LEXUS LS430 Review

Summary:

What we like: Superb ride, Quality

What we don't like: None

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LEXUS LS430 review in detail:

The LS460 replaced the LS430 in May 2007 in Australia, shortly after winning the 2007 World Car of the Year award. Lexus' flagship model has held the highest ranking in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Survey for over twelve consecutive years.

The fourth generation Lexus LS 430 is the first to receive the styling cues of Lexus' new design direction, L-finesse. Hallmarks of this design include sweeping lines, a grille set slightly below the level of the headlamps, and a sleek overall profile.

Standards of craftsmanship were raised to higher levels for the LS Series. A more lustrous paint finish involves wet-sanding of the entire body twice by hand, a rare treatment for production vehicles. The leather on the seats and steering wheel are buffed six times longer than previously for a smoother feel.

It uses a 4.6-litre V8 engine and is aimed directly at the hearts and minds of those who might be considering a topline German marque.

Lexus is keen to outdo its rivals in the technology department and amongst other things has an eight-speed automatic transmission, a world first for Lexus. Lexus tells us this engine/transmission combination gives the big saloon the sort of performance you associate with a sports car, with a standing to 100km/h time of under six seconds.

But performance is only part of the package.

Lexus has made its name for high build quality, smooth, near-silent running and ride comfort. All these features have been further enhanced on the new model.

Other technology makes sure the driver keeps an eye on the road, with a small camera in the steering column watching the driver's face. If the car sees that the driver is not looking forward and there is danger of a collision, the system will give a gentle touch on the brakes to grab attention.

To monitor what's happening in front and behind, the Lexus uses radar and stereo cameras.

Another notable technological feature of the new LS Series is the Advanced Parking Guidance System, which can parallel-park or reverse-park the car into a preselected space with minimal brake input at the push of a button.