2013 Lexus LS vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

The Lexus LS was once the envy of the luxury class, launched to great acclaim and even higher quality.

Since then it's struggled to define itself as anything other than reliable and quiet--while competitors like the Jaguar XJ have spun wildly from a poor track record and dated mechanicals, to cutting-edge construction and performance wrapped inside a glitzy, glamorous body.

The Infiniti M has tried to elbow its way into the class, and has all the right moves, but still lacks the prestige that even Lexus enjoys.

The Audi A8 tackles the segment with the best tech features, including Google mapping and in-car wireless Internet.

But by and large, the segment still belongs to the Mercedes S-Class, and to some extent, the BMW 7-Series.

Available in a vast array of powertrain configurations, short- and long-wheelbase versions, performance variants, and exotically trimmed editions, both sedans ply owners with everything from business-class to first-class accommodations, with performance now in the Benz's corner, thanks to its AMG editions and the growth of the big Bimmers in size and weight.