All this is part of the Executive Package, which adds $12,200 to the price of the LS 460L and makes it a true limousine. The downside is that only two occupants can sit in the back instead of three. Moreover, the front passenger seat is rendered completely useless when the distinguished rear guest (the President or, in my case, my lovely wife) wants to extend his or her legs.
In standard, more conventional trim, the rear compartment is still spacious enough to satisfy all parties. Comfortably sit and with the seat pushed as far back as possible, I had absolutely no problem crossing my legs and avoiding any contact with the front seatback -- the same can't be said about the movie theatre or the opera.
As for the front occupants, they enjoy as much room, comfort and luxury as those in the back -- minus the massages. The seats are adjustable in every imaginable position for a perfect driving position, while the dashboard, embellished with classy wood trims, is easy to read and control.
Technology 101
On the other hand, some functions remain a little complicated to use. Take the Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS) for instance. With the help of this innovation, the big Lexus parks all by itself. The driver only has to find an open space on the side of the street and shift to Reverse. By giving instructions through the touch screen, the rearview camera will recognize the driver's intended parking spot and automatically back into it. The driver controls speed using the brake pedal, while the car steers itself into the space using sensors to avoid obstacles.
Easy? Well, the system requires several long minutes of getting used to and several long seconds to complete the maneuver. This is suicide during rush hour.
In standard, more conventional trim, the rear compartment is still spacious enough to satisfy all parties. Comfortably sit and with the seat pushed as far back as possible, I had absolutely no problem crossing my legs and avoiding any contact with the front seatback -- the same can't be said about the movie theatre or the opera.
 |
| A cozy and friendly interior |
As for the front occupants, they enjoy as much room, comfort and luxury as those in the back -- minus the massages. The seats are adjustable in every imaginable position for a perfect driving position, while the dashboard, embellished with classy wood trims, is easy to read and control.
Technology 101
On the other hand, some functions remain a little complicated to use. Take the Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS) for instance. With the help of this innovation, the big Lexus parks all by itself. The driver only has to find an open space on the side of the street and shift to Reverse. By giving instructions through the touch screen, the rearview camera will recognize the driver's intended parking spot and automatically back into it. The driver controls speed using the brake pedal, while the car steers itself into the space using sensors to avoid obstacles.
Easy? Well, the system requires several long minutes of getting used to and several long seconds to complete the maneuver. This is suicide during rush hour.
 |
| The parking system works effectively but is a tad slow. |