Lexus LS

Driving:
At motorway speeds, the automatic air suspension of Lexus' range-topper is in its element, soaking up any bumps with complete isolation. It's a wonderfully smooth machine. However, it's less accomplished in town, struggling to cope with smaller potholes and imperfections. Further negatives include the grabby electro-hydraulic brakes and the lifeless steering. But the all-new 25bhp 4.6 V8 engine is more impressive, proving rapid and eerily quiet at any speed. It boasts an eight-speed automatic gearbox - a world first. Engineers claim the new transmission optimises performance and fuel consumption, with combined economy of 35.4mpg and a claimed 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds.

Marketplace:
When it comes to luxury cars, heritage and image are everything - but try telling that to Lexus. The firm's flagship LS model only arrived in the UK in 1989, yet it has been snapping at the heels of the established German brands ever since. The latest LS 460 is the most advanced and luxurious yet - and has the class-leading Mercedes S-Class firmly in its sights, plus the Audi A8 and BMW 7-Series. But do the bold chrome grille and swept-back headlights, that sit so well on the firm's smaller models, suit the massive LS so well? Details are neat but the overall effect is imposing rather than stylish.

Owning:
The cabin has every conceivable luxury - and a vast array of gadgets. These include a special diffuser above the rear passengers to recirculate the air and a camera that monitors the driver and warns of any obstacles ahead if your eyes stray from the road or you start nodding off. Other groundbreaking safety features include a Honda-style Lane-Keep Assist set-up that prevents the car from drifting out of lane on the motorway and emergency steering assistance, which sharpens the wheel's response to help the driver avoid a collision. There are also clever pre-crash systems designed to reduce the impact of both front and rear collisions. The big LS can even park itself! Rear passengers, meanwhile enjoy plenty of legroom and get their own controls for the impressive 19-speaker stereo system. Electric reclining seats also boost comfort. It's not cheap though, with the flagship costing £71,000. Cheaper rivals can't match its kit count, but that's still a daunting figure, particularly with question marks over residuals. At least Lexus customer service is second to none.