The LS430 seems competent on paper, but in reality it falls behind the competition in every aspect sans reliability. Aside from its knock-off exterior styling, second-rate safety, and cheesy Camry derived interior, the LS is truly a whale on wheels. Acceleration is adequate in a straight line, but it lacks the handling, balance, braking and visceral feel of the European luxury sedans.Numerous automotive publications have confirmed that the LS performs like a truck with sloppy handling, poor brakes and artificial feedback. Where other contenders in this segment are athletic and poised, the LS is a clumsy whale that becomes easily unsettled as it screeches and plows around the track.
Despite the VSC system (which Lexus copied from Mercedes) the LS is eager to skid and difficult control in emergency maneuvers because of excessive chassis flex and body roll. In the end, the only thing the LS has going for it is some over-hyped reputation for reliability... It has no other strong suites.
News
Lexus bows a fourth-generation flagship sedan starting this October with two V8 models, the 2007 LS 460 and LS 460 L. A first-ever hybrid version, the 2008 LS 600h L follows next April. The L stands for long wheelbase: 121.7 inches vs. 116.9 for the new "base" model and 115.2 for the outgoing LS. Regular length is 198 inches overall, 202.8 for Ls. The 460s new 4.6-liter V8 should make around 380 hp, up from 276, and will mate with the industrys first 8-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in concert with a 5.0-liter gasoline V8, two electric motors and a high-capacity battery pack.
Peak combined hp is around 430, according to Lexus. Air suspension will be standard on the hybrid, available for the 460 L. All three models use an improved version of Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM), which coordinates operation of ABS brakes, standard stability control, and new variable-ratio electronic steering. Available by early 2007 is a new Advanced Pre-Collision System that builds on the existing option by quickening steering response and alerting the driver. A self-parallel-park system for L-models leads a long list of gee-whiz options that also includes power rear legrests with massage feature, a fold-out rear writing table, power rear-door closers, and a 19-speaker 450-watt stereo.
Lexus claims the hybrid LS combines V12 performance with V6-level fuel economy, and says the 460s do 0-60 in around 5.5 seconds. Styling is new but still quite conservative, as expected in the high-dollar class. No word yet on prices, but theyre bound to be higher on a comparably equipped basis. Full details should emerge soon, so keep checking back with us.
Meanwhile, a rumored $100,000 "super Lexus" sports coupe still seems to be on track, probably for an early-2009 debut. Sources forecast around 500 hp from a either a new V10 or a supercharged V8, plus styling patterned on the recent LF-A concept, with a 2-seat or tight 2+2 layout. Still unclear is whether the engine will be up front or behind the cockpit--and whether AWD will be optional to rear drive.
New For 2006 Lexus LS 430
The 2006 Lexus LS 430 is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, available in one trim only, the Sedan.
Upon introduction, the LS 430 is equipped with a standard 4.3-liter, V8, 278-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
Interior Design and Special Features
The cabin of this Lexus car is warm and luxurious given its high-quality leather, abundance of rich walnut or maple trim, sharp electroluminescent gauges and wonderfully comfortable seats. There is plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, and the large trunk holds 20.2 cubic feet of luggage.
Safety
A full complement of airbags (side, head curtain and knee), four-wheel antilock brakes with BrakeAssist, traction control, the VSC stability control system and a tire-pressure monitor are all in place to ensure maximum safety. Theres also an optional Pre-Collision system that uses radar to detect unavoidable collisions and then prepares for impact by tightening the seatbelts, applying maximum braking force and activating sport mode on air suspension-equipped LS 430 models.
Powertrains and Performance
A 4.3-liter V8 engine powers the Lexus LS 430, offering 278 horsepower and 312 pound-feet of torque. The engine is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission (with an automanual gate) driving the rear wheels.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options
The Lexus LS 430 offers plenty of standard and optional features. All cars come with 17-inch wheels, adaptive headlights that swivel during cornering, dual-zone climate control (with oscillating air registers), a 14-way power driver seat with memory and 10-way power for the front passenger, auto-dimming mirrors, an in-dash CD changer, a moonroof, a rear sunshade and a power trunk closer. On the options list, youll find two upgraded leather upholstery trims, heated and cooled front seats, a voice-activated navigation system with rear backup camera and a 240-watt Mark Levinson premium audio system.
