SOMETIMES it's possible to find a luxurious model approaching the £100,000 mark without all the razzmatazz and roaring fanfares that accompany many such premium-priced vehicles.

And one such car comes from Lexus (the luxury arm of Toyota) and it's called the LS 600.

It's fair to say the long-wheel-based limo looks great from any approach but in a stylish and sophisticated manner. It's not garish in any way at all and is almost understated with sleek lines, LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights, 18-inch alloys and Bi-xenon headlamps with automatic high beam.

But the real hidden treasures of this car are the awesome engine technology and sublime luxury each occupant is guaranteed.

Firstly, the LS 600 is an all-wheel-drive model with a full hybrid V8 powertrain offering an advanced mix of a 5.0-litre petrol engine and a 650v electric motor.

Together they produce a whopping 439bhp and that translates into a 0-62mph sprint time of just 6.1 seconds and a top speed that has been limited to 155mph.

Up to speeds of about 30mph the LS 600 can be driven in electric-only mode in beautiful silence. And then when a blast of pace is needed the petrol engine kicks in instantly and away you go accompanied by a growl and roaring soundtrack from the engine.

The acceleration is blisteringly quick as the car moves effortlessly through the electric CVT gearbox with a constant supply of power on tap at all times. Bumpy and uneven road surfaces are all ironed out by the car's excellent suspension system and that means you can enjoy a coffee without risking a trip to the local burns unit.

The road-holding is immaculate and the car's highly efficient insulation silences any road surface noise so you can sit back and take advantage of some of the cars techno treats (and there are many) or if you are being driven to a business meeting you will arrived fresh and relaxed thanks to the outstanding comfort levels on offer.

Standard technology includes LED interior lighting, 4-zone climate control, heated and air conditioned front and rear seats, an electric rear screen and side window blinds, a 19-speaker pitch perfect Mark Levinson sound system with DVD player, a DAB radio, a rear entertainment system with Blu-Ray DVD player, a rear seat relaxation package including massage function, Bluetooth plus a voice command system for the audio, navigation, phone and climate control.

Comfort levels are similar to a favourite leather armchair that has been made to measure and there is bags of space to stretch out in the back where you can kick back, watch a movie and enjoy a back-rub as you glide to your destination.

The boot can be opened and closed automatically and will accommodate 420 litres of luggage, plus there are plenty of smaller storage options scattered throughout the cabin.

I did find that if the boot was opened following a heavy downpour then water would drip in at the sides which isn't good, but that was my only gripe after a week-long test drive.

As one would expect the safety specifications are most comprehensive on the LS 600 and features the likes of anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, tyre pressure warning, numerous airbags and lots more besides.

An advanced safety package introduces blind spot monitoring, an advanced pre-crash system, driver monitoring, advanced obstacle detection and LED low beam headlights.

And then there is the permanent 4x4 capabilities to keep you motoring during those cold winter snaps.