We last left off with me leaving on my journey from New York City to Detroit. Sure, I had some thoughts in my head: Will I make it if it snows? Will I end up in a ditch? Is Lexus' all-wheel drive system up to snuff? How long is eight hours, really?
Much to my delight, I did not wind up in a ditch but it also helps when the weather was not all that bad to begin with. Accumulations were chalked up to around a dusting on the highways of America. Thankfully, there was a bit of snowfall prior to my departure, so I got to see what the Lexus is really capable of.
With a couple of inches of the white stuff on the ground, the Lexus tackled the powder without hesitation. Without "snaking," or making its traction control light blink more than a set of Christmas decorations, the Lexus was a surefooted performer in a straight line. However, while making sharp turning maneuvers the AWD LS seemed to step out of line a bit, even at slower speeds.
2010 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery
An explanation for this can be found in the LSD that distributes torque from 30:70 to 50:50, while usually operating with a rear-ward 40:60 bias. It must not be sending power to the front wheels fast enough in order to stabilize the car in those sharp turning situations. A recently driven Quattro system had similar results in about eight inches of snow, but in the smaller amounts -- like two inches -- it had no issue whatsoever.
But, there is a trick to helping the LS acclimate to these conditions. Activate the "SNOW" mode and the car makes adjustments to compensate for the slippery and unpredictable conditions. When you hit that button you feel the car slow down and sniff out the road as though it is a bloodhound looking for the right track. Although the LS steams through inclement weather in a straight line without SNOW mode activated, to perform to the best of its capabilities in tight turning situations, it needs the SNOW mode switched on. This will definitely provide the driver with more confidence while taking care of those around town errands.
It is amazing what a difference one button can make. It was like taking a barge through an ice field. No one was stopping me, not even Mother Nature.
2010 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery
Aside from the impressive all-wheel drive capabilities of the LS, another question remained in my mind: how will this be over the course of an eight hour trip? There are a multitude of suspension settings and adjustments to be made. With its air suspension, just about anything is possible as long as you can find happiness in a place called Sport, Comfort or Normal.
For around town or city driving, I would suggest Comfort as the Sport mode becomes too bouncy over road imperfections. When Comfort is activated, the 460 manages to float over most crevices and isolates the passengers quite well.
My favorite aspect of the LS is going over railroad tracks, where most passengers will probably say "what railroad tracks?"
Now if you are going on a long-distance cruise, without a question you will want to activate Sport mode. The LS seems to hunker down and tighten up all around with Sport mode applied. Steering firms up a tad and the suspension becomes taut while refraining from becoming the closest thing to a fidgety rabbit.
And my goodness is this car comfortable, even with Sport mode. Something that aids the LS in this department are the seats. With the bottom cushion extended, even a long-legged person like myself -- 38 inseam, anyone? -- will find support up until where the knee joint is. That is a hard thing to come across.
Of the many cars I have had the honor of piloting, I had the chance to take a long-distance drive up to Boston in a 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL550. And even with one of the most technologically-advanced suspension systems, it was not nearly as comfortable as the LS. Three hours in a CL was like eight hours in an LS. Why? Because of the seats!
2010 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery
00R takes a minute at a rest stop and explores the limits of the LS' reclining seats
Overall, one of the many criticisms of the Lexus LS is that it is too boring and too stale. Anyone who says that is genuinely missing the point of this car. The LS is not built to take turns at 3G and drift down the local boulevard. This car is specifically built for comfort and relaxation.
You do not go to the spa to work out and test your body's limits as you do not buy an LS to take to the track.
Sure, this car has body lean through hard turns and the steering can be dubbed vague, but remember its calling...
This kind of auto is built for executives that want to relax behind the wheel or stretch their legs in the back seat. After spending two hours in New York City gridlock, I can attest to the LS being one of the best experiences in a severe traffic jam. I found myself saying "Ah, it is what it is," rather than "I have to make my meeting!"
All of the LS' goodness does not come without its faults, however.
The first issue I have with the LS is that it is a drinker. Said to achieve 16/23 city/highway MPG, it had a hard time getting 15 around town. Mind you this is with ECO mode on and with the overkill eight-speed transmission. Additionally, power is down from 380-horsepower and 367 lb-ft TO 357-horsepower and 344 lb-ft torque. On the highway I nailed about 18.5 MPG, which was actually surprising given I was not traveling near 65 MPH on the drive to Detroit.
My second issue with the big daddy Lexus is that its interior design is not bespoke enough for a vehicle in this class. The dash design is eerily similar to a Toyota Highlander Hybrid loan I had recently. Although the argument can be made that Toyota is "Lexus-fying" its products, it would be nice to see something a bit more original on a flagship vehicle.
Although the vehicle has its quirks, at the end of the day it won me over. If you are looking for a relaxing, comfortable experience that has substantial fit and finish, while being easy to use, this is the car for you.
Additionally, it manages to undercut the competition, the A8 L, S-Class and 7-Series xDrive with its price. Our tester, which had all of the packages rang the register just under $78,500.
Don't count out the LS for what other may have previously said. Over the years the LS has made major strides and significant improvements to bring it to where it is today. Give it a shot, you may walk away surprised, like me.
Remember, spy before you buy only here on AutoSpies.
2010 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery
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