The Custom Luxury package includes these items and tacks on rear-seat heaters and power door closers. Buyers have their choice of laser-based adaptive cruise control, or a radar-based system that includes the Pre-Collision system, which detects and prepares for unavoidable impacts.
Still not enough? The aptly named Ultra Luxury package gives you all of that plus SmartAccess, which allows you to start the car without a key, Lexus Link telematics, a smoother riding air suspension, upgraded power-adjustable, heated/cooled rear seats and a separate rear climate control system.
Driving Impressions
The Lexus LS 430 sets the benchmark for smooth ride quality. This is one smooth, quiet car, and riding in it is very pleasant. The engine is barely audible. Mechanical and road vibration is damped out. No other automaker does a better job than Lexus in creating a zone of serenity for driver and passengers.
The soft suspension and slow steering lead some to conclude the LS 430 doesnt handle as well as European models such as the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Indeed, when pushed to the limits the big Lexus does not handle as well as the big BMW. However, the LS 430 is not a sloppy luxo-barge. In fact, the LS 430 can be driven quite hard and with confidence, whereupon it reveals lots of grip and very good handling. It responds predictably when driven to the limit of the tires in corners, though it doesnt necessarily encourage you to do so the way a BMW does.
The softness of the suspension results in squirmy transient response when compared with the BMW 745i. But the LS 430 does generate lots of grip and offers the responsiveness afforded by rear-wheel drive and double-wishbone suspension front and rear and it handles predictably. Its monotube shock absorbers were made larger and more technologically advanced for the 2004 model year, and this has resulted in flatter cornering response and a smoother ride. The steering system was improved at the same time, providing more road feel, more feedback, and more precision.
The adaptive air suspension included in the Ultra Luxury package allows the driver to switch between two shock-damping modes (and to raise the ride height for driving in deep snow). However, the car floats a little more on the air suspension, even in the Sport mode, making it feel bigger, more boatlike.
We much prefer the Sport Package, which combines a sport-tuned suspension with 18-inch wheels and summer/performance tires. This improves handling feel while maintaining a smooth, comfortable ride. While other manufacturers offer sport suspensions that result in a harsh, choppy ride, this isnt one of them; even with the sport suspension, the LS 430 rides smoothly and softly. We highly recommend it and think its a bargain.
To say the Lexus V8 is smooth and quiet is an understatement, and the six-speed automatic transmission shifts so smoothly its almost seamless. By the SAEs new reckoning, the 4.3-liter V8 generates 278 horsepower and 312 pound-feet of torque, the latter figure contributing, along with the six-speed transmission, to the LS 430s impressive acceleration performance. Lexus says the LS 430 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Yet the LS 430 still earns an EPA-estimated 18/25 mpg City/Highway, a benefit of its transmissions long-legged fifth and sixth gears. The driver can manually control shifting, though we prefer to put it in Drive and let the machine do its job. It does this very well. Engine and transmission are designed to favor smoothness over performance. The upside is you get silky smooth performance. The downside is do not offer the crispness of a BMW powertrain, the other end of the spectrum. Lexus electronic throttle control (drive-by-wire) system helps smooth acceleration from a standing start by very slightly delaying throttle opening when the driver steps on the accelerator pedal. Still, the Lexus V8 and six-speed automatic are a powerful team, delivering strong acceleration performance for quick passing and freeway merging. All in all, its a great setup.
The brakes are responsive and easy to modulate for smooth stopping power. Four-channel, four-sensor ABS helps the driver maintain steering control during panic stops. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking; if the driver has not stepped hard enough on the brake pedal to activate the anti-lock brake system, Brake Assist applies maximum braking pressure until pedal pressure is released. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is an excellent active safety feature that helps the driver maintain control under adverse conditions by correcting loss of lateral traction during cornering. VSC integrates traction control to help limit rear wheel spin on slippery road surfaces. All of this advanced technology works as an integrated team, helping the driver control the car in those critical moments that separate a collision from a close call. The driver need only stand on the brakes and keep looking and steering in the direction he or she wants to go.
The optional dynamic cruise control systems are designed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle traveling in front. Some people like dynamic cruise, others dont. If youre not a big cruise control user, you dont need it.
Favorite Features
excellent mileage for a V8 and the way it handles on the highway.
Overall Review
Some vague reputation for over-marketed Toyota reliability. Floaty suspension is good for ride quality if nothing else.
MSRP Price $56,525
Invoice Price $49,176