the power? Fuggheddaboutit. It's possible that I just knew I'd enjoy a 6er more, but my image of Lexus took a big hit. Not sure what this model is built on, but looks like a combination of the IS/GS lines to me. I guess imitation is the best form of flattery.

My neighbor had an E46 330 sedan that went off lease last year. He leased a Lexus GS400 (?? V8 model). I asked him how he liked it, he said....

"Nice car but it is not a BMW."

He will be turning the car in early. He said it is really a nice car just boring, bangs his knees on the dash, and it still feels like an expensive Toyota. He said Toyota needs to stop using Camry parts in upscale vehicles. Many of the components including the radio shack clock look like they came from a 1980's Cressida. :scared:

And don't get me started on Lexus' over use of cassette decks in the dash. :vomit:

Lexus does build a nice luxury sedan for the value minded individual. But it will never be BMW, and BMW will never be Lexus. Simply because they have two different philosphies about cars. BMW is persuing high performance standards. Lexus is pursuing perfection on technology that has been out for years and proven mostly on Camry's. Remember the Lexus mark was not even ni Japan until recently. All the Lexus models were Toyota something or others.

Lexus is very good at marketing something the buyer never gets. But most don't notice because of the crystal chandeliers, coffee and donuts, and touch screen Nav that came from the Forerunner. But hey, wrap it in wood, and sell the products on marble showroom floors and it is a whole new ballgame. :greenlaff:

They are glorified Toyota's, with finer interior, a few more electronic wizardary installed, maybe a firmer suspension and a bigger engine. Fundamentally, still a Toyota.

[AusBmw]

They are glorified Toyota's, with finer interior, a few more electronic wizardary installed, maybe a firmer suspension and a bigger engine. Fundamentally, still a Toyota.


What he said,in other words :stupid: :grin:

[Gman]

They are glorified Toyota's, with finer interior, a few more electronic wizardary installed, maybe a firmer suspension and a bigger engine. Fundamentally, still a Toyota.

:stupid:

[commencer]

They are glorified Toyota's, with finer interior, a few more electronic wizardary installed, maybe a firmer suspension and a bigger engine. Fundamentally, still a Toyota.

:stupid: TOO...

I get confused a lot of times when I see car like that on the street...I can't tell if it's a Toyota or a Lexus or a Hyundae or a Mitsubishi or an Acura or a Nissan or a Kia or a Mazda, etc.etc... :sleep3:
They all look the same to me.

[LordCash]

Yeah, I agree with the general Lexus sentiment. Even though there is a RX400h in my garage (by better half's ride) we BOTH prefer to go out in the BMW whenever we don't have to haul around relatives or friends or need to bring home something large where the utility of an SUV comes to bare. In other words, we drive the bimmer about 90% of the time! The 400h is nice. It seems reliable. It has a smooth ride. It accelerates, handles and brakes "OK" (on a scale of 1 to BMW, it would rate a 5). But oh so B-O-R-I-N-G. It has no soul.

Lord Cash

[Pattern Flier]

Guys, I test drove an IS F today. I know you probably think I'm biased since I already own an RX, ES and GX, but this car is unbelievable!! It is pretty much like any other Lexus until it hits 4000rpm, then a "second" intake manifold opens up and it growls :tongue: . 416hp and 0-60 in 4.6sec is pretty impressive. The seats were very restraining yet comfortable. The 8 speed gearbox with paddle shifters was so fast, it sounded like a F1 car speed shifting :shock: . Overall, I was very impressed, but the $$ were way up there for the amount of car, IMO.($61,000) :scared:

Was thinking about it for my wife's car. She has always said she wanted an IS, but the whole family collectively laughed since it's mostly a college bound type car. Now, I'm really considering it for her. She deserves to have some fun too :race: .

John

[nealh]

Guys, I test drove an IS F today. I know you probably think I'm biased since I already own an RX, ES and GX, but this car is unbelievable!! It is pretty much like any other Lexus until it hits 4000rpm, then a "second" intake manifold opens up and it growls :tongue: . 416hp and 0-60 in 4.6sec is pretty impressive. The seats were very restraining yet comfortable. The 8 speed gearbox with paddle shifters was so fast, it sounded like a F1 car speed shifting :shock: . Overall, I was very impressed, but the $$ were way up there for the amount of car, IMO.($61,000) :scared:

Was thinking about it for my wife's car. She has always said she wanted an IS, but the whole family collectively laughed since it's mostly a college bound type car. Now, I'm really considering it for her. She deserves to have some fun too :race: .

John
Has she driven it..how often will she open it up to 4000rpms to get the new perofmance benefit...she may prefer the GS300/400..very nice car(or maybe the new G37 coupe)...wait

Have her look at an A5/S5...the S5 cost/perfomance looks great.....I was very serious on this till I found out the auto would not be out till spring and well I went over to the BMW showroom and saw a 6 series and fell in love(kinda wish my fiscal cautious side prevailed..given the fact taxes/inflation will be rising and I am sure physician fees will be lowered with Obama :scared: ...I just pray in July they can get a fix so at least my fees stay the same as they have been since 2001 and not drop 15%...yup not even true inflation adjustments..gotta love medicine, where esle can I have my fees fixed, then lowered, will everything else increases, hard to keep goods staff will out killing overhead)

sorry for the diatribe..so off topic

[Pattern Flier]

That's why I went into dentistry! Just kidding, we have the same problems, but not as dependent on the government. I'm anticipating that health care as we know it will be completely different within 3 years. I got a taste of it this week when I got the flu bug and had to go to the doc myself. Lines outside the office door and had to wait in the car 2 hrs before seeing the doc. Better get used to it... :violin:

A friend of mine works at the only luxury dealer here in Lubbock. It is a Cadillac, BMW, Lexus, Subaru and Mercedes dealer. I do want to look at the GS Hybrid, but just thought I'd mention the IS-F since I test drove it. She will probably never take it above 4000 rpm where the other intake valve opens up, but she could if she wants too. :grin: Also, IMO, I think the Lexus is much less service dependent than the BMW. (My 6 has never been to the dealer, though).

The only reason I mentioned it because there was a thread started about this car and everyone was "foo-fooing" it. I think it's more car than this group gives it credit for. Ditto for the GT-R which is selling for $10-15K more than sticker and a 3 month waiting list.

We are probably going to hold out and get a V-8 X6. Let the laughing at me begin!

Oh well, a test drive never hurts...

John

[Richard in NC]

Also, before jumping on an IS-F, I'd give the new M3 serious consideration (coupe or sedan) if you are looking specifically at "that type" of car. Of course, if an auto is a requirement, the M3 DCT won't be out for some time and no one knows how good it will be.

I'd have to consider the 535i, 550i if she wants a sporty car and needs 4 doors and an auto. Or even the 335i sedan would make a fine car with plenty of quickness for most folks. Plus I bet it matches or bests the handling feel of the IS-F.

[Pattern Flier]

Bought it! LOVE IT! (Black/Black colors) My wife will be driving it mostly and this is what she has always wanted (an IS). We kidded around each time she said she wanted one of these by saying it's a college kids car and she needed something more sophisticated. Now, it's time to let her have some fun.

There's one other reason I didn't mention which makes this car so desirable. I drive my 4 yr old RX to work everyday and only take out the 6er on weekends. This makes employee relations much easier, if you know what I mean. I can simply say we bought the BABY Lexus because our kids have moved out and we don't need the bigger ES any more. Only you and I need to know the real truth...

I'll get pics if anyone cares?
John