Pay Your Respects
Who makes the best luxury car? Well, that depends on what is defined as best. Quickest
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| Combined with its high levels of luxury, the Lexus LS 430 is also at the top of the reliability ratings. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
That would be the Lexus LS 430. Check out any independent market research firm, from J.D. Powers and Associates to Consumer Reports, and Toyota's luxury division will end up on top every time. Well if they're reliable then Lexus cars must be boring, overly practical appliances, right? Definitely not!
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| With its 290-hp 4.3-L V8 controlled by a new 6-speed automatic with sequential-shift mode, the LS 430 is as entertaining to drive as almost any top-tier luxury car. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
When it comes to the recently upgraded LS, sporting a 290-hp 4.3-L V8 controlled by a new 6-speed automatic with sequential-shift mode, it's as entertaining to drive as almost any top-tier luxury car. A quick comparison puts this into perspective. While the 2003 LS took 6.4 seconds to reach 100 km/h from standstill, the 2004 model takes just 6.0 seconds, identical to the much lauded BMW 745i and about 0.4 seconds speedier than the new all-aluminum Jaguar XJ. What about Audi's new A8? Its 6.4 second to 100 km/h sprint is identical to the Jag, so about 0.4 seconds slower than the LS. The Mercedes-Benz S500, quicker than the S430, is even slower at 6.2 seconds. And rival Infiniti? Believe it or not, despite the Q45's extra 50 horsepower its 0 to 100 km/h time is also exactly the same as the LS 430's.
The Lexus handles surprisingly well too, considering it's not a lightweight sport sedan. Just the same its 1,810 kg (3,990 lbs) tips the scales substantially less than the Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz flagship sedans, with only the Jaguar and Infiniti competitors lighter.