As always, inside, the LS is meticulously crafted with the best
wood, leather and plastic that money can buy, but where other automakers have strayed from the path of simplicity with integrated modules and complex menus, the LS features a simple LCD panel with touch-screen controls ensuring ease of operation and use. The LS features all of the same luxuries that were benchmarked with cars like the 7-Series and S-Class, including power-close rear doors, trunk, ventilated seats, power-reclining rear seats and adaptive cruise control. Some new additions to the LS include fold-down rear trays a la Jaguar or Rolls-Royce, power-retractable ottomans in the rear, like those in the Maybach 62, a rear DVD/LCD entertainment system and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound audio system acoustically tuned specifically for the LS' cabin.
Indeed,
the LS 460 has so much modern technology that it's literally bursting at the seams with features that aid comfort, better efficiency and improve driving enjoyment. Lexus merely hinted at some of the multiple innovations of the LS during its Detroit launch, noting the world's first self-parking function (yes the car will actually position itself within a tight parking spot when reversing), as well as passenger body temperature sensors in order to heat and cool the cabin optimally. Lexus' highest priority, however, involves advancement in occupant and pedestrian safety, particularly in the area of active safety (i.e. accident avoidance). Look forward, therefore, to seeing such new features as Lexus' VDIM system, which incidentally recently won CAA's Golden Pyramid for Safety Innovation.
Having mastered the art of build quality, durability and most importantly, reliability, the new LS adds top-tier styling and performance, allowing it to stage a full-out attack on the luxury car segment. As one of the few representatives from Japan in a market dominated by the Europeans, it comes across as a segment leader even without a complete specs sheet.
Look for any gaps in info to be filled when it is introduced to Europeans during the Geneva show, while the hybrid model will be officially introduced at the New York Auto Show in April. Since its initial showing just a week and a half ago, there's every reason to believe that at this very moment, engineers in Britain, America and Germany have retreated back to their respective drawing boards to improve upon their latest designs. And for that reason, it's our choice as the most important car of the show.
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| L-Finesse allows the LS to cut through the air like the old LS 430, yet give it a defined, unique look. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
Indeed,
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| Rear seat occupants enjoy from extra space. It's even larger in the new long-wheelbase LS 460 L. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
Having mastered the art of build quality, durability and most importantly, reliability, the new LS adds top-tier styling and performance, allowing it to stage a full-out attack on the luxury car segment. As one of the few representatives from Japan in a market dominated by the Europeans, it comes across as a segment leader even without a complete specs sheet.
Look for any gaps in info to be filled when it is introduced to Europeans during the Geneva show, while the hybrid model will be officially introduced at the New York Auto Show in April. Since its initial showing just a week and a half ago, there's every reason to believe that at this very moment, engineers in Britain, America and Germany have retreated back to their respective drawing boards to improve upon their latest designs. And for that reason, it's our choice as the most important car of the show.
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