Detroit Motor Show - Lexus

Haven't we seen this somewhere before?
The new Lexus LS luxury car was first shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in concept form – and this is the finished product.

The company had promised at the Tokyo Motor Show that the car we were looking at was 90% finished, but we couldn't see inside it, nor could we put its claim that build quality had taken a step forward to the test.

Detroit gives us the opportunity to do both. Internally, the car is nicely laid out, and there's plenty of room in the back to get comfortable, even in the standard wheelbase car.

For the first time, a long wheelbase model will be available, so you can stretch out even more while you're chauffeured around.

Build quality certainly feels impressive too, and we've no reason to doubt that this Lexus will be any less bombproof than the ones that have come before (Lexus has a very impressive display of dozens of JD Power awards on the stand too, by the way).

So what else is new?
Lexus clearly couldn't resist going one better than Mercedes, and is fitting the LS with an eight-speed automatic gearbox (yes, eight gears).

Power and performance figures aren't finalised yet, but a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing around 380bhp will rocket the LS to 60mph in less than 5.5secs – all in the best possible taste, of course.

The car has a hard drive which can store 4000 songs, and long-wheelbase versions come with the option of some amazing seats which recline 45 degrees, have footrests like business-class airline seats, and massage occupants.

What makes them really amazing is that, depending on the weather, these seats also warm or chill the passengers, while extra sensors help the climate control maintain the perfect cabin temperature by monitoring body as well as air temperature (don't ask where these sensors go).

To save the hassle of parking, the LS can also do it for you. Find a space, press a button and sit back as the Lexus does every last bit of it for you automatically, without kerbing those pretty alloy wheels.

We say
The rear seats on the long-wheelbase version really are a treat. We're looking forward to finding out more about some other technological and safety developments at the Geneva show in a couple of months, and about a new V8 hybrid engine at New York.