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Claudia Hommel
Cabaret Singer
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Cordell Koland
Car Writer
Weekly Reviews
 2007 Lexus LS460 by Cordell Koland For 2007, Lexus has started an important strategic move with the advent of the all-new LS460 sedan model, which should keep its major rivals, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, on their toes. The LS, which is now available in a stretched wheelbase model and will later emerge as a super-luxury hybrid model, invades the full-size premium luxury sedan market. Lexus has followed in the footsteps of its illustrious parent organization, Toyota Motor Corporation. Just as the Toyota brand continues to make mincemeat out of the popular-priced segment, so the Lexus luxury brand has methodically marched forward to become one of the dominant players since the first Lexus, the LS400, went on sale in 1989. To put this in perspective, Lexus reported its 2006 sales in January. It recorded best-ever total year sales of 322,434, up 6.8 percent over 2005 to retain its crown as the best selling luxury brand. 2006 was the second consecutive year Lexus posted sales above 300,000 units. The LS460 will not provide a huge boost to the division¹s numbers, but will give a boost to brand image as Lexus pushes to new higher price points and competes with all but the very top of the automotive pecking order. Here's the bottom line. The LS460 is a very impressive automobile that thrusts the company¹s highly regarded obsession with quality and technology to a new plateau. However, if the potential luxury sedan buyer knows and appreciates the special vehicle dynamics and ensuing driver control offered by the leading premium luxury sedans, specifically the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, he or she will be disappointed. The LS460 lacks the exquisite feedback and the precise control, which the German cars have dialed into the steering and suspension equation over the past two or three decades. Nevertheless, the LS460 will make waves. Our test vehicle was the LS460L model, which features a stretched wheelbase to offer almost five inches more passenger legroom in the back seat. Consequently, the long wheelbase model may not be so much a driver¹s car as a passenger car, particularly for the executive who likes to stretch out in the rear seat. Unlike the custom that is prevalent in New York City and adjacent areas, the executive class in the rest of country has not embraced the special luxury of being driven, rather than driving. For those who have not overcome this Puritanical trait, the rear seats in the Lexus 460 offer uncommon comfort. The rear seat space offers not only sumptuous seating, but also superb quiet and comfort. It is very easy to read or work on your portable computer in these confines. But be careful, the rear seats are heated and can be reclined so be sure that you don¹t fall asleep on the way to an important cross town meeting. Since most of the readers of this column are of the do-it-yourself variety, let's concentrate on the driving experience. First off, score one huge win for Lexus versus the European competition in terms of ergonomics. This breaks down into two areas. First off, the center console in the Lexus lays out the controls so they can be easily found and instantly used. Secondly, Lexus plants a large color display screen high on the dashboard where it's easy to see, while still keeping half an eye on the road ahead. Whether the task is following the prompts of the excellent navigation system or selecting an FM radio station, the dashboard display projects words and images that are very easy to read at a glance. Most manufacturers mount these displays at or near the bottom of the center console and make the screens too small to be easily comprehended. The full-size Lexus sedan has been the benchmark for refined operation since its launch. The LS460L raises the bar. Needless to say, fit and finish are the best in the industry and the new sedan is incredibly smooth and quiet. Even outside noises and distractions seem muted, which is not surprising since the long wheelbase model has special laminated side window glass to absorb sound. The all-new engine operates with complete composure even at full throttle, and the eight-speed automatic transmission is instantly responsive and unobtrusive in operation. Shift points are almost impossible to feel. The optional Mark Levinson audio system remains best in class, but it's hard to see why this piece of electronic wizardry remains part of an optional package. Vehicle:
Lexus LS460L
Price as tested: $79,125 Engine: Type: 4.6-liter V-8 Horsepower: 380 @ 6,400 rpm Torque: 367 lbs.-ft. @ 4,100 rpm Fuel economy, automatic transmission City 18 mpg Highway 27 mpg Curb Weight: 4,332 lbs  Cordell Koland is an automotive journalist based in California's central coast. He can be reached at cordellkoland@oakparkjournal.com |
