March 6, 2007. Copyright 2007, Graphic News. All rights reserved Lexus LS460 -- beautiful new Mercedes rival lacks diesel By Neil Winton LONDON, March 6, Graphic News: Lexus, the upmarket arm of JapanÕs massive and highly successful Toyota Motor, has finally shaken off its bland but worthy image with the all-new top-of-the-range LS460. The previous iteration of the LS was just fine if you could avoid looking at it by being inside the car, with its luxurious interior, cosseting ride, matchless V8 power plant, and amazing array of gizmos, all at a price that sharply undercut the German leaders like the BMW 7-series and Mercedes C class. But since the LS first appeared in 1989, successive dumpy, ugly, barge-like bodies showed a lack of confidence and panache in design, although under the bonnet, the technology was always top-class. Lexus has gradually been restyling its whole range, and the little IS, a BMW 3-series competitor, and mid-range GS cars are head-turners to be sure. Now, the latest LS has the ÒwowÓ factor, although photographs donÕt do it justice, and the 460 has the latest technology in spades, plus the occasional gimmick like the ability to park itself. If you want to park without pressure and hands-free, you drive the LS460 just past the parking spot you want to use. Cameras in the bumpers look back, survey the space and, if itÕs big enough, the driver can initiate parking by selecting Òparallel-parkingÓ. A picture pops up on the dashboard and, if thatÕs where you want to go, press the ÒOKÓ button for the car to manoeuvre itself into the space, unless of course, while all this decision-making was going on, someone else hasnÕt snatched it already. The LS460 has an 8-speed automatic gear box, one more than the Mercedes ÒSÓ class. The extra gears seem to confuse the carÕs computer if you accelerate hard, with much hunting and indecision as it looks for the appropriate cog. A 6-speed auto shifter would have been just fine. Other available technology certainly contributes to safety and peace of mind. The carÕs computer can detect an imminent impact and will prime safety features like air-bags and brakes to ensure maximum protection. Mercedes and Volvo have similar systems. Like Mercedes, the LS460 uses radar to look for hazards by day or night, while the Driver Monitoring System uses a camera to spot if the driver is dozing. Emergency Steering Assist helps the driver recover from a skid. Rear passengers are especially cared for (and many owners will be sitting in the rear as their chauffeur does the driving) with a system which mitigates the impact of a rear-end smash. The LS460Õs 4.6-litre V8 engine produces 375bhp and propels the car from rest to 100km/h (62mph) in 5.7 seconds. Maximum speed is 250km/h (155mph) and fuel consumption an average 11.1 litres/100 kms (25.4mpg). CO2 is 261 grammes per kilometre. Prices start at 86,250 euros (£57,000). Lexus doesnÕt have a diesel motor for the LS and in Europe that is a severe handicap. Around 75 percent of all upmarket car sales in Europe are diesel. But next year, Lexus will play its trump card, introducing a hybrid LS460, which combines an electric motor with the petrol engine. /ENDS