The new 2007 Lexus LS460 is as smooth as a Japanese silk kimono. The flagship Lexus wraps itself around driver and passengers the same way.
Sure there's a new 4.6L V-8 of 380 horsepower and a host of technological goodies. And that V-8 runs through eight automatic transmission gears almost seamlessly as it drives the rear wheels. It's hard to notice the gear changes short of watching the tachometer needle changing.
The wood and leather interior cossets occupants. It's so quiet inside you don't want to talk for fear the librarian will shush you.
The LS460 is on a 116.9-inch wheelbase with a 198-inch length. Then it's stretched in the LS460L version to a wheel base of 121.7 inches and 202.8 inches overall. This coupled with a suspension that can be set for sport and comfort produces a premium road cruiser.
The electric power steering is joined by a stability system, electronically controlled brakes, in a system that anticipates a skid or slide. Adaptive headlights swivel the lights into turns. There's a backup camera, of course and a power moonroof.
An electric parking brake system "eliminates the chore of pressing a foot operated pedal," Lexus says. Wow.
An optional advanced parking guidance system will guide the car into a parking spot. Double wow.
The long wheelbase L model has a nav screen with satellite radio and real-time traffic, climate controlled front seats, heated rear seats and a power rear sunshade. The package adds power rear seats that recline. Untested were the executive class seating package with 45 degree recliners, rear seat DVD and a table.
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Amidst all these tech marvels is the radio, which comes with a knob on the left for power and volume and another on the right to tune stations. Triple wow.
Front seats are both comfortable and correctly bolstered so you sit in the lap of luxury and not slip out on the turns. There's plenty of room for drivers. The L back seat is limousine like.
The Lexus LS is not really a driver's car. It's more of a passenger car oriented for traveling long distances, especially on the comfort setting. That produces lean on curves and a soft almost floating ride.
The handling is competent but not inspired. It doesn't lean into the curves by itself. The sport setting does not transform the LS into a European sports sedan. It's right there with that crowd on acceleration--0-60 in 5.4 seconds. That's without a throaty roar from the V-8, too.
On the exterior, the body looks lower and wheel openings are filled with big tires. The roof slopes back like a coupe. It's the usual automotive mantra of longer, wider, lower. But no styling ground is broken and Lexus continues a somewhat bland appearance. But vanilla – extra creamy – still tastes pretty good.
