Ultimate in Luxury

Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, has long been trying to catch up with European luxury carmakers. The brand has been highly successful in the United States, where it usually tops customer-satisfaction surveys thanks to its high level of craftsmanship and reliability. But elsewhere, Lexus has not been able to repeat its US success story.

In turns out that customers in many countries are still loyal to German brands like BMW and especially Mercedes-Benz, which are considered as status symbols. With a lesser-known Lexus, it's a little more difficult for people to notice that you've "made it".

The latest Lexus model to be offered here is the flagship LS460, which, in my view, is the best candidate from the auto-maker to challenge the Germans, and beat them in several areas.

The LS460 unveiled last year is the fourth-generation LS. The company says the car is based on its "L-Finesse" design concept featured earlier in its concept vehicles. Nevertheless, there are traces of the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class in certain areas, something for which Lexus has been heavily criticised by the media.

Fortunately the new design isn't all bad, giving the LS a sportier and elegant look. Compare it to the outgoing LS420, which is pretty boring to look at, and you can easily notice the dynamism that has been incorporated into the new car.

The fully imported LS460 is available in two versions: short wheelbase for Bt9.55 million and long wheelbase for Bt11.55 million.

I had the long-wheelbase version for several days and had a great time with the car. Despite its five-metre length, the LS460 is easy to drive. Everything is powered and offers a luxurious feel, whether it's the steering or the control buttons.

Like the Germans, the doors come with a vacuum closing function while the trunk lid also opens and closes with a push of a button.

I spent most of the time in the driver's seat, and noticed that this wasn't actually a fun car to drive. There is plenty of power, yes, but the soft suspension doesn't permit quick manoeuvres - there is way too much roll.

Take it through a slalom course and the LS460 would make you think of a boat in rough seas. But apart from that, the LS460 is simply perfect, especially if you are in the rear.

There are all sorts of features for the rear passengers, and I just wish Lexus also provided a chauffeur with the demonstration car. You do really miss out a lot when you're in the driver's seat.

The rear seats (there are just two) are adjustable (backrest and cushion) and come with a superb massage function.

There's also a DVD player (with screen folding down from the ceiling) and audio system by high-end manufacturer Mark Levinson, which is the best-sounding system offered as standard equipment I've ever listened to. I've got CDs that I've been listening for years that came alive with details never heard before when played with this system. It's that good.

It comes with a 450-watt amplifier and 19 speakers (subwoofer included), and it is possible to hook up an i-Pod player (also plays MPG/WMA) as well as other sources via an RCA plug.

The automatic climate-control system has four independent zones plus an air-purifier system that gets rid of a cigarette stench effectively.

There are power sun-blinds for the window and rear windshield, while the rear seat headrest, with foldable support flaps, is also electrically adjustable.

The glove compartment in the centre armrest includes a DVD box, earphone output, a cold box for a five-litre drink container, a glass holder, foldable work table, remote control for the "shiatsu" massaging system and an entertainment system - along with the panel for controlling the air-conditioning system, the seat reclining system and sun-blinds.

There is also a smart entry and start system, while the remote unit can be programmed to suit your individual settings. A back-up video camera makes life easier for the driver, as well as the touch-screen monitor for the entertainment and climate control.

The LS460 is powered by a 4.6-litre, 32-valve V8 engine with ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) rating capable of producing 380 horsepower at 6,400rpm and 493Nm of torque. The engine features the D-4S injection system as well as Variable Valve Timing - intelligent (VVT-i).

The engine is smooth and quiet, even when revved up. There is plenty of torque, and the short gear ratios from the eight-speed automatic transmission offer quick acceleration for a large car like the LS460. With the lower top gear ratio, a reasonable level of fuel economy is also maintained. Unfortunately it is confusing to use the eight-speed automatic in manual mode - better to leave it in automatic.

In terms of performance, Lexus claims the LS460 can dash from 0-100kph in 5.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 250kph.

The suspension - multi-link front and rear - is tuned for comfort, and there is a bunch of electronic assistance mechanisms that makes up for the sloppy ride, including a pre-crash system that prepares the safety gadgets like tightening the seat-belts for the occupants just before a collision takes place. There are 11 air bags in the car.

Braking power comes from electro-hydraulic ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist.

Once again I have to return a car that I wish I'd had for a longer time. Of course, the LS460 can't compete with the 7-Series or S-Class in terms of driver enjoyment - its ride is way too gentle for any serious driving.

But for those who want a luxury car that is modern, highly comfortable and simply looks good, or one with the best rear-passenger comfort and convenience, the Lexus LS460 should be a priority on their list.

Ultimate in Luxury

The Luxury LS 460 is a wonderfully comfaortable car fitted with all mod cons, althoough not necessarily the most fun vehicle to drive.