KansasCity.com's view

Luxury knows no limits, or so it seems after spending some time driving a Lexus LS 430 equipped with the Ultra Luxury package.

The LS 430 is totally new for 2001, and the Ultra Luxury package contains a stunning array of sophisticated gadgetry: laser-guided cruise control, seats ventilated with cool or warm air, adjustable suspension, rain-sensing wipers, an air suspension with adaptive shock absorbers, a Mark Levinson stereo, navigation system and heated rear seats with a power recliner and built-in massage function. The dual-zone climate control system reads the sun load on the interior and balances the temperature from side to side. For those who prefer privacy, a power rear window shade keeps prying eyes at bay, and a cool box behind the rear-seat armrest keeps soft drinks at the ready. The Mark Levinson stereo is so good you will sneak out to the garage just to hear your favorite music. While all of this stuff may seem like overkill, it shows the levels to which Lexus has gone to make this one of the top luxury sedans in the world. Competing with the best from Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac and BMW requires strict attention to detail.

The base price for an LS 430 is $54,005, and the Ultra Luxury package costs $12,505. Fully loaded, like the one driven for this review, the sticker is $68,640.

Styling is recognizably Lexus yet it still looks fresh and new. The body has a more chiseled exterior, and incredible attention to detail makes it one of the slipperiest production cars in the world. The standard model has a drag coefficient of 0.26, while the air suspension model is measured at 0.25 because it lowers the vehicle slightly at highway speeds. Lexus engineers accomplished this feat by carefully designing the underbody of the vehicle to maximize airflow and minimize drag.

The new body rides atop a wheelbase that is 3 inches longer, yet overall length is the same. The interior, especially the back seat, is bigger because the fuel tank has been moved under the back seat. Trunk room, while not overly generous, has been expanded by 30 percent.

The air suspension system that comes with the Ultra Luxury package provides an extremely smooth ride. The system lowers the car slightly at high speed or raises it when more ground clearance is needed. If you want performance-oriented handling, there’s a sport package with an upgraded suspension, 17-inch wheels and a harder-edged persona.

The first two generations of the LS 400 were benchmarks for uncanny smoothness and lack of noise. Some thought they were sedate to the point of being boring. This new version is still extremely quiet and smooth, but performance takes a higher profile. The 290-horsepower, 4.3-liter V-8 propels this LS to 60 miles per hour in 6.3 seconds, according to Lexus, which is pretty quick for a full-size luxury sedan. Variable valve timing gives this engine a wide power band, yet it still meets California’s Ultra Low Emission vehicle standard.

The navigation system contains map information for the entire United States. A button on the steering wheel allows the driver to use voice control, and the system recognizes up to 225 spoken commands, including finding points of interest or restaurant locations.

This year Lexus offers Lexus Link. This service is essentially General Motors’ OnStar system operated by personnel dedicated to Lexus. A GPS unit transmits the vehicle’s location and calls for emergency help in the event of an accident and airbag deployment. It can also be used for remote locking or unlocking of the vehicle’s doors.

Safety items include anti-lock brakes, traction control and a vehicle skid control system. Brake assist applies full braking force automatically in an emergency stop. Front and side airbags, as well as side-curtain airbags, are standard.

Lexus expects sales of about 8,000 for the remaining calendar year and up to 25,000 next year. Supply will be limited and demand high, so dealers m ave waiting lists.

Price
The base price of the test car was $54,005. Options on the test car included the Ultra Luxury package for $12,505, a special comfort leather for $1,460, wheel locks and a trunk mat. The sticker price was $68,640.

Warranty
Four years or 50,000 miles.

To get in touch with Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tstrongman@kc.rr.com.

Point:
The new LS 430 emphasizes performance more than luxury. For those who want the ultimate in comfort, the Ultra Luxury package contains things like a reclining back seat, laser-guided cruise control that slows the car so it won’t get too close to the one in front and the Mark Levinson stereo that is better than any home system I have heard.

Counterpoint:
The trunk is not especially large and the light gray wood on the test car looked unnatural.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 4.3-liter, 290-hp V-8
Transmission: automatic Rear-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 115.2 inches
Curb weight: 3,955 lbs.
Base price: $54,005
As driven: $68,640
Mpg rating: 18 city, 25 hwy.