Lexus LS460 L New York

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At the high end of the car market, it's all about being the car that The Boss should be driving. Full-size luxury sedans are practically required to exude a certain boardroom significance, whether it's in the traditional, old-money Mercedes or Cadillac style, or the new hotness of an Audi or BMW.

Lexus' all-new 2007 LS460 L steps onto this stage with the right amount of self-confidence and poise to stand with the leaders of the class. This big sedan doesn't just say that you've arrived; it also implies that you're in charge here, know your stuff, and aren't to be trifled with.

Seem like a lot of things for a single car to be able to say? The latest Lexus LS has an awful lot going on, with improved technology, boosted power, and more refinement inside and out. The new LS460 splits the difference between old-school and new-school luxury. For the first time, it's a two-model series; the LS460 L has a 4.8-inch longer wheelbase for that corporate-limo look. Both cars are powered by Lexus' first all-new V8 since 1989, driven by an eight-speed automatic transmission, features a new long-wheelbase model and is loaded up with more technology than James Bond's Aston Martin DB.
 

 They call the new design the latest evolution of Lexus' "L-Finesse" design language, but it's hard not to see shades of Mercedes S-Class in those strong front fender flares and that deep grille. The LS460 won't be mistaken for a Benz, however; the edges and angles are too soft, and it's broad and low across the front like its smaller IS and ES siblings. The details are nicer than Mercedes'; complex projector headlamp units are designed to look like cut crystal and chrome trim along the rockers suggests running boards. Each LS460's finish is hand-sanded at the factory, to provide deeper, richer color. A lower, narrower grille combines with a wider wheel stance to reduce the visual bulk. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard; nineteens are used on the L. The design brings the LS460's visual height down and emphasizes the length. The big Lexus looks almost inviting, and doesn't lose an iota of authority by being approachable.

Lexus has gone over the top with the interior, and once again the effort is all in the details. It looks conservative-lux enough, with Lexus' familiar electroluminescent gauges and spacious seating for four or five. The usual electronic suspects are here as well; Bluetooth, navigation and a reverse camera. XM satellite radio's real-time traffic service, offering traffic assist in 44 cities, is also on the menu. There are eight standard airbags, with rear side airbags optional. Within this superficially familiar environment though, Lexus has gone to great lengths to set the LS460 apart. The doors have been designed to emulate the sound and feel of a solid wood door when they close. The wood trim on the dash is grain-matched, so that all of the trim comes from the same tree. The climate control can sense your body heat and adjust the temperature accordingly. And that's not all. The rear seats have heaters, and in the long-wheelbase L, they recline as well. There's a rear-seat "coolbox," and four-zone air conditioning that includes an overhead air diffuser. It looks like a speaker, but it's actually an ambient air distribution unit. For the full executive-transport experience, there's an available ottoman with a hideaway table, and a rear seat massage. The available DVD player has a nine-inch screen. This is executive transport of the highest caliber.

The all-new 32-valve 4.6 liter V8 puts out 380 horsepower, a whopping 102-horse boost over the current car. Lexus claims a quarter-mile time in the 13-second range. The block and heads are aluminum, with lightweight magnesium used in the cams. Dual air cleaners are used to lower the hoodline, and dual VVT-I variable valve timing allows for a preternaturally smooth idle. The ultra-low friction engine internals improve the LS460's efficiency, and the freeway economy of 27 mpg is surprising. The LS460 also features the first eight-speed automatic transmission since, well, just about ever. Eight speeds? That's right. It doesn't have a two-speed rear end like an old dump truck though, the LS460 uses all those gears for acceleration at the low end and relaxed cruising at the top. The eight-speed automatic transmission is physically the same size as last year's six-speed.

A multi-link, dual-joint suspension at all four corners keeps the tires flat on the road, and aluminum construction reduces the unsprung weight. A more compact air suspension is also available, for those who prefer their executive transport to ride more like a magic carpet. For a degree of road feel, a Touring Model will be available with the larger wheels and a slightly tauter suspension. Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is also present, combining the forces of all the driving aids into a comprehensive stability control system. Electronic power steering is standard equipment, while Variable Gear Ratio steering is optional. The VGRS gives the stretched LS460 L a surprisingly tight turning circle. Electronic brakes are also used. Even the parking brake is electrically controlled. A new brake hold function allows the driver to remove his foot from the pedal when the LS460 is stopped after pressing a button. Touch the pedal, and it's ready to go again. When it comes to freeway travel, the laser cruise control is no more--that's so 2004. Like the S-Class, the LS460 has gone over to dynamic radar. This allows for the installation of a Pre-Collision System (PCS) that anticipates the need for emergency braking more quickly than the driver can.

By far the biggest crowd-pleaser is the LS460's Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS). Yes, in a limited fashion, the LS460 can parallel-park itself, taking full control to reverse and angle the vehicle into a spot with no driver input. It's a complicated process; we'll leave it up to the dealer to demonstrate. It does work, however.

Okay, so, whatever, it's completely full of technology that it doesn't even need to be driven. The LS460 seems to have been designed for being driven in, but what's it like if you want to get behind the wheel? Quite nice, actually. The LS460 stomps out surprising acceleration for its size, the better to put lesser cars in their places. You won't mistake it for a sports sedan, but the kick in the back is a satisfying rush. The super-smooth transmission makes the most of the ample mid-range power. On the road, the LS460's cabin is dead-silent. It's not quite a magic-carpet ride, especially on rough roads, but the LS does offer up a fantastic rolling-boardroom feeling, and that's what it's all about.

It's big, it's sophisticated, and it's definitely no longer a pretender to luxury status. The LS460's makeover boosts its appeal for drivers as well as passengers, and it makes us wonder where the technology race will go next. Pricing has been set at $61,000 for the LS460 and $71,000 for the LS460 L.


Specifications:
All specs are for the 2007 Lexus LS460 L.

Length: 202.8 in.
Width: 73.8 in.
Height: 58.1 in.
Wheelbase: 121.7 in.
Curb weight: 4332 lb.
Cargo space: 18.0 cu.ft.
Base price: $71,000
Engine: 4.6 liter DOHC 32-valve V8
Drivetrain: eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower: 380 @ 6400
Torque: 367 @ 4100
Fuel capacity: 22.2 gal.
Est. mileage: 18/27