established luxury brands.
The $184,900 LS460 still undercuts its predominantly German rivals by between 10 and 37 per cent, but it comes with almost no options, reinforcing its high level of standard equipment.
against the likes of the BMW 7-Series, Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Bentley Continental Flying Spur.
standard fare, much of which costs extra on competitor vehicles.
Later in 2007, Lexus will offer a long wheelbase LS600h - the hybrid V8 that's said to deliver V12-like performance.
For now, the LS460 gets a 4.
6-litre V8, delivering 280 kilowatts of power, which Lexus claims is class leading.
automatic transmission, credited with delivering an 8 per cent fuel economy benefit over a six-speed unit.
Indeed, despite its 0-100km/h claims of 5.
7 seconds, the unleaded for every 100km travelled.
performance benefits, there's little doubt its primary purpose is to save fuel. Eighth gear is not used until about 80km/h 1500rpm.
Accelerating hard, the LS460 will also only use two of its eight gears to reach 100km/h.
Inside, the LS460 is one of the quietest cars on the road, and road noise to a minimum.
It's also supremely smooth and comfortable, although the ride.
As well as 10 airbags, the LS460 has a raft of electronic wizardry working to keep the car on the road. It also has a radar front.
its competition.
Despite some Toyota-esque carryovers, such as some buttons and switchgear, the LS460 is not lacking in gear.
There's a keyless start system, electric seats front and rear, and DVD players front and rear.
Still, Australia misses out - for now - on some of the more enticing gadgets, including the built-in hard drive that can store up to 5000 songs and an advanced telematics system.
development of the LS460. The Toyota-owned brand claims it's the attention to detail that sets the Lexus apart from its rivals.
The solid sound of the doors closing is no accident, according to Lexus, which says it scoured the globe for the most sumptuous-sounding door-close in the world.
The resultant thunk is apparently a copy of a "fine wood door" closing in solid frame.
Each engine, too, is checked by a stethoscope to ensure it's running as it should and delivers an appropriate sound.
and so-on) all open at exactly the same speed.
track at speeds up to 200km/h before it's sent to customers.
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