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Saloon
The LS is an anonymous-looking but very efficient luxury cruiser that wafts along on air springs, which can raise it by an inch to clear rough ground. That's clever, but the most impressive thing is its refinement.
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The V8 engine runs in near-silence and, on the move, only a little noise from around the mirrors breaks the hush. Otherwise, you might as well be in a library, albeit one with good grip and little roll from the body. And, if there is a criticism, it's that the LS handles with composure rather than enthusiasm.
The cabin is vast and loaded with gadgets, so many that they risk distracting the driver. Items that are extras on other luxury cars are fitted as standard. It’s beautifully fitted out using high-quality materials, and any complaints are nit-picking. Mind you, the wood trim on the dash and wheel is a bit bright for some tastes. There’s more room in the rear than any passenger could need, while the boot is generous, although the suspension layout intrudes, narrowing the available space.
Running Costs
The LS is a far from cheap to own and run. Its second-hand value falls faster than average for luxury cars, losing almost two-thirds of its original worth in the first three years of its life. As a result, buying a nearly new one is a costly prospect, while a three-year-old model makes a lot more sense. Fuel economy runs at up to 25mpg overall, which isn’t too bad for a big 4.3 engine, and the car's in insurance group 17, which is also reasonable. However, servicing is as expensive as you’d expect for a big luxury saloon. And, to make matters worse, there isn’t much of a network of knowledgeable independent garages prepared to fix and fettle your LS more affordably than a main dealer will. Spares are dear, but the car’s near-legendary reliability means that you shouldn't have to stump up for many unexpected repairs outside the normal servicing schedule.