2007 Lexus LS Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2007 Lexus LS includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Lexus LS from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Lexus LS, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Lexus LS help you decide if a 2007 Lexus LS is right for you.

2007 Lexus LS Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Trunk space (w/rear air conditioning)

Ride

Interior materials

Quietness

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Base w/nav. sys.	460 L w/Exec. Pkg.	460 L w/Touring Pkg.	600h L	Class Average
8	8	8	8	7.3

Smooth, ample power at any speed. Test Base did 5.6 sec 0-60 mph. Silky automatic transmission is generally responsive, but a deep stab of the throttle is required to coax a downshift low enough for maximum acceleration. Hybrid 600h models heavier than conventional LS models, are only slightly quicker.

Fuel Economy

Base w/nav. sys.	460 L w/Exec. Pkg.	460 L w/Touring Pkg.	600h L	Class Average
3	3	3	4	3.9

Test base sedan averaged 22.7 mpg in mostly highway driving, 15.1 in test that included gas-eating performance runs. One test L averaged a thirsty 13.7 mpg in mostly city driving, another 22.8 mpg in exclusively highway use. No opportunity to measure with 600h. LS requires premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

Base w/nav. sys.	460 L w/Exec. Pkg.	460 L w/Touring Pkg.	600h L	Class Average
9	9	9	9	8.4

Base suspension pillowy on most surfaces with noticeable highway float. Available air suspension's Sport setting induces some body jiggle.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base w/nav. sys.	460 L w/Exec. Pkg.	460 L w/Touring Pkg.	600h L	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.8

Steering is light though direct, and turning circle is impressively tight. LS is no sport sedan, however. Base suspension permits marked body lean, as does air suspension's Comfort setting. Its Sport mode slightly sharper overall. The Advanced Parking Guidance System is a marvel for parallel parking, and works as advertised. It will also back the car into a parking-lot space, but that function takes too long to program.

Quietness

Base w/nav. sys.	460 L w/Exec. Pkg.	460 L w/Touring Pkg.	600h L	Class Average
10	10	10	10	8.5

One of the quietest cars. Engine is nearly silent at idle, emits a subdued growl under aggressive acceleration. Virtually no tire, road, or wind noise.

Controls

Base w/nav. sys.	460 L w/Exec. Pkg.	460 L w/Touring Pkg.	600h L	Class Average
9	9	9	9	7.4

Mostly handy and logical. Kudos to Lexus for foregoing a complicated central control system and for keeping basic audio and climate controls separate from navigation screen. Note that premium audio system's hard drive can download music files from CDs, though a USB port would make loading the hard drive a faster process. Test cars exhibited top quality materials with numerous soft-touch surfaces.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base w/nav. sys.	460 L w/Exec. Pkg.	460 L w/Touring Pkg.	600h L	Class Average
9	9	9	9	8.9

Spacious for adults, though taller drivers may need more head room. Power tilt/telescope steering wheel and wide, supportive seats with multiple power adjustments make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Fine all-around visibility.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base w/nav. sys.	460 L w/Exec. Pkg.	460 L w/Touring Pkg.	600h L	Class Average
9	10	10	10	8

Adult-roomy here, too, though toe room tight with front seats fully back in standard-wheelbase model. Long-wheelbase model adds its length in rear leg room. Seat blends fine support, soft padding. Executive Seating Package combines upgraded leather with indulgent amenities such as a massaging right side seat and body-temperature sensors linked to climate control. For some passengers, Executive Seating Package's leg rest can lift occupant's feet into the seat ahead. Also note that with leg rest extended, front passenger seat cannot be occupied.

Cargo Room

Base w/nav. sys.	460 L w/Exec. Pkg.	460 L w/Touring Pkg.	600h L	Class Average
5	3	3	3	5.2

Sufficient for most travel needs, but rear air conditioning trims trunk volume by a full 6.0 cu ft. Trunk lid uses hinges that further rob useful space. Good in-cabin small-item storage.

Value within Class

Base w/nav. sys.	460 L w/Exec. Pkg.	460 L w/Touring Pkg.	600h L	Class Average
9	7	8	6	5.7

LS base prices start below those of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8. It is less sporty and more comfort oriented than those German rivals, but this Best Buy is outstanding in its own right in terms of power, refinement, standard features, and optional gadgets. The hybrid 600h is a technological tour-de-force, but in this price range most European competitors offer the cache of a V12 powertrain.

Total Score