I would be very interested to hear if anyone has driven both their X308 and also a (+/-) 2008 / 2009 Lexus LS600h.

I am writing to try to find out if you found the X308 has a more refined and serene ride than the big Lexus, and also if the X308 is as quiet or potentially even quieter than the LS600h?

Thanks...

 

I own an xjr and i've driven the ls600h a few times. In short, there really is no comparison.

The lexus is in just about every way more refined, quiet, and smooth. Not sure about a standard xj8, but the ride was equivalent to my car, if a bit softer. There are some scenarios in which the air suspension can be a bit jarring, but overall its quite good.

As much as these are both bigger luxury sedans, they are really very different. The jag is intimate, stylish, with more road feel and character. The lexus feels large, and is just an isolation chamber. It is wildly competent but a bit boring.

I prefer the jag, but its certainly not because its more refined.

 

Thank you; that is very helpful to my decision process. I grew up with XJ's and so am tempted, especially given the XJ has gloriously small 16 inch wheels with 60 profile! (helpful for the excuse that we call roads nowadays) - whereas the LS600h has 18" or sometimes 19 inch wheels on a slightly lower profile. Ugh...

Have you also driven a standard X308 or a Sovereign X308 e.g. 2000 - 2003 XJ8, without the R by any chance? I understand, as you suggest, that they ride softer and are overall less sporty than the XJR. Perhaps quieter too? I wonder how that might compare with what may be the class leading "isolation chamber" of the 2008 - 2011 Lexus LS600h? (or a good condition MB serene S class, such as W140 or W222?).

 

aside from a short trip in a standard xj, I have not. I always knew I wanted the R, so I haven't driven the standard cars. The 600 I drove I believe had 18s, which may have helped with the ride also.

From what I can tell, most of the noise from my xj is wind noise both from a fairly steeply raked windshield, some not perfect rubber seals, and the chrome trim that is not flush with the body as it is on modern cars. I really couldn't hear much wind noise at all from the lexus.

 

That all makes good sense, thank you. It does seem Lexus spent a lot of money on making their car as isolated an experience as possible, as they had their main target on delivering "better than S class" for say 60% of the money so to speak, whereas the XJ is a different animal... (and more spirited, and far, far better looking...).