Sunday drive with Hormazd Sorabjee: Lexus LS 400 vs Lexus LC 500

A comparison of the first ever Lexus to the latest model takes you way back in time

Ahead of me is a ribbon of smooth undulating tarmac with the Pacific Ocean on one side and verdant, rolling hills on the other. No people, no traffic, everything around me is green and clean. I’m in the picture-postcard perfect Central American country of Costa Rica, along with a bunch of journalists from all over the world, for a very special occasion – to celebrate the 30th birthday of Lexus, Toyota’s luxury brand. And what a birthday bash it was.

The first LS 400 (left) and the latest LC 500 look a millennium apart

In comparison to the (above) LS 400, the (centre and top) LC 500 is quite stunning with an interior that has a swoopy dashboard and panic grab handles

The appliance-like efficiency and uninspiring design of the original model highlights the brand’s biggest weakness – a lack of emotion