Infiniti and Lexus mounted a direct assault on BMW and Mercedes-Benz's luxury sedan stronghold in 1997, each bringing a distinct philosophy to the segment. The Infiniti Q45t and Lexus LS400 squared off against the BMW 540i and Mercedes-Benz E420, forcing buyers to choose between Japanese reliability and refinement versus German sport and engineering tradition.
The Q45t delivered a turbocharged 4.5-liter V8 producing 278 horsepower, prioritizing acceleration and responsive handling. Infiniti positioned the Q45t as a driver-focused alternative, blending performance with luxury appointments. The LS400 took the opposite approach with its naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 making 290 horsepower, emphasizing bulletproof reliability and serene isolation from the road. Lexus engineered the LS400 to coddle occupants rather than excite them, a formula that resonated with conservative luxury buyers.
The BMW 540i remained the segment's sport benchmark. Its 4.4-liter V8 generated 282 horsepower while the chassis delivered tight, responsive feedback that rewarded spirited driving. Mercedes-Benz's E420 paired a 4.2-liter V8 with the automaker's traditional emphasis on presence and prestige over outright handling prowess.
This 1997 matchup exposed a fundamental divide in luxury automotive philosophy. German manufacturers built sedans that challenged drivers, demanding engagement. Japanese brands built sedans that shielded drivers from road harshness, prioritizing long-term ownership satisfaction and resale value. The Lexus LS400's reputation for longevity and the Q45t's performance edge represented genuine alternatives to German dominance, though BMW's 540i maintained