2007 Lexus LS 460L

Performance

The engine is butter-smooth from idle to redline and glides with ease up to any speed you care. Part of the credit must go to the new 8-speed (that's right, 8!) automatic transmission that knocks off shifts so imperceptibly you never even notice. If you want manual-style fun, there's a sport mode where you can nudge the lever up and back to control the shifts (but we didn't really notice any difference in performance). We say leave it in drive and just revel in the seamless flow of power. Lexus says expect 0-60 mph in the mid 5-second range, which is also impressively fast.


Our tester featured the optional Touring Package that includes Lexus Adaptive Variable Air Suspension, which automatically adjusts for road conditions, and even allows you to adjust the ride height. Except for the occasional on-ramp attack, we left the setting in the middle mode between comfort and sport and enjoyed a creamy but not floaty ride that suits the LS perfectly. And speaking of suits, the interior gives you the feeling of bespoke, custom-tailored comfort that will spoil you for any other luxury car.


To give you an idea of the lengths Lexus went to, take note of the steering wheel. First, the genuine leather trim is buffed twice the norm to create a supple touch. Water-based dye is utilized for a more natural feel. A whipstitch pattern is employed to ensure there is no unevenness or jumps in the stitch. A new mechanism for the heated wheel was even created to provide warmth the moment the button is pressed with no variation in temperature regardless of where the wheel is gripped.

Amenities

Behind the wheel you'll also find a handsome set of Lexus Optitron gauges. In the center console, Lexus trumps all the Europeans with simple and easy to use controls for the myriad standard features, including standard voice-activated navigation with XM Real Time Traffic display to keep you out of jams, rear-view monitor, 10-speaker premium audio system with XM satellite radio, and dual-zone climate control. On our tester, the light gray leather was surrounded by a dark gray bird's eye maple for a combination that was simply visually stunning.


As wonderful as it is to drive, and with such a handsome cockpit, we still might be swayed to let someone else drive just to enjoy the expansive comfort of the rear seat. The extended wheelbase of the 460L makes this ridiculously spacious with stretch-out room for tall passengers in back, even with tall folks riding up front.