SIX APPEAL

In a world obsessed with SUVs, we take two of the finest luxe limos in India to celebrate sedans

- Anubhav Sharma

This is not a comparison between a the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Lexus LS 500h. Then what are we doing with these two cars, you might ask. It is slightly personal — I have been whining about new SUVs, and so many SUVs, for a while now. And this month I stopped whining and chose to call for the two best sedans on sale in India. Yes, they're unaffordable for most of us, but that shouldn't stop us from admiring both these cars for what they are flag bearers of luxury and technology for their respective brands.

Both cars are head-turners and draw attention wherever they go, and yet they have very different approaches to design. The LS 500h is anything but understated, and is almost aggressive with its design, while the S-Class follows a more mature design language. The spindle-shaped grille on the LS 500h, built using 5000 individual surfaces, is so striking it could easily find a place in any museum of modern art. Function seems to be following form on the LS 500h, with the strong shoulder and the massive 20-inch chrome wheels giving it an almost athletic stance. The S450, on the other hand, follows the evolution-over-revolution approach and looks commanding. The 20-inch AMG alloys, privacy glass, retracting door handles and the iconic three-pointed star on the hood. Like a Benz of old, the S450 is elegance personified.

Unless you are an informed millennial, which may be an oxymoron, there is a slim chance you remember the delicious V8s which were a regular feature on both these cars. Changing times and newer regulations have had them replaced with six-cylinder engines and it is interesting to see how both manufacturers have adapted without taking the fun out of driving.

The LS 500h's caban exudes a Japanese aura with origami folding techniques used as on the door trim

That's not a touchscreen, centre armrest has a touchpad