2005 Lexus LS 430 Road Test

Smooth and composed are two words that describe the LS 430 experience very well. Its refinement is only surpassed by the

The LS 430's refinement is only surpassed by the ultra-luxury sedans made by company's such as Bentley, Maybach and Rolls-Royce. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

ultra-luxury sedans such as Bentley, Maybach and Rolls-Royce, while offering equal or better fit and finish, materials quality and all-round craftsmanship to BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Volkswagen - the Phaeton really is wonderfully made in case you were wondering.

Some features designed to increase safety are the car's new (as of model year 2004) adaptive front lighting system (AFS), that bend the outside lights into the corner the wheels are turning towards for greater visibility. A tire pressure monitoring system (TPM) also keeps the rubber on the road in check, while a host of airbags are positioned throughout the cabin to keep driver and passengers as safe as possible in

The adaptive front lighting system (AFS) bends the outside lights into the corner the wheels are turning towards for greater visibility. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

case of an accident. Knee airbags for front occupants have been added to the dual front airbags, along with larger seat-mounted side-impact airbags.

An optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) allows the LS to "think ahead" in order to avoid an accident in the first place. It studies the car's primary functions instantly, such as steering, braking input and its Dynamic Laser Cruise Control system, and if sensing a problem automatically brings seats into the safest positions possible, firms up the shoulder belts and applies the brakes more firmly if necessary, among other things.