Lexus LS

Updates for 2013 freshening included updated styling, a revised dashboard and suspension tweaks for more responsive handling, while preserving the creamily serene ride. The LS remains a terrific highway cruiser and yet it won't completely disappoint if it's occasionally hurried. The Lexus LS sets a benchmark for soothing luxury motoring, providing a cosseting and isolating environment in a very spacious cabin. Even though this generation's 4.6-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission date back to the 2007 makeover, the powertrain remained a paragon of response and smoothness. The biggest change was the move to more complicated controls, including a mouse-like controller that moves around a giant center dashboard screen. This represents a step backward compared to the relative simplicity of the previous touchscreen system.

The fifth-generation LS strays from its historic place as the embodiment of stress-free comfortable motoring by piling on complicated controls, a less cushy ride and compromised seating. This redesigned flagship brings lots of tech and more dynamic styling. Available with rear or all-wheel drive, the standard drivetrain is a 416-hp, 3.5-liter V6 turbo engine coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission, but despite good measured acceleration times, the car doesn't impart a powerful impression due to some hesitation at low speeds. (A hybrid is available.) The wide car is too bulky to feel nimble. The optional air suspension keeps the Lexus steady but bumps punch through more often than they should. The cabin is nicely trimmed and luxurious but the controls are extremely convoluted and frustrating; it can take several steps to perform simple tasks.

The Lexus flagship is a sedate freeway cruiser, filled with luxury features, and glides comfortably over bumps. One of the best-scoring luxury sedans we've ever tested, the powertrain is especially refined. All seating positions are extremely comfortable and options include heated and massaging power-reclining rear seats. Handling is sound, but don't confuse this with a luxury sports sedan. Body lean is pronounced, but ride is exceptionally smooth and the car is extremely quiet. Unlike most of its luxurious competitors, controls are very user-friendly. Nicely illuminated gauges are clear, the audio system is logical and the touchscreen voice-activated navigation system is easy to use. The Lexus LS is a true benchmark luxury sedan. For 2001 the V8's displacement swelled to 4.3 liters and the car was renamed the LS430.

Lexus's flagship LS400 is one of the world's finest luxury sedans. It is super quiet, glides comfortably over bumps, and is filled with luxury features. The LS emphasizes quietness and road isolation with a long list of comfort and convenience features. All seating positions are extremely comfortable, and some models offer optional heated, massaging, power-reclining rear seats. The highway ride is cushy and relaxed. Handling is sound, but not particularly agile. Body lean in corners is pronounced. Stability control became standard for 1999. Unlike most of its competitors, the controls are user-friendly.

The 2007 redesign didn't change the LS formula much. It remained more of a luxury liner than a driver's car. With that said, engines grew in displacement and an eight-speed automatic transmission became standard, which was the first ever application to a passenger car. Hybrid, all-wheel drive, and long-wheelbase versions are available. Other options include a pre-collision system with radar-based cruise control, a 19-speaker stereo with an eight-gigabyte hard drive, cooled rear storage, a reclining rear seat with massage, leg rests and rear seat heaters. The end result is a supremely pampering car that isolates its occupants and is fuss-free in every way.