Mother Proof's view

I take any opportunity I can get to let someone else drive me around. Really. I drive enough on a daily basis; I almost view someone else driving as a little vacation. I get to look out my window and gaze upon a familiar landscape with new eyes. “When did they build that gas station?” “How long has that bank been there?” and “Since when is a car dealership across the street from our neighborhood?” are all questions that I mutter to myself as a passenger. I have learned not to voice my thoughts out loud, for it’s apt to bring ridicule regarding my powers of observation.

My state of passenger bliss is the focus of the 2007 Lexus LS460. With a list of features longer than my leg, the LS460 is Nirvana for those who know and for those who are ready to believe that a ride in the car can be good for the soul. In case you aren’t really the passenger type, the many frivolous and pampering features of the LS460 will cause a speedy change of heart. If you’re really, seriously, NOT giving up the driver’s seat no matter what goodies are available, Lexus rewards you heartily with a big engine, responsive handling, a smooth ride, and much more. The stereo system in the top-of-the-line LS has 19 speakers. It’s insane. If you are a chauffeur (in any sense of the word), you are a happy one in the LS460.

No detail has been overlooked in this vehicle. I am informed the design team went to great lengths just to get the door tone just right. No, not the chime when it’s opened but the sound the door makes when it closes. Apparently, design teams went to home improvement stores, luxury homes, and anywhere they could find a beautiful door with an accompanying safe, secure, lovely door-closing sound. They tried to mimic that tone in the doors of the LS460. I can’t say I think of an exotic wood door when I hear this door close, but it sure sounds luxurious and secure. The headlamps are designed to be reminiscent of a Baccarat crystal glass. There is an air vent over one’s head that provides a gentle breeze-like feel even with the windows up. This car is all luxury, people, all the time.

All this being said, the LS460 isn’t exactly what I would consider a mom-mobile. It’s one of those cars that will function incredibly well as such, but I have a hard time envisioning myself breaking up fights over who gets to sit in the heated massage chair with ottoman in the back (assuming that the massage chair will still work after 6 or more years under a child car seat). And I’m certain that the entertainment system in the back seat (along with its remote control) will be the focus of many an argument. Have I mentioned yet the quarrel that will certainly ensue upon the discovery of the foldout table in the back? There’s only one. If used as a craft table, maybe Lexus could come up with crayon colors that match the leather seats so all marks would blend in. Fortunately, each kid in the back has his own window shades, so no one outside the car can see the horrendous mess and chaos ensuing inside. I can only imagine the lack of passenger/driver bliss when everyone fights over who’s going to let the car park itself.

You heard right: The Lexus LS460 will park itself. Parallel style or it will back itself into a spot. I swear I’ve seen it with my own eyes. There are sensors all over the LS460 to help accomplish this task. In the case of parallel parking, I first must find a spot. Then I position the vehicle just so. A box will show up on the in-dash camera, in between the front and rear car, right smack where I want my car to go. I can use arrows on the touch-screen to adjust the box if necessary. Then I put the car in reverse, let go of the wheel (uh-huh), the steering wheel turns, the car accelerates and brakes to put itself smack dab in the designated spot. All I have to do to finish the job is straighten out the wheel, put the car in Park and turn the vehicle off.

If that makes no sense, just trust me and be astonished. This system’s official title is the Advanced Parking Guidance System, but I told the kind Lexus folks it should be called ‘Park-Tastic!’ Yet another thought I should have kept to myself.

The 2007 Lexus LS460 is truly unbelievable; so much luxury, so much technology, so much attention to detail. Unfortunately, I am way too neurotic to own this car. It is so beautiful, so unspoiled by the mundane day-to-day activity of my family, I’m not sure it would ever fit in. I’m also not sure I would ever relax having to make sure all kids are all bathed and unarmed with food, dirt, crayons, pencils, pens, pins or drinks before entering the vehicle. I would hate to have the ’07 Lexus LS460 decide it was too good for us and drive itself off into the sunset.

*For more information on the 2007 Lexus LS460 and its safety features visit Cars.com.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS

LATCH Connectors: 2

Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5 (4 with Executive Class Seat Package)

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Fair

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Groove-On