The preferred rides of the power crowd are cyclical. The last time luxury sedans were in, people who couldn’t differentiate gas and brake pedals feared Audi and the newcomer, Lexus, was foolishly underestimated by the industry -- though not for long. Instead, it was BMW and Mercedes
There’s much to be said about German engineering, but the defiance of physics is nothing short of amazing. Brought to the U.S. in 1997, the Audi A8 not only shares the look of its smaller siblings the A6 and A4, but its performance carries on the family tradition too. When you drive the A8 aggressively, you’ll be surprised by how well such a large car can move. The success of the model has enabled two L (long-wheelbase) variants: our V8-powered test car, plus a W12-endowed model. Also offered is the sporty S model with a V10.
Nearly 20 years ago, the LS 400 was launched as the champion car of the premium Toyota division, Lexus. Any initial dismissal or denial of the brand was soon silenced. Japan really could build luxury cars just as well as econo-boxes after all. The pedigree wasn’t one acquired by decades of racing or legendary coveting, but at least the upstart’s cars ran better and cost less. The rest is history -- actually, an unfinished chapter in automotive history. Today we have the LS 460 L continuing to carry the torch for the division.
Which car reigns as the luxurious preference? We evaluated each car based on a number of fixed criteria, each carrying its own weighted number relative to the vehicle class. Adding the category numbers determines the total score, with a possible 100 points to be had. To hit that magic, round number, it would take an amazing car. Do either of these have the goods? Read on…
who cornered the corporate tycoon market. They’re still well-regarded and sell accordingly today, but along with the other high-end brands Audi and Lexus are no longer mere followers in the class of leaders.
Audi A8 L 4.2
MSRP (Base): $72,900Engine: 4.2-liter DOHC V8
Horsepower: 350 hp @ 6,800 RPM
Torque: 325 lb-ft @ 3,500 RPM
MPG: City: 18; Highway: 25
Performance - 18/20
The A8 wasn’t the first plus-sized sports sedan to hit the market, but it performs among the best, taking some competitors by surprise and forcing them to play catch-up. With a curb weight nearing 4,400 pounds, the A8 simply shouldn’t move with such composure, but it does. Speeds of 0 to 60 mph are realized in 5.7 seconds with the help of its six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. And you’ll rarely hear the 18-inch tires squeak thanks to Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive that manages said rubber with heroic handling for its class, pulling 0.9 g of force on the skid pad. If this sounds appealing, you might consider the optional sport package highlighted by 19-inch wheels and firmer suspension settings.
Exterior design - 19/20
I confess, I was a bit apprehensive when Audi’s new-look corporate face was revealed. There was an uneasy resemblance to the Edsel in the grille, and I hoped that the comparisons ended there, and they did. The new look grew on me quickly, and now I can’t imagine a new Audi without that snout. The lines flow smoothly for this sedan, especially considering the wheelbase has been stretched to 121 inches, up from the base model’s 115.9 inches.
Interior design - 7/10
German cars have taken their lumps in the past for coming off as too cold in their design. Audi avoids any resemblance to that remark. The A8’s seat leather is rich, the interior trim is warm with nice contrasting tones, featuring a dash of aluminum trim plus walnut, sycamore and birch woodwork (you can also opt for carbon fiber, but it unnecessarily darkens the car’s character). In the L model, you can specify a three-place rear bench seat, but frankly, that’s missing the point. Stick with the two-seat configuration with the gadget-filled center console for true luxury and 42 inches of legroom to call your own. Audi has always excelled in areas of fit and finish -- German’s have perfected their craft of automobile construction -- and the A8 is no exception.
Sound system/goodies - 7/10
Finally, there’s a compelling argument to let someone else drive your Audi; so you can play with the gadgets we hinted at before. That just might come in handy too. We can’t possibly cover them all here -- that would be like a pro-athlete trying to recall his carnal conquests. Let’s just cut to the highlights.
Like it or not, the A8 has Audi’s Multi-Media Interface (MMI), and to its credit, it is easier to learn and operate than BMW’s iDrive, plus HVAC controls remain separately controlled on the dash. There’s little else to argue about here. The Bose 12-speaker audio system features noise-canceling technology, just like their renowned headphones. From the rear seats, the A8’s legroom is just the beginning. An auxiliary heater concentrates on heating the rear cabin on cold mornings and dual climate control chills you on hot days. The latter is an option, as is rear-power lumbar support. But if your splurging has already taken you this far...
Bang for the buck - 18/20
The A8 holds up well as one of the better values in its class. You don’t have to justify the car’s sticker price by playing the pedigree card, though it is a solid value in this class and does draw on a long history of excellence. You don’t have to show off its performance either, though it can play with a lot of vehicles that call themselves sports cars and often come out on top.
