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Here’s a nice update of Lincoln’s BMW fighter, the midsize LS, with some new styling cues, luxury features and more power for its V-6 and V-8 engines.

The 2000 Motor Trend Car of the Year, announced at the 1999 Arizona International Auto Show in Phoenix, Lincoln LS has succeeded in drawing some (slightly) younger blood into Ford’s domestic luxury division, including many midlife drivers drawn from luxury imports.

Yet LS has failed to make a huge splash, hampered by a conservative image and conventional styling.

Of course, it’s not easy pulling people out of BMWs and into Lincolns. Cadillac’s midsize CTS, with its radical shape and performance aura, has taken another chunk of the territory and helped boost Cadillac’s prestige.

The upgrades for 2003 make the rear-wheel-drive LS a sportier and more enjoyable sedan, but the look is still too staid, especially viewed from the rear. Considering that it’s on the same chassis as two stylistic standouts, the Jaguar S-Type and the Thunderbird roadster, it seems that LS could have been more set apart from the crowd.

There’s a narrow line that Lincoln designers walk, trying to attract new buyers without alienating the old. They should have taken a bigger chance with LS.

What it is

More luxury and performance have been injected into the Lincoln LS for 2003, and it’s an attractive package for those who prefer the European definition of premium automobile. The test LS was the top level of four models and included a sport-tuned suspension and 17-inch wheels.

Engine and transmission

The all-aluminum 3.9-liter V-8 fitted in the test car has 280 horsepower compared with 252 last year, a significant bump that improves acceleration without harshness. This relatively small engine is smooth and seamless, providing lots of pull while achieving decent gas mileage.

Cruising and hill climbing are effortless, and the LS can sprint quickly from a stoplight. Torque has been lifted from 267 to 286 pound-feet, which heightens engine response.

With its V-8, LS has the advantage over CTS, which offers only a V-6, though a V-8 is promised soon.

The V-6 engine also has more juice, going to 232 horsepower from 220. Both engines are enhanced with variable intake camshaft timing and electronic throttle control.

The last time I drove an LS a couple of years ago, it came with a V-6 and manual shifting, which I said at the time was an odd configuration for Lincoln. Sure enough, stick shift was discontinued when not enough customers bought into it.

Both the V-6 and V-8 versions now come with a five-speed automatic that includes a manual-shifting mode. In the test car, the transmission sometimes felt awkward, downshifting heavily and acting generally confused.

Handling and drivability

LS combines a smooth, composed ride with excellent handling and stability. Too bad Ford d oesn’t use the same suspension to improve the mushy ride of the Thunderbird.

The Lincoln is unflappable over rough surfaces, and a long highway trip in the test car was accomplished in tireless comfort. The new steering system is quick and responsive, and the brakes are very strong.

The fine ride and drivability are due mainly to the solid chassis structure and suspension engineering, much of it new and improved. But advanced electronics are also in play. AdvanceTrac stability system helps prevent skids and improves steering control. The four-wheel disc brakes are enhanced with brake assist that increases braking pressure during panic stops. Antilock braking is standard.

Styling

New chrome trim, headlight enhancements and other changes make the LS look more distinctive, but it still fails to stand out. The bright chrome wheels with low-profile tires look up to date, and the sharp facets on the body give LS a jewel-like presence.

From the rear, LS looks small and undistinguished.

Interior

The cabin is very nice, beautifully finished with nice wood and leather, and a real luxury feel throughout. The aluminum-finish console is attractive and functional.

The driver’s pedals are adjustable fore and aft for tall or short people, a welcome feature for this too-tall tester. The interior does feel fairly tight, although Lincoln touts more legroom in the rear seat than is offered by competitors.

The parking brake is on odd setup, with an electronic switch in the console. It’s supposedly adaptable and foolproof, but it seems gimmicky.

The optional THX Audiophile stereo system is superb. The DVD navigation system is not very informative, with limited street names and other vital bits, and the system requires too much switching between mapping and audio.

Pricing

The V-6 LS starts at about $32,000, which is a reasonable price for the level of drivability, luxury and refinement. The Premium Sport test car base-priced at $43,360. Options included the expensive audio/navigation system, $2,995; heated rear seats, $400; radar-controlled rear parking assist, $295; and shipping, $635.

Total was a pricey $47,685, putting LS into the territory of the top imports, including Ford-owned Jaguar and Volvo.

Bottom line

Sporty and refined, Lincoln LS is a sweet ride that has been sharply improved for 2003. Now, if they could just give it a more distinctive look.

Lincoln LS

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door sedan, rear-wheel drive.

Base price: $43,360.

Price as tested: $47,685.

Engine: 3.9-liter V-8, 280 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 286 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Transmission: Five-speed automatic.

Wheelbase: 114.5 inches.

Curb weight: 3,755 pounds.

EPA mileage: 18 city, 24 highway.

Highs:

Overall refinement.

Engine power.

Sharp handling.

Lows:

Staid styling.

Transmission woes.

Tight interior.