Orlando Sentinel's view

Things are slowly falling into place for the big Lexus LS 400, flagship of Toyota’s luxury brand.

When the car debuted 10 years ago, it was little more than a Mercedes-Benz clone – albeit an extremely well-made one. And it had the smoothest, quietest ride ever in a car, a finely designed interior and the best quality ratings in the business.

The 1999 model remains true to the original. It’s still nothing less than a tour de force. A powerful new engine, which debuted last year, and a precision-tuned suspension system make the LS 400 a very satisfying luxury sedan.

But it takes more than excellent mechanicals, an awesome ride and a cozy interior to be the best in this class. Elegant, original styling, such as that on a Mercedes-Benz E420 or Jaguar XJ8, is also a requirement.

That is the only area where the LS 400 could stand an improvement.

Performance, handling

The 1999 LS 400 is powered by a 4.0-liter, double overhead cam V-8 that generates a robust 290 horsepower. Although the size and layout of the engine are the same as the previous engine, power has been turned up from 260 horsepower. The boost comes mostly from a new variable valve timing system that lets the engine run at peak efficiency all the time.

Lexus says the LS can reach 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds – which is quick enough to leave many sports car drivers with nothing more than a good view of the car’s taillights.

Lexus offers the LS 400 only with a five-speed automatic transmission. When you press the accelerator hard, the car remains balanced and poised. The transmission changes gears nearly imperceptibly.

The engine makes audible noises only when it’s running hard. If you love cars, you’ll love the sound of the Lexus V-8. It’s a wonderful symphony of mechanical precision.

There may be no other drivetrain that is as smooth, quiet, powerful and refined as the motor and transmission in the LS 400. It’s an engineering marvel that such invigorating performance could be delivered in such a controlled manner.

A button on the wood-lined console allows the driver to shift into either “sport” or “snow” modes. “Sport” makes for crisper acceleration at lower speeds. “Snow” limits the engine’s throttle response, slowing the power sent to the rear wheels. There’s also an electronic traction control to keep the rear wheels from spinning on slick roads.

The four-wheel, double wishbone, independent suspension makes it seem as if all roads were as smooth as the surface of a billiard table. Not even the sound of the tires rolling over the pavement makes its way to your ears.

Although the LS 400 is a true luxury sedan, it does have some sporting traits in its genes. The speed-sensitive, power rack-and-pinion steering system is sharply responsive to quick commands from the helm. And a power four-wheel, anti-lock disc brake system erases speed quickly.

Fit and finish

Behind the wheel of the LS 400, you easily forget the car’s uninspire d styling. That’s because there’s plenty to like inside, where:

Taking a page from Jaguar, Lexus has made last year’s optional wood-trimmed steering wheel standard equipment.

Those gorgeous backlit analog instruments are still the most luxurious and unique on the road.

A computerized navigation system can direct you to almost any address in the United States.

The leather-trimmed seats are comfortable enough to be in your living room.

An in-dash six-disc CD changer makes loading and unloading CDs a breeze.

One wonders why a car company that could craft an interior so richly appointed and well made didn’t also develop a more expressive exterior.

Our test car came with a full complement of accessories. I particularly liked the one-touch system on the windows and sunroof. All you do is touch the button once for a split second and the windows rise and lower all the way.

Our black test car sported just one option, but it was a pricey one. The $5, 405 navigation system , plantedin the center of the dash, features up-to-the minute technology. In addition to being able to select an address, the system also controls the radio and air conditioner. You touch the screen lightly to change the temperature or to pick a different station, for instance.

The LS 400 is outfitted with dual front and side air bags. The side air bags deploy from the seats and create a barrier between the seat and the door frame in a severe side-impact crash.

I have tested each version of the LS 400 since it was new in 1989. I like this one the best. The increased performance makes it a thrill to drive.

1999 Lexus LS 400

Base price: $53,605. Safety: Dual front and side air bags, daytime running lights, traction control, anti-lock brakes, side-impact protection and front and rear crumple zones. Price as tested: $59,570. EPA rating: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway. Incentives: None.

Truett’s tip: Smooth, quiet and extremely powerful, the only thing the Lexus LS 400 lacks is head-turning styling.