Introduction

The Lexus LS 400 is the ultimate Japanese luxury car. And to Baby Boomers -- who came of age in Corollas, Camrys, Civics and Accords -- it may be the ultimate luxury car, period Aiming between prestigious European sedans and traditional American cars, Toyota's luxury division created an elegant luxury car that is just what many upwardly mobile Boomers want The LS 400 offers a quieter, more comfortable ride than firmly damped German luxury cars. It offers a more compact size and better handling than its American counterparts. The LS 400 may not provide quite the handling response of a BMW 5-Series or Mercedes E-Class on a winding mountain road, but it's close -- closer than any Cadillac or Lincoln. And the Lexus LS 400 is unmatched for quality, durability and reliability The biggest change for '98 is under the hood, where sharp engineering has created a more powerful engine. But the LS 400 also gets a sportier, more aggressive look, along with some high technology The LS 400 now tops $53,000 and ours reached $60,640. No car has seen its price escalate as quickly as the LS 400's during the '90s. On the other hand, it offers world-class quality and comfort.

Walkaround

The elegant lines of the LS 400 are beautiful. No single aspect of the exterior design is striking, but the overall design fits together. Its squarish form is reminiscent of Mercedes shapes, which is not coincidental -- Toyota designers borrowed liberally from European ideas of luxury sedan size and style. The edges are sharp and distinct, not soft and curved. Eye-catching chrome trim, a staple of American and European luxury class cars, is sparse on the LS 400. But Lexus added new aluminum wheels and a bigger grille this year, giving its a stronger, more eye-catching appearance.

Interior Features

Put the key into the ignition and the steering wheel automatically slides down into position. As you look around, the car seems special. Unlike so many new cars, it feels instantly comfortable and familiar. LS 400 controls and instruments are among the best in the industry The big tachometer and speedometer are flanked by smaller temperature and fuel gauges. Lighted, pure white needles appear to float over the background numbers. It's very modern and now imitated by other manufacturers Most driving controls are on three stalks. The one on the left controls the lights, the long one on the right the wipers and the short one just below it the cruise control. Though not quite as convenient as cruise control buttons on the wheel for the thumbs, the button and lever on the LS 400 can be easily reached without taking your hands off the wheel The center console is elegant. At the top are a clock, digital thermometer and temperature controls. The LS 400 uses large buttons for heating and cooling controls. Below the climate controls are the controls for a seven-speaker, 195-watt AM/FM/cassette stereo. The knobs are big and easy to use. The $1,050 six-disc CD changer is in front of the passenger seat, cleverly hidden behind a door that looks like the glove box. The actual glove box , and it's a big one, is just below that A new trip computer is standard this year. Gas mileage and other information is displayed on a readout below the speedometer. Drivers can click through the data with buttons on the steering wheel. While just about every luxury car has this kind of thing now, the green words and numbers seem out of place on the elegant Lexus instrument panel A new $2,250 satellite navigation system screen dominates the center console; it features a touch-sensitive screen that displays colorful maps showing your travel route, while a pleasant female voice provides directions. The optional system integrates the heating and radio controls; your favorite radio stations can be selected by touching a menu on the video screen In the center arm rest are two levels of storage bins. In front of them are two cupholders that pop up at the touch of the finger. Actually, they glide up at the touch of a finger, at that trademark elegant, controlled pace. Even the coat hooks over the back doors deploy with a calculated elegance All of the safety equipment you'd expect is here: Dual air bags, and antilock brakes are standard, and this year side air bags are too. A $2,020 traction control system is available to help keep this big rear-wheel-drive sedan steady on ice and snow We had no problem getting comfortable in the front seats of this car. Two electronic levers position the seats just so. The seats are a wonderful blend of the cushy, recliner-like seats found in American luxury cars and the much harder, heavily bolstered seats in European sport-luxury cars. An unusual, square button on the steering column allows tilt and telescope adjustments. Two adults should find the back seats comfortable with plenty of knee and hip room. But those over 6-feet may brush their heads on the roof unless they slouch down. Putting three adults back there is not really an option because of the hump down the middle of the floor for the driveshaft.