Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have 6-figure price tags.

Our Best Buys include Audi A8 and Lexus LS 430. Our Recommended pick is Cadillac DTS.

Buick Lucerne is new or significantly redesigned.

Lexus bows a fourth-generation flagship sedan starting this October with two V8 models, the 2007 LS 460 and LS 460 L. A first-ever hybrid version, the 2008 LS 600h L follows next April. The L stands for long wheelbase: 121.7 inches vs. 116.9 for the new "base" model and 115.2 for the outgoing LS. Regular length is 198 inches overall, 202.8 for Ls. The 460s' new 4.6-liter V8 should make around 380 hp, up from 276, and will mate with the industry's first 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in concert with a 5.0-liter gasoline V8, two electric motors and a high-capacity battery pack. Peak combined hp is around 430, according to Lexus. Air suspension will be standard on the hybrid, available for the 460 L. All three models use an improved version of Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM), which coordinates operation of ABS brakes, standard stability control, and new variable-ratio electronic steering. Available by early 2007 is a new Advanced Pre-Collision System that builds on the existing option by quickening steering response and alerting the driver. A self-parallel-park system for L-models leads a long list of gee-whiz options that also includes power rear legrests with massage feature, a fold-out rear writing table, power rear-door closers, and a 19-speaker 450-watt stereo.

Lexus claims the hybrid LS combines V12 performance with V6-level fuel economy, and says the 460s do 0-60 in around 5.5 seconds. Styling is new but still quite conservative, as expected in the high-dollar class. No word yet on prices, but they're bound to be higher on a comparably equipped basis. Full details should emerge soon, so keep checking back with us.

Meanwhile, a rumored $100,000 "super Lexus" sports coupe still seems to be on track, probably for an early-2009 debut. Sources forecast around 500 hp from a either a new V10 or a supercharged V8, plus styling patterned on the recent LF-A concept, with a 2-seat or tight 2+2 layout. Still unclear is whether the engine will be up front or behind the cockpit--and whether AWD will be optional to rear drive.