Lexus LS 430 2003 Review

What we liked
>> Quiet cabin, plush seats
>> 'No option' equipment list
>> Smooth engine oozes power

Not so much
>> Gimmicks like seat massagers
>> Less exciting than rivals
>> Poor middle rear seat

OVERVIEW
Despite accounting for less than 1000 sales a year, the top-end of the prestige sedan market showed plenty of activity in 2002 and 2003. Those looking for a big, powerful, luxury sedan and with around $200,000 to spend are spoilt for choice, with new or upgraded models from Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and now Lexus arriving within the last 18 months.

Lexus' super-luxury sedan has been around since 1990, providing a competitively priced, if less heart-thumping, alternative to Europe's finest. The latest version of the Toyota-owned company's flagship is essentially a facelift of the all-new model that arrived late-2000.

Along with some styling tweaks and improved on-road dynamics, Lexus has continued its value-for-money theme by adding more standard features -- there are now no options -- without raising the price. A six-speed auto, knee air-bags, hands-free mobile phone technology, active cruise control and a rear-view camera are just some of the goodies added to keep Lexus' range-topper competitive with its techno-laden rivals.

Pricing for the fully-equipped LS430 remains steady at $175,900 -- $490 less than the previous version.

FEATURES
Externally, only Lexus fans will notice the subtle front and rear-end styling changes to the imposing, slab-sided body. Bigger 18-inch alloys and a couple of new exterior colours help spice up the look, but in our opinion the Lexus still looks bland against the more cutting-edge styling of its German rivals.

Despite the square look, the LS430 still boasts a low drag coefficient of 0.26. Combine these slick aerodynamics with a super-smooth V8 and this Japanese land yacht offers one of the most serene in-cabin environments on the market.

Manoeuvring the 5.0m long Lexus, especially in crowded car parks, is now easier with a rear view camera, which operates via the sat-nav display when reversing, and front and rear parking sensors. The LS430 gains the latest 'see-around-corners' HID headlights, which are among the best we've sampled.

All up, Lexus is claiming $10,490 worth of new features included free. The biggest bonus is the previously optional 'rear seat enhancement package', which comprises power-operated rear seats, rear seat massagers, a Mark Levinson 11-speaker CD sound system, and automatic rear sunshade.

The upgrade strengthens Lexus' claim as being "the best specified" of the prestige sedans. It's certainly a techno tour de force, fitted with just about every conceivable convenience and comfort feature -- and then some. Sat nav, dual climate control, trip computer, and electric sunroof, seats, steering wheel, door locks -- almost everything is power-assisted -- are a match for the opposition. Then there are ventilated, temperature-controlled, fully-adjustable seats -- (the rear seats vibrate on command!) -- soft-closing doors and boot, finger-touch remote door locks, automatic rear shades, 'highjack' security mode, etc, to name just a few.

COMFORT
If you're looking for lounge room-on-wheels-style motoring, you've come to the right place. Step into the inviting, classy cabin and you'll find wall-to-wall leather, wood veneer, plush carpet, and plenty of room for at least four large adults.

Front pews are big, supportive, and super comfortable. The driver's seat adjusts 16 ways, and along with 4-way power-adjustable leather/wood-rimmed steering wheel, it makes finding the ideal driving position easy.

Big, clear instruments light up brightly on ignition and most controls are easy to find and master -- no confusing I-drive here. The large touch screen display dominates the dash, and despite being a distraction while driving, is a simple solution to co-ordinating the multitude of functions.

The only letdown of an otherwise user-friendly layout is some cheap-looking plastic switchgear scattered throughout the cabin that lowers the classy tone slightly.

While some features like rear seat massagers and S-Class-style touch sensor handles are a bit gimmicky, others are more practical like power-adjustable rear seats, superb sound system with in-dash six-CD player, and rear sunshade that automatically retracts when in reverse gear. The only things missing are DVD displays for rear passengers.

Although far from cramped, there's less legroom available for rear passengers than some of its longer-wheelbase rivals, especially with the front seats back. And the middle-row passenger sits too high on a hard pew. But there are plenty of storage areas, and a cavernous boot for the golf clubs and luggage. The 60/40 rear seats fold down for extra carrying capacity but the drinks cooler behind the rear centre armrest precludes a gap from the boot for the skis.

SAFETY
Occupants are protected well in the range-topping Lexus, with a long list of standard active and passive safety features included.

