In the late Eighties Toyota embarked on probably the most ambitious challenge in modern automotive history; to take on Mercedes-Benz's venerable S-Class. Considering Merc's flagship line had been around since 1954 — pioneering luxury car features such as air suspension, disc brakes, automatic transmission, crumple zones and electrically powered everything — it was a bold move, in the same sense that diving head-first into a vat of sulphuric acid is bold, for Toyota's new brand Lexus to take on the ruler of luxury.
After all, Stuttgart had already been developing its line for 35 years by the time the LS 400 came along, merely five years after Eiji Toyoda decided to risk it all. And due to either a lack of imagination or a genuine ambition to copy the king (in the Far East, copying something great is flattery, not bootlegging), the Lexus looked remarkably similar to its Mercedes rival.
But blasting off from the Land of the Rising Sun, the LS 400 rocketed into space and beyond, at least when it came to sales figures; the car sold more than all its European rivals after one year on showroom floors.
Audi, feeling left out, came along a few years later with the aluminium space-framed A8, adding all-wheel drive to the segment, countless Volkswagen switchgear and nondescript styling. You look at this 2011 model and you'd think they're as related as plankton with Homo sapiens. The new car looks striking, the updated Lexus is as egalitarian as ever and the graceful S500 would leave the staunchest pessimist shrugging shoulders in defeat.
Sony's Lexus LS 460
If my fund manager continues doing a great job for another 30 years and I retire with a fat pension pot, I know what car I'd buy. I'd head straight to the Lexus showroom, drive out in the latest LS, content in the knowledge that I saved at least a million dirhams by not buying the Rolls-Royce Phantom. If there's one thing that the gang at wheels agrees on, it's the fact that there's no other car in the entire world as smooth riding as the LS 460 L, except possibly the flagship Rolls-Royce.
Ever since its thumping entrance into the luxury saloon segment in 1989, the LS hasn't looked back. It took the automotive world by storm doing the unthinkable, unsettling well-established Teutons by setting new standards in luxury and technology and making a name as one of the most reliable cars in any class. In fact, the Lexus LS held the top spot in JD Power's vehicle dependability surveys for a decade and a half from 1994.
Now, 21 years later, it still continues to be the most dependable of the lot and without doubt, the most comfortable too. However, it also continues to be the one with the least amount of character in its class. The styling is as bland as it can get, and the interior looks no better than that of a 2002 Camry, albeit a lot more spacious and with loads of leather and wood. Age is clearly catching up and the car looks and feels jaded in comparison to the spaceship-like A8interior and the elegantly ageing S500.
In fact, pretty much nothing is different in the 2011 LS 460 compared to the 2007 model year, when the fourth generation was introduced. The only update the GCC market gets is the D-4S direct injection engine system that develops 375bhp as against the 342 that the previous V8 could muster. But even this upgrade doesn't seem to have made much of a difference, as it hardly feels like being pulled by 33 more horses. That's probably because there's only one way you would ever want to drive this car — at a slow, steady pace, cruising along a straight highway in sublime comfort and absolute silence. But that doesn't mean the engine lacks oomph. Floor the pedal and the LS will do a sub-six-second sprint to 100kph with the V8 lump working up 493Nm of torque from 4,000rpm, giving out just a muted, distant roar even when you're redlining it.
One argument that's always been levelled against the LS is that it doesn't handle as well as its rivals. But it beats me why someone would spend so much moneyon a premium luxury saloon if he is looking for sportscar dynamics. The Lexus LS is simply brilliant at doing what a luxury caris expected to do: cossetting its passengersin a supremely comfortable cabin, while they doze off to the soft notes from theMark Levinson audio system, the 12-way reclining leather seats giving them a relaxing lumbar massage.
Imran's Mercedes S500
Having driven the Lexus myself, I agree it feels like you're floating on top of a mountain of marshmallows. But, you expect an ultra smooth ride from it. Much like you expect to get points on your licence driving a Camaro SS, or gain in popularity with the ladies if you own a Fiat 500. But, what do you get if you've got a Mercedes-Benz S-Class? That's simple; respect, and lots of it. On the road, people go out of their way to get out of yours. Pull up anywhere in one and you're treated like royalty.
Elegant best describes those squinting eyes, sculpted bonnet and rounded rear. It now has an even more imposing radiator grille coupled with daytime driving lights anda chrome strip on the bumper. It all gives it an even more striking presence.
