I'm not sure whether I should be considering the '04 TL for a couple of reasons. First I like a smooth idling engine like the Lexus ES300 and a suspension that isolates the driver from minor bumps in the road. Does a 280 hp engine necessarily idle rough at a stop light? I do like the interior of the '04 TL quite a bit -- love the 7 inch navigation screen Even so, would I be better off thinking about something like the '04 Lexus ES330 or the '04 Volvo S80?

 

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IMHO, there is not a finer automobile than a Lexus. (no flames)

With that in mind, the ES is more of a luxury car than the TL. I think the TL is more fun to drive and will have a six speed. Not to mention, the Navi system is far and away better in the TL.

 

I think everyone on this board is waiting anxiously to see what the sport/luxury balance will be! I'm hoping it will be on par with my 01CL-S, which with good tires is acceptable to me.

I'd expect the engine in the 04TL to be very smooth at idle as it sounds like it will be the 3.2TL/CL-S engine +10HP.

In about 3-1/2 weeks there should be reviews of the 04TL available. Then I'm sure the discussion here will get interesting again!

-r

 

 

Good point.

 

Ever since Lexus brought out the IS, the ES has been free to go full luxury in terms of ride. The TL must still keep a foot in both camps. I'd venture a guess that the TL will be firmer than the ES330 by a large margin. It'll probably be more compliant that a BMW 330 though. On the engine front, Honda/Acura make the best engines in the world. It will be very smooth!