The alternative German luxury car still isn’t a strong choice – but F-Sport gets close

We also drove the hybrid to remind ourselves of the high-tech alternative. Yes, it's torquey and responsive, but the sound is like a kitchen appliance and acceleration is at times both snatchy and not linear. It's just 7hp more powerful and is slower against the clock than the non-hybrid: case closed.

Note, there's still no diesel. This is intentional: the major markets for the LS don't like diesel and Lexus believes the smooth running and vibration-free silky-smooth nature of petrol still has appeal to selected buyers. Sample the LS 460 and you may well agree.