2005 Lexus LS 430
by Jim Prueter - 10/05

Definitive world-class luxury sedan

It’s been just over a year since I tested the newly redesigned Lexus LS 430 model for 2004. After the makeover for 2004, the lone change for the 2005 model is the optional 18-inch alloy wheels, which are available as part of various extra cost upgrade packages. LS 430 base price has risen a modest $225.

The LS 430 remains one of our favorite premium luxury sedans and at the top of our list for supreme ride, quiet comfort and effortless, stress-free driving. Again for 2005 and the10th consecutive year, J.D. Power and Associates ranked Lexus as the highest brand for dependability and ranked the LS 430 as the most problem-free luxury car after three years of ownership.

While still somewhat bland on the outside when compared to vehicles in its class like the Audi A8, Mercedes S-Class and Jaguar XJ-Series, its interior is beautifully resplendent with warm, golden bird’s-eye maple or walnut trim and a choice of cashmere leather upholstery or optional perforated semi-aniline or comfort Nappa leather to further enhance the luxurious ambiance. There’s even a unique antique walnut trim with burnished edges available in the Ultra luxury Packages. Interior fit and finish is impressive.

Front seats with an ample 44 inches of legroom remain the most comfortable we’ve tested in any vehicle at any price. You just simply never think about them when riding in the vehicle. There are even optional heated, massaging and power reclining seats for rear passengers, along with more legroom than any other car in its class, except for the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-Series. There are even vanity mirrors, climate control, interior air filter and swivel reading lamps to further pamper those relegated to the back seat. Unfortunately Lexus still doesn’t offer a DVD entertainment system for the LS 430.

Power comes from the silky-smooth 290-hp 4.3-liter V8 that delivers a quick 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds according to Lexus. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. Despite its size (slightly shorter than the S-Class and 7-Series), it handles with surprising agility, making it a delight to drive, but should not be considered performance sports sedan. There is an optional “sports-tuned” suspension with 18-inch wheels and tires that makes handling more responsive, however when compared to the BMW the LS 430 still has a softer, “floating” feel to the ride.

As expected, when it comes to safety Lexus has it all with a full complement of airbags (side, head curtain, front and knee) four-wheel antilock brakes with BrakeAssist, traction control, vehicle stability control, traction control, seat belts that feature pretensioners, force limiters, retractors and an optional Pre-Collision System that uses radar to detect obstacles in front of the vehicle and if a collision is imminent, it can preemptively retract, tightening the driver’s and front passenger’s seatbelts, applying maximum braking force and activating sport mode on the optional air suspension-equipped LS 430s.

With a well-equipped base price of $56,225 the LS 430 is a bargain when compared to other premium luxury flagship sedans like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class ($75,300), Audi A8 ($66,590) BMW 7-Series ($69,900) and Volkswagen Phaeton ($66,950).

For 2005 the Lexus LS 430 remains hard to beat if you’re considering a premium luxury sedan. Its exterior looks won’t take your breath away but the lines are smooth, graceful and pleasing to the eye, just don’t expect it to turn any heads when valet parking at the Four-Seasons. Overall: Silky smooth, incredibly quiet, luxurious and a beautifully appointed interior. A gem of a car.