Secret luxury cars of 2006 - Lexus LS

On sale November
Price? From £55,000 (est)

The production version of the new LS won’t be remarkably different from this concept car shown at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. Like its rivals, the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class, it will be available in standard- and long-wheelbase versions.

This is a first for the range-topping Lexus, and the company promises its already excellent build quality will take another step forward, too. From launch the LS will be available with a 300bhp 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine, but no diesel – even though Lexus is developing diesel engines for its smaller brother, the IS.

However, the LS will get petrol-electric hybrid power, like the RX400h 4x4. In the LS, a V8 petrol engine will be backed up by a battery-powered electric motor. This, therefore, could spoil Mercedes’ efforts to make the most economical luxury car.


See the February 2006 issue of What Car? magazine for a free 100 Secret Cars of 2006 and Beyond supplement.