This is not a comparison between a the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Lexus LS 500h. Then what are we doing with these two cars, you might ask. It is slightly personal — I have been whining about new SUVs, and so many SUVs, for a while now. And this month I stopped whining and chose to call for the two best sedans on sale in India. Yes, they're unaffordable for most of us, but that shouldn't stop us from admiring both these cars for what they are flag bearers of luxury and technology for their respective brands.
Both cars are head-turners and draw attention wherever they go, and yet they have very different approaches to design. The LS 500h is anything but understated, and is almost aggressive with its design, while the S-Class follows a more mature design language. The spindle-shaped grille on the LS 500h, built using 5000 individual surfaces, is so striking it could easily find a place in any museum of modern art. Function seems to be following form on the LS 500h, with the strong shoulder and the massive 20-inch chrome wheels giving it an almost athletic stance. The S450, on the other hand, follows the evolution-over-revolution approach and looks commanding. The 20-inch AMG alloys, privacy glass, retracting door handles and the iconic three-pointed star on the hood. Like a Benz of old, the S450 is elegance personified.
Unless you are an informed millennial, which may be an oxymoron, there is a slim chance you remember the delicious V8s which were a regular feature on both these cars. Changing times and newer regulations have had them replaced with six-cylinder engines and it is interesting to see how both manufacturers have adapted without taking the fun out of driving.
The LS 500h's caban exudes a Japanese aura with origami folding techniques used as on the door trim
That's not a touchscreen, centre armrest has a touchpad
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 2022-Ausgabe von Motoring World.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 2022-Ausgabe von Motoring World.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Z-Eneration Gap
A 22-year-old named after a Lamborghini goes for a drive in a rather stunning one
QUARTER TO FUN
The updates to the quarter-litre Pulsar have made it all the more engaging to ride
MR NICE GUY
The Transalp plays all nice unless you know the right buttons to push
B FOR BOOSTERJET
The three-cylinder turbo petrol from Maruti Suzuki makes an impressive comeback
SILENT CHARGE
BYD's plans of global domination rely on the Seal. Does it have enough to wake up the sedan segment?
ONE'S A FUN?
With one motor, how good is the Scandi-SUV?
RATED 3X
The thoroughly competent XUV 300 has a new name, a new face and posterior and loads more features. What does all this add up to?
FIGHTING SPIRIT
The Jeep Wrangler reigns supreme for adventure seekers with its unmatched capability and undeniable heritage
SECURELY SUSTAINABLE
A safe and sustainable product in the Indian luxury EV space
FORCE FED
There's an updated Gurkha 3-door in town, alongside a brand-new Gurkha 5-door. Do they pass muster?