Lexus LS III 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 Overview:
Lexus LS (III). With 434 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1795 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. 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.
The Lexus LS III was not tested by Euro NCAP. However, it featured a comprehensive suite of safety features for its era, including multiple airbags, ABS, and advanced structural design, reflecting Lexus's commitment to occupant protection.
430 V8 (290 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The slightly uprated 290 Hp V8 maintains the legendary smoothness and refinement of the 3UZ-FE, offering a marginal but noticeable improvement in power delivery. It ensures robust and effortless performance for all driving scenarios.
Fuel Economy
Achieving a combined 11 l/100 km, this version shows a slight improvement in fuel efficiency over its predecessor, making it a commendable figure for a powerful V8 luxury car.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unmatched ride comfort and cabin quietness
- • Legendary Lexus reliability and build quality
- • Smooth and powerful V8 engine
- • Luxurious interior with high-quality materials
- • Excellent long-distance cruiser
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be high for some drivers
- • Not designed for sporty driving dynamics
- • Technology features are dated by modern standards
- • Large exterior dimensions can make city parking challenging
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II (facelift 1998): 1998 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Lexus |
| Model: | LS |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 430 V8 (290 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2000 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 290 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 67.6 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 434 Nm @ 3400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 3UZ-FE 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, VVT |
| 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: | 12.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 240 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.2 kg/Hp, 161.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.1 kg/Nm, 241.8 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1795 |
| Max. weight: | 2350 |
| Max load: | 555 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 571 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 84 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4995 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1830 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1490 mm [55mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2925 mm [75mm more] |
| Front track: | 1570 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1570 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.7 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 | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Super ECT |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 225/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone, Wishbone |



















Have you ever driven an Lexus LS?
How was your experience with it? Share with us: