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Mincey you are quite right and I agree. For a start the ES has a very nice smooth ride which is much better than a slightly jittery IS2, also much more interior space and modern tech and feel. Like I say, you win some and you lose some.

I entirely understand and agree! The GS4 was vastly over engineered much like the old Mercedes E class W124. In my view it was a unique car in its class with interior quality and build making it a mini LS. Lexus did not sell many across the globe and likely lost money on them so it was ultimately discontinued, especially given the increasing popularity of the Lexus suvs. As owners we were very badly spoilt as there is no direct replacement on the market. A Volvo S90 I was in recently reminded me of the GS, most impressive. E class and A6 are both behind, 5 best built of the Germans I think but without the comfort of the GS ( seats on 540i were awful although ride surprisingly good). Lexus dealers agreed with my own analysis that old GS customers were universally disappointed by the ES interior quality and stayed away. ES is ok if you are coming from another make but just behind the GS. All depends what you value because as I have said the ES is still a great car in many ways. You win some you lose some… For my part after 6 years of GS4 ( I previously had 3 other GSs so a very long-standing fan), I also politely declined to buy a new ES replacement. Instead I went for a used facelift LS600hl. The build quality is just astounding with many parts hand built or finished. Obviously more expensive to run but I knew that and just love the feeling of running a uniquely rare and under the radar flagship model.

My dealer mentioned at the last service that they have another customer with a 600 who is now approaching 200k miles and he cannot find anything to replace it with. He has tried the new model and just can’t get on with it. Making it sporty has taken it away from its king of comfort badge.

Agreed, use of lighter and cheaper materials and instead more investment in tech. This is across all makes including Lexus. I have the LS600hl. Very rare car and pretty much universally believed by owners to be superior to the new LS500 for comfort and refinement. The dealers agree and so there is nothing compelling to change to in the range, maybe LC500, now that would be a treat!

Yes Takumi is really nice with extended semi aniline top class leather seats, shimomoku wood and leather trim on panels and steering and the larger screen. All makes for a great comfort machine

The CT is a fantastic car and massively underrated in my view. It is our second car to a LS600hL and feels every bit a Lexus. The local Lexus service manager once told me they were doing recalls on various CT and Prius cars. He was astonished at the very thin roof lining material on the Prius as against a very thick material used on the CT, just like the larger Lexus cars. Explains why they are so well built and the kings of refinement and build quality even on their cheapest model.

Both IS and ES good cars, IS smaller more sporty, ES much bigger and more comfortable, better tech also.

Been in a brand new Tesla 3 taxi recently. Two stand out features : (I) awful bouncy ride, and (iI) terrible road noise due to no noise insulation or donut seems. Just terrible on motorway, but better around town, economics the only reason to buy one. Our old CT is in a different league on the above counts, the GS and LS demolish it completely. good buy for a techie (I am not) or desperate to save money in my view. I respect them for carving out own market but something I would consider personally.

I had a brand new GS300h for 6 years, excellent car with no issues at all, only one interior roof trim had to be replaced under warranty, absolutely nothing else to report. These are amazingly well built cars and should be fine subject to FLSH and parts being changed when required. You will see some appear on AT now with 200k plus miles but certainly the condition in photos looks great. You must expect to spend some money as it will be a used car. Like others have said Lexus must be the only make offering 11-15 year used warranty, just amazing and the hybrid battery also has a 15 year cover although please check any mileage restriction.

It may be somewhat unfair to compare the ES with a Camry (no longer available in UK) since it will undoubtedly be better built and insulated. The more fair comparison is with the old GS and I can tell you the interior on the ES is not a patch on the GS. Corners have been cut everywhere which are both visible and apparent in touch. This is why the interior also cannot get close to a 5 series since both the 5 and the old GS were superior cars for build. The ES is still a great car in many other respects, fine ride, smooth and improved cvt, quiet, economical (all better than GS in my experience), just not the interior build, that is all.

The 600 has incredible build quality so mileage will be no issue at all with a full Lexus history and ongoing attention as required. Be prepared for replacement items as part of the car’s age. Trust me, these are better built and more refined than probably 99% of modern cars. I was shocked by the appalling road noise and bouncy ride of a brand new Tesla, not a patch on the Beast! There is a certain advantage to owning the Lexus flagship model after all.

I am lucky enough to own the post 2012 facelift 600hL and what a machine it is! As colleagues have said the facelift definitely looks more modern especially with the large spindle grill (I love it) and newer cleaner rear light design. They look fantastic in lighter colours (silver/white) and have real road presence and gravitas but with typical Lexus restraint and fine taste. So ultra rare compared to S, 7, A8 too. The interior is also more modern looking with the large 12 inch screen, posh click and shimomoko wood and top quality semi abalone leather finish. Also extra modern features as already covered. The drive is sublime, from floaty air comfort mode to aggressive and super quick in sport splus which tightens the steering and sharpens throttle response. The V8 is amazing and completely effortless and silent which I just love. Some say the mighty 600 flash ship is a finer comfort machine than the newer 500 although I have yet to drive it so cannot usefully comment. You will also see from the US forums that the 12 ironed out earlier suspension issues. Both cars are excellent depending on budget, the facelift is just much more modern and future proof in my view. The biggest challenge is actually finding one for sale since only less than about 90 were sold between 12 and 17 so they very rarely come up for sale. I was super lucky and decided to snap up immediately with zero regrets.

Yup all fixed prices now and sounds right. Relax cover nearly up to 11 years if you have your service on the eve of the car’s 10th anniversary.

Welcome and good luck with your search. I owned the GS460 of that era, a truly great car as is the 450. Provided good service history the hybrid battery will still be under 15 year warranty.

GS4 a great car, I had the 300h from new for 6 years, close to zero issues. before that I had the GS460 and was impressed with the GS 250 as a loan car. They are mainly low mileage and well cared for, go for it unless you really need the economy of the 300h.

All subjective but I like the slightly from ride of our CT. The cvt is so smooth that overall the car is just very relaxed even with its firm ride which provides good handling and road feel together with the lovely relaxed interior. In fact the CT is the perfect contrast to my beast, LS 600hL which in comfort mode simply glides over most roads with effortless grace. I love driving both in their different ways.

UX is an outstanding small car, very smooth, economical, comfortable and well built. Armed with the excellent 10 year warranty and Lexus back there is no way you will regret it. I have a LS and CT and both are super cars. Recent terrible customer experience at Genesis has confined just how good Lexus are! I will write a separate post in that

Yes that is right but does anyone have any actual information from their dealers on this new model?

Very interesting observation, how did you find the 2017 in comparison in other ways, would you recommend a used 17? I have the LS600, any idea how the comfort would compare in the LC?

33/32 has worked well for many years, CT is a great car and a pity no new model although rumours of a BX sub UX coming.

The Takumi is the luxury and comfort model whereas the Fsport is permanently more sporty (still comfortable) with heavier steering feedback and different non wood interior. If you value smoothness and comfort then go for the Takumi and use sport/plus mode whenever you fancy.

Thanks and look forward to watching this shortly ! Any other Lexi videos on the horizon?

Yes I read that review, odd that they did not mention the further revision due shortly. Also good news that a smaller model (BX?) is to be launched later this year, especially as CT is no more.

Hi Alan Welcome and what a stunningly beautiful car. Out of interest what was your experience of the LS500h especially compared with the previous Jaguars? Why did you go for the 500 and not the 500h, anything to do with the engine on the LS500h?

I think from memory it was up for £10 or 12k and must have sold v close to asking price