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The Lexus LS is now available as a Sport model. Does it have the sporting chops to take on the big BMW?
Let’s face it, when it comes to performance cars Lexus is not exactly a marque that readily pops into mind. Or is it? With the launch of the “F” division through the potent IS F performance sedan, and with the ultra-exotic LFA locked and loaded in the chamber of production (not to mention completely sold out through presale), there’s now substantive reason to believe that this once acquiescent, luxury-only brand is poised to ruffle up some of the most serious players in the business.
So I guess it shouldn’t have come as a huge surprise to see Lexus expand this newfound vigor to a segment it has done relatively well in, even without the pretense of athleticism. The LS 460 may not have been built as a performance-driven machine from the ground up, but with the newly available Sport Package, there’s new life and an inner sporting spirit to be explored from behind the wheel of this Lexus.
To gauge just how far the LS 460 has come, we couldn’t think of a better target than its former antithesis, the all-new twin-turbocharged BMW 750i. Beautifully engineered and faster than ever, the new 750i is the best 7 Series we’ve seen to date and is intent to remain the segment’s dynamic leader and definitive driver’s car.
Exactly how good is it though, and is the big 750i sedan really worth that gaping price margin (nearly $20,000) over its more attractively priced Lexus competition? International Editor Sam Mitani and I headed down the long road through the Anza-Borrego Desert to find some answers, pitting long-distance comfort of both cars against our discriminating backsides while seizing every opportunity to hammer down a few of the incredibly straight or sublimely curvaceous roads that California’s beautiful low desert has to offer—and we emerged with some interesting revelations.
1st - 2010 BMW 750i - Points: 392.6
2nd - 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport - Points: 371.7
Full Story: page 2 - 2010 BMW 750i vs. 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport - Comparison Test - RoadandTrack.com
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