Lexus LS460L

Do you like grace and pace?  I guess you might think the Aussie V8s have that.  Or, perhaps the German marques might come to mind. What pops into my mind when I think grace and pace is Jaguar.  Has the Lexus LS460L captured this quintessential glory that envelopes a fine luxury motor car like a Jaguar? Certainly! The new Lexus LS460L has some superlative lines that capture the essence of power and refinement. The broad bonnet lines embody a powerful presence, while the sweeping teardrop roofline gracefully finishes at a classy boot lip that is bolstered by some very sweet looking taillights.  Its stance remains very Lexus-like, but is muscular and more aggressive.

Recently released on Australia’s shores is Japans finest – the Lexus LS460L. Under the bonnet lies around 284 kW from a silky smooth 4.6L V8. The engine is 36% more powerful than its predecessor and will feature the world’s first 8-speed automatic gearbox. Performance will be swift and impressive with its 0-100 km/h in a time of less than 5.5 seconds. This is one fast car, particularly if the American reports are true in stating that the Lexus LS460L will blast through the quarter mile in 13.8 seconds! In the same breath, mentions were made that the car’s fuel economy is equally notable.

There is talk of a hybrid version of the big Lexus sedan. It is likely be called the LS600h, and join Toyota/">Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive with the V8. The output of the Hybrid could be as high as 373 kW.

The new Lexus LS460L is bigger all-round, and boasts larger wheels and tyres which will ensure that the grip levels will be superb. The rear-wheel-drive LS460L is said to be “well planted and stable through tight switchbacks and gradual sweeping turns”. There will be an all-wheel-drive option that will be added to the LS 460L in the near future.

Comfort levels will be nothing short of superb, assuring that plenty of technologically advanced features such as a Smart/">Smart card entry, a magnificent 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system (How does one fit 19 speakers into a car’s cabin? This will surely be a very theatrical experience.), reclinable back seats with individual DVD entertainment systems and back massagers. Electronic sensors pick up the cabin temperature as well as occupant body temperature to maintain the desired balanced cabin temperature.. For those who find tight car parks a nightmare, the Lexus LS460L has an automatic park assist system which will allow the driver to park with ease.

For you blokes who like to pamper their pretty wives, with a car as good as this one, you can’t go wrong. The Lexus LS 460L is one mightily impressive luxury sedan. And Lexus has a well-earned reputation for outstanding reliability. The executives residing at BMW/">BMW and Mercedes/">Mercedes will be a little unsettled to say the least.

• Lexus LS 460L

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