Heading the active safety list is top-notch handling and stopping ability -- there's big ventilated disc brakes all-round -- backed-up by electronic aids like ABS and VSC (Vehicle Swerve Control system) that intervene unobtrusively when required. Other active safety features include swivelling headlamps, active cruise control, and a tyre pressure warning system.

The active cruise control is similar to other systems, using radar to maintain a safe distance from the car in front. But it isn't as smooth or decisive as those of its German rivals, often applying the brakes too suddenly, or too late to inspire confidence.

Adding to already high passive safety levels are new side and knee airbags for front passengers, to protect lower body regions during a crash. All up, there's 10 airbags to protect front and rear passengers.

MECHANICAL
The rear-wheel drive LS430 is powered by a 4.3-litre, quad cam, 32-valve V8, which produces 207kW at 5600rpm and 417Nm at 3500rpm. A new six-speed auto transmission, with sequential shift function for manual gear changing, replaces the old five-speed auto.

Lexus claims a closer spread of ratios and shorter first gearing on the new auto has helped contribute to improved acceleration. The 0-100km/h dash now takes just 6.3secs, 0.4secs faster than before, and top speed is limited to 250km/h.

Lexus has retuned the double-wishbone independent suspension and revised the variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering, but the emphasis remains on ride comfort over sporty handling.

COMPETITORS
The LS430 faces stiff competition from a relatively fresh line-up of flagship models from European carmakers, including the new Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, Jaguar XJ, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The Lexus is yet to follow down the current technology path of some of its rivals, which includes aluminium bodies, tricky technology and all-wheel drive. Instead, the specification upgrade helps it keep pace with the competition and maintain its value-for-money status, in a market where it is no longer the cheapest model available.

ON THE ROAD
To see how the Lexus LS430 performed on the road, please see our seven day test, below.

BOTTOM LINE: Superbly built, well-appointed but less exciting alternative to European super sedans

If your idea of luxury transport is being delivered to your destination in the most relaxed, effortless and comfortable means possible then Japan's answer to the 7-Series and S-Class -- the LS430 -- should appeal.

Slide into the big, comfy seats, twist the 'keyless' ignition and… silence. The 4.3-litre V8 purrs into life, then settles into an eerily quiet idle. Start moving and it's still as quiet as a mouse, with only a gentle nudge of the fly-by-wire throttle required to get the 1840kg luxury cruiser up to speed. Even at highway speeds there's just a hint of tyre and wind noise -- nothing to spoil the crisp tunes from the superb 11-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

Despite its refined nature, there's plenty of punch available from the 207kW aluminium V8 for fast getaways or overtaking. The LS430 is deceptively quick, the 0-100km/h sprint dispatched in an effortless 6.3secs. Revheads might be disappointed with the muted sound of the engine, but there's ample low-down grunt and the quad-cam V8 loves to rev to the 6000rpm redline.

It also teams-up well with the new, super-slick six-speed auto, which with a tighter spread of ratios, upshifts seamlessly to cruising speed. There's a manual shifter for keener drivers, but it's not necessary for push-on motoring, nor in the spirit of the car. The meaty brakes offer good feel and bite and it took repeated stomps on the pedal on a dry piece of bitumen to bring ABS into play.

During a week of mostly suburban driving, the high-tech V8 consumed standard unleaded at an economical rate of 15.5litres/100km. Take it on the freeway and this should drop even lower to under 10litres/100km.

There's no doubt the LS430 is the ultimate in refined transport, but it lacks the mid-corner poise and balance and is therefore less rewarding to drive than some of its German rivals. Softer suspension settings and over-light steering means it reaches its cornering limits earlier than the 7 Series. On the other hand, its magic carpet ride and tight turning circle make it the preferred choice for cosseting passengers on a daily basis.

The compliant suspension and copious sound-deadening material also serve to shield passengers from surface irregularities; even speed bumps are dispatched at suburban speeds with little fuss.

Set-up for chauffeur-driven executives, the Lexus pampers its rear passengers like few others with sliding, massaging, and ventilated seats, rear and side sunshade, drop-down vanity mirrors, rear climate control, and a cool box for drinks.

All up, it's hard to find fault in Lexus' commitment to build quality, five-star comfort and fuss-free performance. But in an increasingly competitive market, the LS430 is no longer the bargain buy it once was. And in many ways it has been left behind in the handling and styling stakes by the Euro super sedans.