Lexus arrived on these shores in 1989, and UK sales have grown from a meagre 671 in 1991 to more than 12,000 a year today. Yet although the launch of the LS is big news, no car in the sector is better, or has more experience, than our current favourite: the eighth-generation Mercedes S-Class. It’s the model Lexus has to beat
LEXUS LS 460 SE L
Having recently been named Japanese Car of the Year, the new LS comes into this test with strong credentials. But does the Lexus badge yet have the kudos necessary to rival the best European brands on home ground? We’re not so sure.
Then there’s the styling. Mercedes’ latest S-Class caused controversy when it was launched at the start of this year, and it was a similar story with the BMW 7-Series before it. But the LS didn’t turn one head during the course of a week’s testing with us. It’s instantly recognisable as a Lexus, yet isn’t even as challenging as the other models in the brand’s range – the GS has greater aggression and the IS looks more daring.
The designers have attempted to give it some individuality with chrome exhausts and rear light clusters which wrap around the wing. Yet overall, this is a very conservative new car that is certain to sell well in the Japanese and US markets, but doesn’t stand out enough for British buyers.
Similar criticism can be levelled at the interior. While there’s no doubt about the stunning fit and finish or the quality of the materials, the cabin simply doesn’t provide the same sense of occasion as the S-Class. It’s pleasant inside, but far from memorable. Comfort is where the LS excels, however. Rear passengers are particularly well catered for, with electrically adjustable, heated seats. Fold down the centre armrest and you’ll reveal a control panel for the climate and stereo systems in the back, plus the housing for the DVD remote. This standard feature has a crystal-sharp screen and is one of the best in-car set-ups we have used.
As it’s filled with so much technology, it’s no surprise that the centre console is a little button-heavy. We would like to have seen a more sleek design, and one which distinguishes the LS from the rest of the Lexus range. The central touch-screen is easy to use and it doesn’t take long to familiarise yourself with all the controls, but the set-up lacks the Mercedes system’s imagination and attention to detail. As a car to be chauffeured in, though, the Lexus is excellent – it’s utterly quiet and silky smooth, leaving passengers to relax and enjoy the soft seats and space.
While it deals with undulations beautifully, the LS’s air-suspension struggles to contain sharp bumps. And although handling isn’t as important as comfort or refinement to buyers in this class, the driving experience isn’t especially tempting. With no steering feedback and plenty of wallow in corners, the Lexus lacks its rival’s sharpness.
Still, the 4.6-litre powerplant is superbly engineered. It’s nearly as potent as the S500’s 5.4-litre motor, and there’s no trace of vibration. Our test car had covered fewer than 1,000 miles, though, so at 6.5 seconds the Lexus was well short of the maker’s claimed 5.7-second 0-60mph time.
With less torque that peaks higher up than its rival’s, plus a 115kg weight penalty, the LS simply doesn’t have the S500’s turn of pace. And while its shifts are seamless, the eight-speed transmission appears little more than a gimmick.
There are enough gadgets to satisfy even the most hardcore technophiles, such as Lane Keep Assist, the Driver Monitoring System, Intelligent Park Assist and an Advanced Obstacle Detection System. Indeed, the Lexus has far more standard kit than the Mercedes. But equipment alone is not enough to decide the outcome of this test.
THE MERCEDES-BENZ S 500 L
Although the latest S-Class is nearly a year old, the debate over its styling still rages. The high waistline and flared wheelarches make it one of Mercedes’ most daring designs in recent times.
Park it alongside the Lexus, and the S500L looks even more ostentatious. When driving in convoy, it was the S500 that attracted attention – in comparison, the Lexus already seemed passé. With its imposing grille and angular headlights, the German machine has a surprisingly aggressive stance, although the design does a good job of concealing the fact that it’s 5.2 metres long.
Inside, it’s even more apparent that this Merc is something special. Unlike the LS, the S-Class stands out from the rest of the model range. Build quality is impeccable, as are the materials used throughout. But it’s the classic style and attention to detail which combine to give this car a special feel that the Lexus simply cannot match.
The armchair-like rear seats are as comfortable as its rival’s here. If anything, they are even more cosseting, not least because this LWB model offers more legroom. But in terms of standard kit, occupants in the Mercedes will feel relatively hard done by. Side window blinds are a £520 option, while the DVD player will set buyers back a whopping £3,200. Similarly, soft-close doors and a powered bootlid are both on the extras list, yet they come as standard on the Lexus.
The S-Class’s modern dashboard design is a big plus here, though. Its curved layout works well, and the switchgear feels more expensive than that of the LS. What’s more, the control system is far better thought-out than its rival’s – the central computer-style screen and metal dial are simple to master, while steering wheel pads operate most key functions, so you needn’t take your eyes off the road.
It’s also immediately apparent that Mercedes has invested heavily under the skin. Dynamically, the S500L is highly accomplished; unlike the Lexus, there’s no marked difference in the way the suspension absorbs crests or potholes, as both pass under the wheels practically unnoticed.
The ride is virtually faultless, while road and tyre noise are as distant here as in the Japanese contender. Furthermore, the S-Class’s agility belies its size and weight. Of the two models, it’s the much more rewarding to drive, thanks to sharp cornering, meaty steering and strong brakes.
Passengers will appreciate the good body control, while the slightly stiffer suspension – as in the Lexus, it’s switchable between comfort and sport modes – prevents the S-Class from pitching and diving as much as the LS. The 5.4-litre engine is superb, and acceleration is amazing considering the model’s size and weight. There is none of the noise usually associated with high speeds, while the seven-ratio gearbox delivers slick shifts. Due to its power and weight advantage, the Merc outpaces the Lexus. It’s quicker in kickdown, too, and feels more urgent and responsive than its rival.
Although price differences aren’t particularly decisive in this market, it’s disappointing to see the Mercedes doesn’t provide anywhere near the same amount of standard equipment as the LS. Features such as voice recognition, a reversing camera, cooled seats and active radar cruise control are all optional extras on the S-Class, yet come as standard on the LS. Will this penny-pinching attitude count against the German model?
Verdict
If you’re in the market for the ultimate luxury car, both the Mercedes S-Class and Lexus LS are likely to be on your shortlist. No other models come close to their quality, technology, equipment, comfort and refinement – not even the Bentley Flying Spur or Rolls-Royce Phantom.
But in concentrating so hard on these areas, Lexus has missed a critical trick – to make the occupants feel good. The LS460 is highly impressive and has incredible engineering, but it lacks personality, coming across as clinical and bland. The Merc is every bit as talented and rides better, yet while it doesn’t have the charisma of the best British luxury cars, it’s more engaging to own and live with than the Lexus. As a result, it wins comfortably here.
BIG match coming from www.autoexpress.co.uk
