REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Still driven to perfection?

Lexus wanted to be the Japanese Mercedes. Ten years ago, its flagship LS400 model spared no alluring feature to convince us it could pit itself against the big guy. But through this obsession with outdoing the competition, Lexus has lost touch with what attracted us in the first place, its character. Cold and austere, the LS400 was a soulless vehicle.Twelve years ago, Lexus introduced its standard-bearer, the LS 400, which would quickly shake up the ivory tower in which the major European manufacturers were comfortably ensconced. Unsettled, Mercedes and BMW were forced to reduce the sticker price of their vehicles and to redefine their relationship with key consumers.

You ’ ll need sharp eyes to pick out the improvements of this sequel. For one, there ’ s an extra memory setting (three instead of two) for customising the position of the driver ’ s seat. Then there ’ s the optional slatted shade for the rear window and the right-left oscillating air conditioning registers that provide cold, clean air, thanks to a deodorising air filter that removes everything from street odours to cigar smoke.

It ’ s all in the details, which, coupled with the many options, are essential components of the pleasurable experience this car has to offer. Unlike its role model, the Mercedes S Class, the LS430 doesn ’ t offer a voice-activated command system for the air conditioning and other features. But it does feature a similar cruise-control system, which permits you to maintain a chosen distance from the car ahead of you.

One drawback: at 453 litres, the trunk space is disappointing for a sedan of such considerable dimensions, particularly since its makers are careful to point out that its trunk is roomier than that of an S Class, the rival it strives to emulate. The driver ’ s seat is surrounded by warm woodwork, covering everything from the dashboard, console, shift knob and rim of the steering wheel.

The overall picture is that of austerity, bordering on sheer gloom. As far as functionality goes, however, there is certainly nothing amiss: the driving position, instrument legibility, and equipment quality are far beyond reproach.Just for the thrill of it, Lexus has reconfigured its 4,0 litre V8 engine. The engineers started by increasing the engine capacity to 4,3 litres and lowering its environmentally-unfriendly emissions, without reducing its fuel consumption, however. They also optimised valve overlap to produce more torque at all engine speeds. According to Lexus management, the LS430 can reach 100 km/h in less than seven seconds. There ’ s no need to put the V8 to the test by shaving off another few fractions of a second, this is simply an engine that will bring a little more fun into your life. Quiet and silky smooth, it responds instantaneously to the slightest touch of your right foot on the accelerator. What ’ s more, the five-speed automatic transmission relays power to the rear tires, without ever losing speed, no exaggeration.

Make no mistake, this car is designed to envelop you in a worry-free atmosphere. You ’ ll be surprised at the speed you can attain in such a heavy sedan (1785 Kg).

Of course, its substantial heft does call for caution, and Lexus provides many effective safety guards (antiskid, antilock, ABS), many of which are, unfortunately, audible features. Still, the sound tells you these features are active and effective, providing just the reassurance you need to tear up the road in your new LS430. While you can ’ t judge a book by the cover, the LS430 has a silent and comfortable drive that ’ s as dull as dishwater, just like its uninspiring exterior. You hear nothing and feel nothing at the helm of this manor house on wheels. The cottony-smooth steering does its best to insulate the driver from receiving information from the outside world. It ’ ll cost you a few hundred, even a few thousand extra dollars to put a little more vitality into the driving experience. For a thorough test of its mettle, we drew from the Sport group of options for a more rigid, spiral spring suspension and wider tires with better grip. Equipped with these features, the LS430 handled with more agility and precision, but was nowhere near as responsive as, say, the BMW 7 series.

It also had a stiffer ride, but was not so inflexible as to be uncomfortable. To experience the sensation of travelling on a flying carpet, you ’ ll have to spring for the pneumatic suspension option, which does not come cheap, but smooths out every bump in the road to a rare degree of success.

The designers of the LS430 still have some work to do before they reach perfection. In many ways, however (reliability, service, details, quality), the LS400 reached that goal long ago.

PROS
Sublime engine
Driving comfort and silence
Quality of service

CONS
Unexceptional exterior lines
Standard package rather bland
Limited trunk space

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