Seventeen years and three life cycles after its first Detroit unveiling, Lexus’ LS returns to wow with an advanced 4,6-litre V8 and a crafty eight-speed automatic transmission.
Seventeen years and three life cycles after its first Detroit unveiling, Lexus’ LS returns to wow with an advanced 4,6-litre V8 and a crafty eight-speed automatic transmission.
The first LS 400 caused more than a stir when it was launched at the 1989 Detroit Motor Show, and the all-new LS 460 has dutifully following in its footsteps. The fourth-generation LS 460 vows to again take its fight against Mercedes’ S-Class and the BMW 7 Series to the next level once it is launched later this year.
Those loyal to the brand will be hard-pressed to find fault with the new car… It will be powered by a brand new 4,6-litre V8 producing close to 285 kW and 500 N.m of pounding torque. Combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission (a world first), the LS 460 powers to 100 km/h in around 5,5 seconds.
Befitting its stature among the top ranks of luxury travel, the opulent LS is a technological packed to the hilt with every sensor and gizmo at Lexus’ disposal.
Of course, passenger comfort is of equal, if not greater, importance. The luxury saloon has place for two rear passengers who can kick back in individual electric reclining seats (with leg rests) and enjoy a massage when the pressure starts to build. A foldaway worktable (woodgrain to match the interior) has perhaps been provided to promote productivity, but the nine-inch roofliner-mounted screen and 19-speaker Mark Levinson entertainment system should offer enough distraction.
And for the first time in its history, the understated elegance and technology associated with the Lexus LS will also be offered in a longer-wheelbase LS 460L model.
The LS is definitely on its way to South Africa, though it probably won’t arrive before 2007.