2005 Lexus LS 430 Road Test

The Smarter Luxury Car Choice

I feel so intelligent behind the wheel of an LS 430. I'm driving one of the best luxury cars in the industry, with imposing

The Lexus LS 430 is one of the best luxury cars in the industry, and it's thousands less expensive than its European rivals. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

yet understated styling, stunning performance, hedonistic appointments and unparalleled quality, and it's thousands less expensive than its European rivals.

The car and its Lexus brand have become popular for the ideal combination of these many attributes, especially when compared to Infiniti's Q45 which came to life around the same time as the Lexus. Still, BMW's 745 and Mercedes-Benz' S-Class outsell the LS by a fair margin, making the big Japanese sedan somewhat exclusive in comparison.

While the BMW adds technological goodies to the mix plus a more sporting driving dynamic, and the Mercedes delivers attractive, albeit gracefully dated

The LS commands a lot of respect on the road. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

styling and that quintessential three-pointed star atop the classic grille, the Lexus commands a lot of respect on the road too.

But even when under full acceleration the big car doesn't feel like it's overexerting itself. Sure the 290-horsepower 4.3-liter V8 can be heard; its 32-valves and dual-overhead cams whirring, but only during wide open throttle. The rest of the time it's eerily silent, as it is with regards to the majority of exterior noise. That goes for wind noise too, much to do with its otherworldly 0.25 coefficient of drag when equipped with the air suspension (0.26 Cd with the standard suspension).