The rear features new LED tails and a revised exhaust system that is integrated into the bumper. But, it isn't a big softy either as those flared fenders and a rising belt line give it an aggressive look.
The long wheelbase S-Class cabin is so comfortable, you'd think you're in a five-star hotel. Once you're seated, you will not want to get out.
The leather seats can be heated or cooled and they'll even massage your back. Ambient lighting provides a soothing effect while the extensive high-grade wood trim is class personified. The number of buttons on the centre console has been reduced thanks to the multifunction command controller that operates just about everything, and it is very user-friendly.
This car is jam-packed with assistance features that provide valuable information, such as the speed limit assist which can identify how fast you should be going thanks to a camera mounted at the front to seek out road signs. The parktronic package makes manoeuvring into tight spots easier by using data from ultrasound sensors around the car.
It also gives you precise instructions on the correct steering angle and points at which to turn — just follow the yellow guide line in the 8in colour display and you can't go wrong. I love the night view assist with the pedestrian detection system which makes it easier to see people in the dark so you can respond accordingly, in case they rush out in front of you while you're driving.
And when you switch on the Harman Kardon surround sound system, the Merc becomes a concert hall thanks to the clarity of the 14 speakers, a 13-channel DSP amplifier and the Dolby Digital 5.1 system.
The 5.5-litre V8 mated to a seven-speed auto is a superb unit with 388bhp and 530Nm of torque at a barely audible 2,800rpm. It has exceptional straight line performance while the airmatic suspension keeps you fairly flat during tight cornering. It handles well and maintains a smooth ride no matter how bad the road gets.
The S-Class manages to be a powerful saloon and luxury limousine in one sophisticated package. It really is the perfect blend. From the gorgeous interior, beautiful exterior and terrier-like engine, it's no wonder this car is loved the world over. But, does it have enough to ward off the attentions of the Audi A8 L?
Dejan's Audi A8 L
Most cars I drive, I drive only once, so the memory eventually fades leaving only a trace of the whole story; it's either fantastic or rubbish. And if it's somewhere in between, then I've long since forgotten it.
The Lexus and the Merc somehow keep coming back to me. I've driven these two on race tracks, highways and dirt roads, back-to-back with every imaginable rival and, in the case of the S-Class, sampled the entire range more than once too (which includes the new S63 and that S400 hybrid). Every time it's the same story — they're both fantastic.
But I've only ever driven one A8, twice, and that's the Savana Beige example you see here: completely different luxury proposition to what you'd expect.
It's the newest offering in the class and it shows; the A8's exquisitely crafted interior is mesmerising. The quality of its workmanship is akin to a Bentley, which isn't surprising since both brands share the same umbrella, and the ergonomically perfect column console houses controls for the AC, the advanced MMI system as well as a touch pad like the one you get on a laptop. Even the screen radiates in high resolution brilliance, and you can spend hours caressing the numerous switches and details of the A8's stately cabin. The only problem up front is the selector lever of the eight-speed gearbox, which is easily nudged by the driver's knee into manual mode.
A minor kerfuffle though, because once you sink into the lavish rear you'll forgive this Audi anything (almost anything, but we'll get back to that)… In our long wheelbase model the back seats are electronically adjusted in more ways than your body can contort, featuring ventilation and heating, massage options, two screens and more gadgetry than we could find a use for.
It's stylishly grand on the outside too, with those get-out-of-my-way LEDs, a long and low roofline and chiselled surfaces. But this is when things take a turn for the worse…
Audi says aluminium spaceframe this, aluminium spaceframe that. Oh really? Then why does it feel the lardiest to drive? It's like a Lexus towing a boat, or a Mercedes with those repulsive low-rolling resistance tyres.
The steering feels like the column is connected to a bucket of mash potato, and its responses are communicated to your hands through a fax machine, one with a paper jam. Basically you're just a passenger, as you should be seated in the opulent back of this L version (in this day and age L unfortunately stands for ‘long', not ‘lightweight', although in the A8's case it can mean both).
Also, every time you spot a speed bump in the distance you'll have squirming recollections of your first prostate exam. Low weight is great and everything, but when it comes to soaking up bumps and dissipating energy, it's as much use as a lightweight dumbbell.
