The Lexus LS has always been known for it's soft ride and comfortable, quiet and luxurious interior. The third generation (98-00) rode a bit stiffer than the first, second and fourth generations. Now the fifth is once again riding a bit tighter.

That kind of sucks. Hopefully it won't be as bad as everying is speculating though.

I personally would preffer the softer suspension with less performance oriented handling for a more luxurious ride quality.

I'm going to have to go against the odds here and say Stiffer suspension with better handling would be my prefference. I'm all about getting places fast :)

Personally, I think the car could have both a soft and a tight suspension. Cadillac has their magnetic ride suspension - which is soft when driving normally, but instantly tightens up when you hit the gas or make a hard turn.

Lexus has their air suspension so you should be able to choose between which type of ride you want. I think the problem here is that the soft option isn't soft enough... I could be wrong, but this is what I'm feeling is going on here.. Most luxury cars offer this ability to pick which type of ride you want...

I'm going to choose Stiffer suspension with better handling for this one. I've always liked cars that performed better.

Softer suspension with less performance oriented handling would be my choice. I just feel that it would be the best overall bang for the buck.

I voted for option A on that list only because I prefer my cars to have a little better handling.

it should be tighter, but not BMW tight. Like LexusForums said above, Cadillac has Magnaride which stiffens the suspension only during spirited driving.

It's funny you mention the 98-00 being the most sporty of the first few generations, because to me it is an extremely floaty car, and very difficult to control in fast, tight turns. If I end up keeping it, I may do a suspension upgrade at some point because the factory stuff is just way too soft.

In my personal opinion, the suspension should be soft for non-sport models. Let them make an LS-F for the people who want tighter suspensions. Or, why don't they just offer a tighter suspension "option" for the models that come with an adjustable suspension?

In my personal opinion, the suspension should be soft for non-sport models. Let them make an LS-F for the people who want tighter suspensions. Or, why don't they just offer a tighter suspension "option" for the models that come with an adjustable suspension?

Actually, they got it right with the 01-06 LS430. There are three levels of suspension on the LS430.

*Regular, just the base model suspension

*LS430 Sport, which has an upgraded, "euro-tuned" sport suspension.

*Adjustable Air suspension. This is an option or standard depending on what package you get, and it offers a way to adjust the suspension feel from soft to firm. The downside being, you have to deal with an air suspension. Some of the hard-core aftermarket guys have actually wired in a system that gives them complete control over every aspect of the suspension height and firmness, I believe the controller costs around 1000.00.

This option isn't available on the new LS?!

This option isn't available on the new LS?!

Unfortunately, it's bundled in something called the "Touring Package", and that is only available on the "L" extended length version. Same goes for the Adative variable air suspension.

Looks like short-wheelbase owners, which is where I would fall if I bought one, are SOL on suspension choices.

There's that arrogance I was talking about.. Lexus is making a mistake not offering something like this on all versions of its top model...

I personally would prefer the softer suspension with less performance oriented handling for a more luxurious ride quality.I will go completely against you in this matter . I will prefer stiffer suspension with less performance oriented handling.for a luxurious car ride.I enjoy driving such cars.

Softer suspension with less performance oriented handling only because I care about how my car rides instead of how well it can perform.

Speaking of ride preference I just purchased a ls400 about a month ago and I am having a significant problems with the air ride suspension. Now I have a suspension light on my instrument cluster and my car is not at the correct height that it is suppose to be at. Sitting about 2 inches low like it might be a leaky air bag or bad height sensor. Any help that I can receive owuld be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Jonathan