Driving experience - 19/20
It’s rare that I can’t decide if I’d rather drive or be driven. For me, this car would pose a daily driving arrangement quandary. The spoils of piloting are equaled by the indulgence of relaxing within. Either way, there’s no earthly reason to resist the call of the open road when you have an A8 L at your fingertips.
Final score - 88/100
Some luxury sedans happen to be sporty. Some sports sedans happen to be luxurious. Few manage to be as happily schizophrenic as the Audi A8 L.
Lexus LS 460 L
MSRP (Base): $71,000Engine: 4.6-liter DOHC V8
Horsepower: 380 hp @ 6,400 RPM
Torque: 367 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
MPG: City: 18; Highway: 27
Performance - 16/20
Save for the IS and possibly the GS, Lexus and performance haven’t often been mentioned in the same sentence. The F-Division is out to change that in future models, but maybe the group is already tuning their instruments. We were pleasantly surprised by the LS 460’s road manners, sending us from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 5.6 seconds. No kidding. And it manages 27 miles per gallon on the highway. For real. Top speed is snipped at 130 mph even though it’s good for more. Credit these impressive numbers to yet another impressive number: eight. That’s the number of gears in the LS’ automatic transmission, and yes, the gear changes are like buttah. Even with the optional Touring package, the LS falls a bit short in handling, though it absorbs rough roads without wallowing. Regardless, most owners won’t be autocrossing these cars, so the lack of sharpness isn’t a cardinal sin.
Exterior design - 17/20
The buzz around Lexus studios lately is L-finesse. Though it sounds like a smooth R&B wannabe, this is the design theme sweeping the company. Nowhere else has it been applied more than on the LS 460 L, stretched in wheelbase to 121.7 inches from the base car’s 116.9 inches. If previous Lexus sedans have been pleasant, but uninspiring, in their execution, this car gains a little ground in aggressive looks without losing sight of the elegance owners have come to expect.
Interior design - 9/10
Everywhere you look or touch in this car amounts to luxury-car nirvana. Ergonomics, fit and finish are all impeccable. Lexus has accurately interpreted a car with loads of technology and thoughtfulness in a presentation that doesn’t alienate the driver or passengers. A semi-aniline upgrade exists, but the standard leather seating is more than adequate for its rich feel. For that matter, every surface and the controls feel substantial and pleasing to the touch. The rear legroom of about 37 inches is down from the A8’s, though most passengers’ knees will still move freely back there. Regardless of price, only a few cars in production rate so highly and the LS may very well represent a new benchmark for interior design.
Sound system/goodies - 10/10
To summarize this car’s features, you would have to describe it something like a La-Z-Boy in a concert hall that parks itself. I suspect the marketing folks would not be amused by such a concept, so I’ll break it down and cover a few of this car’s numerous features.
The recliner reference comes from the adjustable rear seats. Another option is built-in massaging (note that happy-ending controls have yet to be included). The right rear passenger can also indulge with a powered leg rest. Both lucky souls get the benefit of offerings like a DVD player with headphone controls, a cool box for drinks and dual-zone HVAC controls. All that aside, I cannot stress the importance of one very special option: the Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound audio system. The 19-speaker, 450-watt system is loud, yes, but that’s not the point. Simply said, no other factory setup reproduces full-bodied sound with such precision and depth. This is a rare occasion of reality meeting -- possibly even exceeding -- the hype.
Finally, the LS won’t tool around on its own taking revenge like King's Christine, but it will park itself. The Advanced Guidance Parking System does most of the dirty work and only asks you to work the brakes when needed. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a voice-activated coffee machine integrated into the dash for next year’s model…
Bang for the buck - 19/20
I simply can’t imagine spending several times more than the LS’s sticker price to acquire similar luxury and build quality (often less) wrapped around a more prestigious name. There’s no question that $71,000 is grand, but I can’t think of a luxury car that offers more for the money.
Driving experience - 17/20
The LS is a surprisingly adequate driver, with the ability to surprise and surpass quite a few cars off the line. Still, the decision is simple: This car is best appreciated from one of the rear passenger thrones, where you will never be uncomfortable or bored.
Final score - 88/100
Much of the ‘80s is best forgotten, but the 1989 introduction of Lexus and the LS stands as a high point in automotive history, signaling a quiet, dignified revolution that continues today in the LS 460 L.
and the winner is…
There may be a cyclical market for executive rides, but these sedans pose a strong argument to pick a design and stick with it. The Audi A8 is a fine ride, but it trades some luxury for performance. If you want a big luxury sedan that can raise your pulse like a taut sports sedan, the A8 is your car. However, for an overachiever in capability, luxury, engineering, reliability, and value the Lexus LS 460 L dominates the market -- it was built to conquer. Let Lexus' passionate pursuit continue, we like where it's headed.Resources:
http://autos.aol.com
http://www.audiusa.com/
http://www.lexus.com/
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