Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Lexus LS III (facelift 2004) 430 V8 (290 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Lexus LS:
The Lexus LS is a series of full-size luxury sedans that have served as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, since 1989. For the first four generations, all LS models featured V8 engines and were predominantly rear-wheel-drive. In the fourth generation, Lexus offered all-wheel-drive, hybrid, and long-wheelbase variants. The fifth generation changed to using a V6 engine with no V8 option, and only one length was offered.
As the first model developed by Lexus, the LS 400 debuted in January 1989 with the second generation debuting in November 1994. The LS 430 debuted in January 2000 and the LS 460/LS 460 L series in 2006. A domestic-market version of the LS 400 and LS 430, badged as the Toyota Celsior , was sold in Japan until the Lexus marque was introduced there in 2006. In 2006 , the fourth generation LS 460 debuted the first production eight-speed automatic transmission and an automatic parking system. In 2007, V8 hybrid powertrains were introduced on the LS 600h/LS 600h L sedans....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III (facelift 2004) Overview:
Lexus LS (III (facelift 2004)). With 434 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1810 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.1 s). The top speed reaches 240 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
430 V8 (290 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offering a slight bump to 290 Hp, this variant maintains the V8's characteristic smoothness while providing a marginally quicker 0-100 km/h sprint. Power delivery remains refined and potent.
Fuel Economy
Remarkably, this version boasts a significantly improved combined fuel economy of 8.6 l/100 km, making it a more efficient choice for a V8 luxury sedan, potentially due to powertrain refinements or different testing standards.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional ride comfort and quiet cabin.
- • Legendary reliability and build quality.
- • Smooth and powerful V8 engines.
- • Luxurious interior with high-quality materials.
- • Excellent long-term ownership value.
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be high for the 282hp version.
- • Steering feel is less engaging than German rivals.
- • Exterior styling is conservative.
- • Technology, while advanced for its time, is dated by modern standards.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 2001 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Lexus |
| Model: | LS |
| Generation: | III (facelift 2004) |
| Modification (Engine): | 430 V8 (290 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 290 Hp @ 5600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 67.6 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 434 Nm @ 3400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 3UZ-FE [Same engine] More details about the engine 3UZ-FE |
| Engine displacement: | 4293 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.1 l |
| Coolant: | 9.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 91 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82.5 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 240 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.2 kg/Hp, 160.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.2 kg/Nm, 239.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1810 |
| Max. weight: | 2330 |
| Max load: | 520 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 570 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 84 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5015 mm [10mm more] |
| Width: | 1830 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1470-1490 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2925 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1570-1575 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1570-1575 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 145-150 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.9 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 315 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 310 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 225/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
Your first impression of the Lexus LS in one word? Go!