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2005 Lexus LS 430 Road Test

The Smarter Luxury Car Choice

I feel so intelligent behind the wheel of an LS 430. Im driving one of the best luxury cars in the industry, with imposing yet understated styling, stunning performance, hedonistic appointments and unparalleled quality, and its thousands less expensive than its European rivals.

The car and its Lexus brand have become popular for the ideal combination of these many attributes, especially when compared to Infinitis Q45 which came to life around the same time as the Lexus. Still, BMWs 745 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class outsell the LS by a fair margin, making the big Japanese sedan somewhat exclusive in comparison.

While the BMW adds technological goodies to the mix plus a more sporting driving dynamic,

The Lexus LS 430 is one of the best luxury cars in the industry, and its thousands less expensive than its European rivals. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

and the Mercedes delivers attractive, albeit gracefully dated styling and that quintessential three-pointed star atop the classic grille, the Lexus commands a lot of respect on the road too.

But even when under full acceleration the big car doesnt feel like its overexerting itself. Sure the 290-horsepower 4.3-liter V8 can be heard; its 32-valves and dual-overhead cams whirring,

The LS commands a lot of respect on the road. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

but only during wide open throttle. The rest of the time its eerily silent, as it is with regards to the majority of exterior noise. That goes for wind noise too, much to do with its otherworldly 0.25 coefficient of drag when equipped with the air suspension (0.26 Cd with the standard suspension).

My LS tester was coated in Cypress Pearl metallic paint; Lexus speak for light green, and finished inside in Ecru, or light beige, almost cream-colored leather hides. The look, combined with

Starting at $55,675, the LS 430 is reasonably priced when compared to the $64,600 Volkswagen Phaeton, $66,590 Audi A8, $69,300 BMW 745i, and $75,300 Mercedes-Benz S430. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

a large dose of medium-tone burred walnut accents is opulent to say the least. This isnt the only interior, exterior treatment Lexus offers, of course, with seven additional paint coatings available, and an impressive three additional interior color choices. Theres optional wood trim as well. I drove a 2005 model previously that featured a new antique finish to the wood, kind of like how an old violin is darkened around the edges and fades into a lighter woodgrain towards its center, an effect

My LS 430 tester came fully loaded with a long list of enticing features. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

that Ive never seen applied in a car before.

The base LS comes extremely well equipped for a very low $55,675, the LS 430 is reasonably priced when compared to the $64,600 Volkswagen Phaeton, $66,590 Audi A8, $69,300 BMW 745i, and $75,300 Mercedes-Benz S430. Its even less expensive than its $55,900 Infiniti Q45 rival from Japan, or Britains $60,830 Jaguar XJ8.

Of course, almost fully loaded as was the case for my LS 430, with a sweet sounding 240-watt, 9-speaker Mark Levinson audio system with a cassette deck and multi-disc changer hidden under a flip up wood cover,

Little touches, such as the air conditioned cooler tucked in behind the rear armrest, set the LS 430 apart. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

rear audio controls integrated into the fold down armrest (which dont work if there are five onboard by the way), rear auto climate control also incorporated into the armrest, adaptive cruise control, a DVD based navigation system, rear side sunshades, laminated side glass, automatic door closure, climate controlled front and rear seats, perforated leather seats throughout, power adjustable massaging rear seats, driver selectable auto load leveling front and rear suspension, and stylish chrome plated 17-inch alloy wheels.

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