BlueEyes

This is carried over from some other thread where some folks were debating the merits of the new STS vs the LS430. As it was a bit of a hijacking, here is a place to discuss the Japanese luxury marques against Cadillac.

Now, I was under the impression that the STS was not competition to the Uber sedans like the 7 series, A8, LS430, S class, XJ etc. I thought it was a 5 series, A6, GS 430, E class, S type competitor?

Iggy

I am under the same impression

DARKMAZ8

The CTS competes with the 5 series. The STS and ls430 are in competition for market share. I think a better comparison would be the STS and the new m45. The Lexus is untouchable(where Domestics are concerned). If anyone wants to argue this, go check out both cars in person back to back.

Iggy

the CTS compares to the 3 series not the 5

DARKMAZ8

so what does the catera compete with. :p

DARKMAZ8

But seriously, I don't think the STS was made to compete with the 5 series. It is a lot bigger.

DARKMAZ8

Or maybe, The cts competes with the 3 series and the v-series competes with 5-series. It doesn't matter cause I can't see any Cadillac competing with BMW.

Ike

Actually the V series compete with the M cars. In fact that is one of the big selling points that Caddilac had at the autoshow was comparing to CTS-V to the M cars.
Anyhow I'll take the new M45 over either of them in a heartbeat. The Lexus is nice... if you're 60+. My best friend owned a ES300 for a bit, great car but it bored him to death and I just wanted to curl up and take a nap every time I was in it.

BlueEyes

At first I thought it looked too much like the G35, but it's growing on me

DARKMAZ8

Actually The es300 is an upgraded camry(snorrrr). Lexus does cater to the older crowd but If you want a comfortable, reliable, luxurious daily driver. It can't be beat. Toyota needs to come out with something exciting. They are capable but business is business and they won't come out with a car that won't sell. Hopefully it will be a new supra.

Iggy

the new GS is really growin on me, especially when they come out with a new V8 for it which will need to happen soon. their new v6 from the IS will have as much hp and 40 lb ft less then the 4.3 V8 in the GS. a new engine is coming.

but i agree that i would take the M45 over and of those.

SantozRx8

ive rode in a cts-v before, and all i can say about that experience is DAMN, it was freakin quick, handled amazing, and sounded like a monster.....400 horses damn

TODreamer

CTS to the 3 series.. .STS to the 5 series.
'
V to the M

DreRX8

The STS = 5 series
CTS=3 series
XLR=SL500
SRX=X5
V Series=M Cars

I'd take Caddy over Lexus--Lexus' lineup is so extremely boring right now I'd have to go Caddy.

TODreamer

I agree.

Caddy is no more the old man car.. and Lexus is quite boring.... I was looking at the new IS350 and while i cant comment on its drive i simply did not like the styling at all.....not that it was bad it was simply boring. I was looking at it and looking at it and trying to like it but i just came up craps

DARKMAZ8

Toyota is playing it smart. Think of all the babyboomers. If your 50 and up you'd go for the lex. I'm more of an ls fan than anything else in the line-up. Go big or go home. :D

DreRX8

I like the XLR--too bad they aren't selling. I think that they should have been priced closer to the SC430 rather than the SL500. At about $65K they could have garnered more of a market share and had the XLR-V priced at about $80-$90K . I don't think I'd buy one over an XK8/XKR, 911 Cabriolet, Maserati Spyder, or SL500.