The AWD chassis should result in an eager saloon, according to Audi, but the reality is understeer towards the limit and a hesitance to turn in; it's like a Cocker Spaniel on a leash, it sort of goes where it wants to go, not where you want it to.
Sometimes, a rigid chassis and no-profile tyres simply don't make a sporty car. Instead they result in a luxury limousine that's neither here nor there, neither pampering nor exciting.
The Audi A8, then, is a simply glorious place to be in, so long as the roads are straight and smooth.
Verdict
If you look at it strictly from a luxury point of view, the Lexus LS takes the cake with its superb ride quality and unmatched refinement. But the car looks awfully dated in comparison to its German rivals. Lexus desperately needs to come up with a completely new model to stay in contention.
The latest pretender to the S-Class's throne, the new A8, is a brilliant car with great design, loads of technology that makes the others look like antiques, and a best-in-class interior. However, design, technology and a well-appointed interior do not make a good luxury saloon. The A8 disappoints with its not-so-refined ride quality and the car's handling doesn't reflect the amount of work Audi has done to the chassis.
This leaves us with the S500. Challenges are not new to the flagship Merc, having withstood a few in its half-a-century reign. But the S-Class has over the years evolved into a wonderful package that offers the right mix of all the qualities you'd expect from a luxury saloon. It's smoother than the BMW 7 Series and the Audi A8, and although the current model has been around since 2006 it doesn't look outdated like the Lexus does. It also handles just fine, and above all, it will still get you more respect than any of its rivals. That means the throne stays intact, at least for now.
Specs
Model Lexus LS 460
Engine 4.6-litre V8
Transmission Eight-speed auto, RWD
Max power 375bhp @ 6,400rpm
Max torque 493Nm @ 4,000rpm
Top speed 250kph
0-100kph 6.3sec
Price Dh329,000
Plus Serene ride, smooth and powerful engine
Minus Looks and feels dated
Model Mercedes S500
Engine 5.5-litre V8
Transmission Seven-speed auto, RWD
Max power 388bhp @ 6,000rpm
Max torque 530Nm @ 2,800rpm
Top speed 250kph
0-100kph 5.4sec
Price Dh450,400
Plus Perfect mix of comfort, looks, and power
Minus It comes at a high price
Model Audi A8
Engine 4.2-litre V8
Transmission Eight-speed auto, AWD
Max power 366bhp @ 6,800rpm
Max torque 445Nm @ 3,500rpm
Top speed 250kph
0-100kph 5.8sec
Price Dh358,000
Plus The most modern and advanced, interior
Minus Stiff ride
Tech sheet
Lexus LS 460: Smooth operator
1 Updated 4.6-litre V8 in the 2011 model has 33 more horses than the previous one.
2 The optional air suspension system in the LS 460 L keeps body roll to a minimum affording an extraordinarily smooth ride.
3 Even the sound of the doors opening and closing as well as those of onboard motors have been specially tuned by the engineers.
4 The Advanced Pre-Collision System and the Driver Attention Monitor System help avoid potential accidents.
5 Parallel parking is a breeze in the LS thanks to the parking guidance system. All you need to do is control the brakes!
Mercedes S500: Catch me if you can
1 Packed full of goodies, including Attention Assist which detects driver drowsiness by monitoring steering behaviour and prompts you to take a break.
2 The Pre-Safe Brake triggers emergency braking 0.6 seconds before an imminent collision if the driver fails to react.
3 Fabulous Airmatic suspension ensures comfortable road holding.
4 5.5-litre V8 develops more power and torque sooner than the A8 or LS 460.
5 The long-wheelbase S-Class has leather upholstery and heated front and rear seats.
Audi A8: The geek
1 Audi introduced LEDs with its R8 supercar, and now the latest A8 is the only one in class with full LED headlights.
2 The steering gear ratio is a decent 16.1:1 for quick input, but that doesn't change the lack of feel.
3 4.2-litre V8 could use a comprehensive update (or even better — force-feeding) to keep up with Stuttgart's and Munich's superior engines: the Audi is the least powerful here and it shows.
4 Incredibly clever air suspension with controlled damping can lower the vehicle by 25mm and constantly tries to adapt to the road surface.
5 The standard eight-speed electronic automatic transmission is fantastic at spreading the range of the limited engine, and changes cogs with utmost delicacy.
