I'm looking at doing more road trips this year as I travel to races, driving and seeing the country instead of flying everywhere. Looking for a comfy grand touring ride, my 2015 Z4 just isn't comfy enough for 2 day trips, or especially a 9-10 hour day of driving. I'd like something with decent power, nice comfort, and great reliability. I'm kind of leaning away from BMW/Mercedes just because if there is a breakdown in a small town, I don't want to get stuck with highway robbery repair bills. Willing to listen to debate otherwise. After driving a Grand Wagoneer with massaging seats, I would definitely love to have something with that feature. At 54, it's nice not to feel stiff when you get out of the car after a few hours. I've got an F-150 Powerboost as my DD, so looking to replace Z4 instead, therefore coupe/sedan preferred. I've eyeballed a couple of Lexus LS500's, but curious as to what the hive thinks.
Mndsm
MegaDork
12/30/23 5:55 p.m.
My mind immediately went Lexus LS/RX, so we're on the same wavelength. They're mad comfy.
In reply to Mndsm :
Considering that I am the only one of my siblings that does not have an RX, I may have to join the club! Do they have massaging seats?
Between Z4 and Lexus RX, how about a Lexus RC coupe?
Also the last Lexus GS sedan, a forgotten and overlooked model that is still all Lexus reliability.
Yeah there was a Lexus GS F sport that was dead sexy looking. I've never driven one, so cannot speak to comfort.
Mndsm
MegaDork
12/31/23 9:40 a.m.
In reply to HoserRacing :
Heated and cooled, no idea if massaging. I know when we were test driving them it was an EXTREMELY nice place to be. I'm guessing if you stepped up to the LX (the mack daddy truck) they'd be available for sure.
RossD
MegaDork
12/31/23 9:43 a.m.
Its not very high brow but a newer Charger or 300? Hemi and the ZF 8 speed is great combo for a GT vehicle.
In reply to John Welsh :
I like those. My brother had one before he got his C8, I actually preferred the RC for comfort, and it was definitely not a slouch for performance either.
I was looking away from the F Sports just because I'm prioritizing comfort. I really wish it was easier to look at manufacturer's websites and determine which models have what options available. One of the reasons I always loved a paper brochure that gave the grid of what you could get with what package, without having to know the cheat codes
I like the performance of the Charger, but not the plasticy finish of it.
calteg
SuperDork
12/31/23 2:48 p.m.
I was in your exact situation mid-pandemic. We ended up with a Volvo V60.
Easily swallows 2 people, 2 large dogs + all their stuff. Easy to add a roof rack if you need even more space.
Ride is plush but vaguely sporty. I intentionally sought out the most fuel efficient drivetrain (fwd, 2.0L turbo, base 17" wheels). Knocks down ~35mpg highway.
If I were looking for big luxobarge Lexus, I'd skip the LS460 and go all the way back to the LS430. Cavernous trunk, dead nuts reliable. Lots of "control modules" for the body, suspension, etc go bad on the LS460
Funny. I came here expecting to have to squelch my tendency to suggest, "have you considered a Z4?" Little did I know... :)
Out of curiosity, what about your Z4 makes it not the car for your long drives? So far I've been pleased with mine even on longer trips (though I'm sure 2003 and 2015 model have very little in common), other than the wearying noise of a soft top pushing through the air -- which noise cancelling headphones work wonders on.
Though about something huge and from the 70s land yaught? I mean they drive very well, are easy to fix anywhere feel like a couch driving down the road, and can be fairly cheap to get.
A Cadillac ATS or CTS in whatever flavor you'd prefer (V, V-Sport) might be a good place to take a look.
In reply to P3PPY :
The car is a blast, but the seat bolsters and my body shape are not in alignment. The side bolsters are great for holding you in place, but they're a little too close together for me. I'm 5'10", 200 lbs, and they dig into my ribs. Everything else except for the stereo is great
In reply to ckosacranoid :
I have, but I also love the creature comforts of newer cars, with CarPlay, ventilated seats, and headlights that shine way down the road for these eyes