Lexus LS (00-06) - Review

One of the most comfortable cars on sale, occupants will be untroubled by engine noise or wind noise, although it may be possible to hear some tyre roar on poor surfaces. Electronic climate control, electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated front seats are standard. The central dashboard vents oscillate gently to ensure the desired temperature is maintained throughout the cabin. Passengers in the front have access to seat ventilation, while rear seats also have electric adjustment and a massage function (both part of the 'premium pack' originally, but standard since 2003).

Huge boot and a roomy interior ensure the Lexus scores well for practicality. At 552 litres the boot is just about on a par with the 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. There is plenty of room for three adults in the rear, and headroom and legroom are increased over its predecessor. Rear seats split and fold.

Instruments and controls are well laid out and easy to use. The navigation has a touch-screen function, which also looks after ventilation settings and the audio system. Front seats and steering are electrically adjustable, so finding the ideal driving position should be easy. If one criticism can be levelled at the interior, it is the mix of different coloured LED for different functions. Audi has a strict red and white colour scheme, BMW has orange, Mercedes-Benz uses white but the combination of white orange and green in the LS takes something away from the premium feel of the interior. The abundance of wood might not be to everyone's liking either.