When it comes to car makes in Australia that begin with the letter L, there aren’t that many around.
In fact, overall we can only come up with around 40 such examples, many of which fall under the Lexus brand.
That said, over the years there have been some notable brands that have held a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts all over the country.
In case you are wondering what they are, or fancy a trip down memory lane, here are 10 distinguished car makes that start with the letter L.
BMW L7
The BMW L7 is a luxury car produced by the iconic German automaker BMW.
First introduced in 1995, The L7 model was the long-wheelbase version of the BMW 7 Series. In Australia, it was available from 1995 to 2001 and was marketed as the ultimate luxury sedan for those who want to be driven in comfort and style.
A highly desirable car, it offered a smooth and comfortable ride, advanced technology, and exceptional performance.
Its engine options included a six-cylinder 3.0-litre, a V8 4.0-litre, and a V12 5.4-litre. These engines provided ample power and performance for the large and luxurious car.
Some of its more notable features included leather upholstery, air conditioning, power windows, power seats, and a premium sound system.
Bufori La Joya
In Australia, the Bufori La Joya is a rare sight, as it is only imported by specialist businesses in limited numbers. However, for those who know it, the luxurious sports car is a thing of beauty.
Produced by the Malaysian-based automaker Bufori, the vehicle is known for its exceptional retro styling. Designed to be a modern interpretation of classic cars from the 1930s and 1940s, the car features hand-crafted details and high-quality materials throughout the interior and exterior.
Those who have had the opportunity to drive the La Joya have been impressed by its exceptional performance.
Powered by a V8 6.1-litre engine that produces 430 horsepower, it boasts impressive acceleration and top speed. It also features advanced technology and high-quality components, that make it a true standout in the luxury car market.
Daewoo Lacetti
The Daewoo Lacetti is a discontinued compact car that was produced by the South Korean manufacturer Daewoo, (which is now owned by General Motors). In Australia, the car was sold under the Holden brand as the Holden Viva between 2005 and 2009.
The Lacetti was available in several body styles, including a four-door sedan, a five-door hatchback, and a wagon. It was known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
During its production run, it came with a range of engine options, including a 1.4-litre, a four-cylinder 1.6-litre engine, and a four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine that was used in the sportier SXi model. All of these models came with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
While the Lacetti was not as well-known as some of its competitors in the Australian market, it did offer solid performance, good fuel economy, and a comfortable ride for those who owned one.
Aston Martin Lagonda
Initially brought to market in the 1970s, the Aston Martin Lagonda was a luxury sedan that was known for its unique styling, advanced technology, and high price tag, which made it an admirable status symbol for the wealthy.
While only a few made it over to the shores of Australia, the ones that did come with three-speed automatic transmissions. They also featured a selection of engines, including a V8 5.3-litre that was used in the Series 2 models, and a twin-turbo 5.3-litre V8 that was used in the Series 3 models.
The Lagonda was also known for its advanced electronic features, which included a digital instrument panel and touch-screen controls. While these features were innovative for their time, they sadly proved to be unreliable, as many Lagonda owners experienced problems with the car’s electronics.
Today, the Lagonda is a rare and sought-after collector’s car, with only a few examples still on the road in Australia. Its unique styling, advanced technology, and rarity make it a prized possession for car enthusiasts and collectors.
Mitsubishi Lancer
Ah, the good old Mitsubishi Lancer.
This popular compact car has been sold in Australia for several decades and in that time has undergone numerous changes and updates. However, it has remained a popular choice for drivers who want a reliable and affordable vehicle to ride around in.
Over the years, the Lancer has been sold in a variety of trim levels and special editions, including the high-performance Lancer Evolution, which was a popular choice for driving enthusiasts.
It has also been offered with four-cylinder 1.8-litre, 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre engines, while some models came with all-wheel drive. This made them popular with drivers who needed a vehicle that could handle rough terrain or inclement weather conditions.
In addition to its reliability and performance, the Lancer is well-regarded for its safety features. Many of its models come with advanced safety technologies like traction control, stability control, and antilock brakes, which are effective in preventing accidents and keeping drivers and passengers safe.
Renault Laguna
Between the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Renault Laguna was quite a popular mid-size car in Australia.
It was available in both sedan and hatchback body styles and was known for its distinctive French styling and comfortable ride.
As well as being offered with a four-cylinder 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre engine, and a 3.0-litre V6 engine, some models were also available with a diesel engine. Thus making it popular among Aussies who wanted a fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly car.
While the Laguna is no longer sold in Australia, it remains a popular car in Europe and other parts of the world. However, you should be able to find the odd Laguna on the second-hand Australian market.
Honda Legend
For over 35 years the Honda Legend has been a popular vehicle down under.
First sold in 1986, this mid-size luxury car was initially introduced to the market as a high-end model of the Honda Accord, but later became a separate model in its own right.
The Legend has always been a popular car in Australia due to its deluxe features and steady performance. When it first came out, it was acclaimed for its advanced technology, which included its electronic control system. However, in recent years its sleek design – replete with leather seats and a top-notch sound system – has really come to the fore.
Today, the Legend has continued to be a popular choice for car buyers looking for stylish and comfortable vehicles. Indeed, the latest models are powered by a V6 3.5-litre engine, which treats the driver to a smooth and powerful ride.
Lexus LS430
Although it has been replaced by newer models, the Lexus LS430 is still considered to be one of the best luxury sedans to have ever been sold in Australia.
Known for its excellent build quality and performance, the luxury sedan was sold on these shores between 2001 and 2006. It was the third generation of the LS model line and was a popular choice for those who wanted a high-end vehicle that was also trustworthy and functional.
One of the best features of the LS430 was that it had a spacious interior, which made it a popular choice for those who wanted a comfortable, stylish and practical car to take for long drives. Its excellent V8 4.3-litre engine always ensured you got a smooth and powerful ride out of it.
De Tomaso Longchamp
For many older Australians, the very mention of the name De Tomaso Longchamp will be a real blast from the past.
A luxury grand tourer car produced by the Italian automaker De Tomaso, it was available from 1972 to 1989. The car was designed by Tom Tjaarda of Ghia and was the replacement for the De Tomaso Mangusta.
Named after the Longchamp racecourse in Paris, the vehicle featured a sleek and angular body design that had a long hood and short rear end.
It was powered by several different types of engines including a 5.7-litre and 5.8-litre V8 engine and a V6 3.0-litre engine.
Although not widely available in Australia, some models were imported privately, and remain a prized possession today among those who still own one.
Maserati Levante
Last on this list, but not least is the Maserati Levante.
First launched in 2016, this luxury mid-size SUV is manufactured by the Italian automaker Maserati. On its introduction, it quickly became one of the most popular SUVs in Australia due to its impressive performance, handling, and luxurious design.
The Levante’s all-wheel-drive system, air suspension, and advanced driving aids make it one of the most comfortable and capable SUVs on the market. It is also powered by engines such as a 3.0-litre turbo V6 diesel and a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine, both of which are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, that facilities a superb ride.
In addition, the Levante features a spacious and refined interior, with high-quality materials and state-of-the-art technology. All of these combine to create a terrific blend of style, comfort, and driving dynamics.
