View Photos of the 1997 Luxury Sedan Comparison Test

Eish, remember when Japan actually tried to *beat* the Germans at their own game? This 1997 comparison test proves they weren't just playing around. Back then, the idea of a Japanese car truly challenging a Mercedes or BMW felt… ambitious, to say the least. But they gave it a go, and the results, well, they're a fascinating look at where the industry was, and where it’s ended up. It’s a trip down memory lane, and a reminder that ambition doesn't always translate to victory… or even relevance today. ## So, What Were They Even Trying To Do? The late 90s. Takealot was still a twinkle in someone’s eye, load shedding was just a bad dream, and the Boks hadn’t *quite* rediscovered their mojo. Globally, though, the luxury car market was booming. The Germans – Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi – had a stranglehold. They’d built decades of prestige, engineering prowess, and let's be honest, a bit of snob value. Japan, fresh off decades of dominating the affordable car market, decided they wanted a slice of that luxury pie. They weren’t going to do it by copying the Germans, though. They were going to try and out-luxe them. The thinking? Reliability, innovative features (or what *they* thought were innovative), and a different approach to the whole ownership experience. It was a bold move, bru. A proper “we’re here to play with the big boys” statement. Whether it was a smart move… well, that’s what we’re here to unpack. ## The Contenders: Q45, Lexus, and a Sneak Peek at the Future The main players in this particular showdown were the Infiniti Q45 and the Lexus ES. The Infiniti Q45, for sale near 1000 (wherever *that* is), was Nissan’s attempt at a proper luxury flagship. The Lexus ES was Toyota’s entry, aiming for a more understated, comfortable experience. But the comparison wasn’t just about what was on the road *now*. The test also offered a glimpse into the future, showcasing concept cars like the Mercedes-Benz VLE-Class (with interior and exterior photos available) and, bizarrely, a 2026 Ram 2500 Tradesman (also with interior and exterior photos). And then there’s the 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance (exterior and interior photos included), and even a 2028 Audi A6 Allroad. It’s a weird mix, like showing up to a braai in a tuxedo and a bakkie. Let's look at what was coming down the line: * **Mercedes-Benz VLE-Class:** Concept car - early look at future design. * **2026 Ram 2500 Tradesman:** Concept car - a bakkie… in a luxury comparison? Jislaaik. * **2026 Tesla Model Y Performance:** Concept car – a sign of things to come with EVs. * **2028 Audi A6 Allroad:** Concept car – another glimpse into the future. * **2026 Lexus ES EV:** Concept car – Lexus’s early foray into electric vehicles. * **2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid:** Concept car - a future hybrid SUV. * **2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid:** Concept car – Toyota’s take on the hybrid SUV. ## Tech That Aged Like Milk (and Some That Didn't) Looking back, some of the tech on display feels… quaint. The Lexus ES EV concept, for instance, was an early attempt at an electric vehicle. Now, we’ve got the Tesla Model Y Performance zooming around, but back then, it was all very experimental. The Mercedes-Benz VLE-Class, with its concept design, showed what Mercedes was thinking about for the future, but it's hard to say if it truly delivered on those promises. The 2026 Ram 2500? Well, it’s a bakkie. A lekker, solid bakkie, but still… a bakkie. Some of the features in the Q45 and ES probably felt cutting-edge at the time, but let’s be real, compared to today’s cars with their self-driving features and massive touchscreens, they’re a bit kak. ## The German Response: Why They Didn't Even Sweat It (Much) The Germans, predictably, didn't exactly panic. They’d seen challengers before. They knew their brand reputation, their engineering expertise, and their marketing muscle were formidable. They probably figured the Japanese would have a go, sell a few cars to people looking for something different, and then… well, fade away. And to a large extent, they were right. The Germans weren’t about to suddenly start slashing prices or fundamentally changing their approach because of a couple of ambitious Japanese automakers. They were too busy building cars that people in Sandton and Cape Town CBD wanted to be seen in. ## Fast Forward to Today: Where Are These Brands Now? So, where are these brands now? Infiniti… well, it’s still around, but it’s not exactly setting the world on fire. Lexus, on the other hand, has become a legitimate player in the luxury market, known for its reliability and refinement. They're still a solid option if you're looking for a luxury car that won't leave you stranded on the N1. Mercedes-Benz and BMW? Still dominating, still expensive, still the cars that make a statement. Audi, too, is doing just fine. The Ram 2500? Still a bakkie. Still popular in South Africa. Still the vehicle of choice for anyone who needs to haul something heavy or just wants to feel like a boss. The Japanese challenge of '97 didn't dethrone the Germans, but it did force them to pay attention. And it laid the groundwork for Lexus’s eventual success. ## Bakkie Bonus: What's a Ram 2500 Doing in a Luxury Sedan Throwback? Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: the 2026 Ram 2500 Tradesman. What’s a full-size American pickup doing in a comparison of luxury sedans? Honestly, who knows? But it's a good reminder of our national obsession with bakkies. In South Africa, a bakkie isn't just a vehicle; it's a lifestyle. It's for work, for play, for braais, for everything. You can find one parked outside Checkers in every town, from Durban beachfront to the Karoo. **The Verdict?** The Japanese attempt to out-luxe the Germans in 1997 was a noble effort, but ultimately, it fell short. The Germans held onto their crown, and Lexus is the only brand to emerge as a serious contender. The rest? Well, they're either niche players or, in the case of the Ram 2500, just completely out of place. The Japanese showed ambition, but the Germans had the legacy and the brand power to withstand the challenge. But this whole story begs the question: With electric vehicles and new technologies disrupting the automotive industry, could *another* challenger rise up and dethrone the German giants? Click here to find out what the future holds for luxury cars and which brands are poised to take the lead.