What is it?
Lexus has redesigned its flagship luxury sedan to make it sleeker and less stodgy. It will also now come in short- and long-wheelbase versions. The long-wheelbase model pampers rear-seat passengers with seats that recline to a 45-degree angle and include ottomans and a massaging feature. The LS' 4.6-liter V8 produces 380 horsepower and is coupled with the first 8-speed automatic transmission in the US. The redesigned model also promises better handling than the current LS. A Smart card unlocks the doors and ignition without ever having to leave the drivers' pocket or purse. For all its electronic features, the LS continues to show excellent reliability, according to Consumer Reports' annual subscriber survey. In fact, a five-year-old LS is more reliable than are many German luxury sedans in their first year. There has been no pricing announcement yet, but the current LS costs about $70,000, when typically equipped. Expect the long-wheelbase model to be quite a bit higher.
CR's take: Lexus' new flagship looks much more dynamic than the slab-sided model it replaces. In the press conference, Lexus representatives took potshots at the complicated controls and lackluster reliability of German competitors such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The LS' eight-speed automatic now gives Lexus bragging rights in the transmission-speeds race. But in our experience, more transmission gears is no guarantee of significantly better performance, in terms of smoothness and response. The recliner-like rear seat with footrest has shades of Maybach.
What's new or notable?
A feature called Park Assist is designed to take the chore out of parallel parking. It allows the driver to point to the parking space in the rear-view backup camera, and the car will steer into it.
When does it go on sale?
In the fall of 2006 as a 2007 model.
