Okay - I'll be short and punchy. Facking home desktop won't connect to WiFi so I interrupted my daughter's history assignment to borrow her laptop.
A few thoughts on the LS 460 AWD
- Seerenity now.
- A true gentleman's express. Powerful, confident and sure of itself without the need to boast. No pathetic overcompensating BS here. If Trump were a car, he would not be this car.
- Builds speed so silently and effortlessly.
- Materials are not only high quality but all colour and textures seem to blend into a soothing harmonious whole.
- It's hard to build up a decent case of road rage driving an LS.
- Seats are wonderfully supportive but also soft and cushy.
- ALL controls are intuitive and easy to use thanks to a wonderfully designed touch screen.
- Engine sounds great near redline - wish I could hear it more at other times. Wish I could see it at any time.
- Ride is very smooth and silky, but not floaty. Composed is how I would describe it. Try to pitch it around and you feel the mass but the grip exceeds anything you would need driving a car like this on city streets.
LS 600 HL
- I wish I could express just what a ridiculous amount of rear seat legroom this thing has. And it hides its extra length well. Hard to spot at a glance nd distinguish from the standard model.
- the interplay of electric motor, big V8 and CVT is amazingly seamless.
- off the line it doesn't feel any stronger than the regular V8 - but once moving holy hell does it pull. 100 to roadside suspension and confiscation happens VERY quickly.
- The model I tested was a mess inside and the suspension felt worn out. Disappointing. Same mileage as the AWD I tested yesterday. Does the significant extra weight take a toll?
- Never got a straight answer on the extened warranty coverage for the battery - which I took as a no.
RWD
Turned out to be AWD, so... no comment there.
Looking at some 2013 GS 350 AWD models on Saturday. The interior of those things is soooooo freaking nice I may just be able to overlook the absurd fang face.