help reduce injuries. The system also prepares the Brake Assist which, after the driver applies the brakes, automatically applies increased braking force to help reduce collision speed.
The Lexus LS 430 sets the benchmark for smooth ride quality. This is one smooth, quiet car, and riding in it is very pleasant. The engine is barely audible. Mechanical and road vibration is damped out. No other automaker does a better job than Lexus in creating a zone of serenity for driver and passengers.
Its soft suspension and slow steering lead some to believe that the LS 430 doesn't handle well when compared with such European benchmarks as the BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but we haven't found that to be the case. The LS 430 can, in fact, be driven hard, whereupon it reveals lots of grip and very good handling. It responds predictably when driven to the limit of the tires in corners, though it doesn't encourage you to do so the way a BMW does. The softness of the suspension results in squirmy transient response when compared with the BMW 745i. But the LS 430 does generate lots of grip and offers the responsiveness afforded by rear-wheel drive and double-wishbone suspension front and rear. Its monotube shock absorbers are larger and more technologically advanced than those on pre-2004 models, resulting in flatter cornering response and a smoother ride. The steering system was also improved, providing more road feel, more feedback, more precision.
For those who want more, two suspension options are available, a sport suspension and an air suspension. The Sport Package features a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels and tires. This improves handling feel while maintaining a smooth, comfortable ride, and we highly recommend it. While Mercedes and other manufacturers offer sport suspension packages that result in a harsh, choppy ride, this isn't one of them; even with the sport suspension, the LS 430 rides smoothly and softly. The optional air suspension allows the driver to switch between two shock-damping modes (and to raise the ride height for driving in deep snow). However, the car floats a little more on the air suspension, even in the Sport mode, making it feel bigger, more boatlike. We prefer the sport suspension.
To say the Lexus V8 is smooth and quiet is an understatement, and the new six-speed automatic shifts so smoothly it's almost seamless. The 4.3-liter V8 generates 290 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, the latter figure contributing to the LS 430's impressive acceleration performance. Lexus says the LS 430 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, a significant improvement over pre-2004 models. The performance improvement is almost entirely a result of the six-speed automatic. First gear is lower, and second, third, and fourth gears are closer together, all of which makes for a quicker launch and quicker acceleration. Yet the LS 430 still earns an EPA-estimated 18/25 mpg City/Highway, a benefit of the transmission's long-legged fifth and sixth gears. The driver can manually control shifting, though we found it usually best to put it in Drive and let it does its job. Engine and transmission are designed to favor smoothness over performance, however, so they do not offer the crispness of a BMW powertrain, the other end of the spectrum. The engine's electronic throttle control (drive-by-wire) system helps smooth acceleration from a standing start by very slightly delaying throttle opening when the driver steps on the accelerator pedal, and the transmission favors smoothness over shifting speed. The Lexus V8 and six-speed automatic are a powerful team, delivering strong acceleration performance for quick passing and freeway merging.
The brakes are responsive and easy to modulate for smooth stopping power. Four-channel, four-sensor ABS helps the driver maintain steering control during panic stops. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped hard enough on the brake pedal to activate the anti-lock brake system, it applies maximum braking pressure until pedal pressure is released. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is an excellent active safety feature that helps the driver maintain control under adverse conditions by correcting loss of lateral traction during cornering. VSC integrates traction control to help limit rear wheel spin on slippery road surfaces. All of this stuff helps make it easier for the driver to control the car in those moments when it's most important to control the car.
The optional dynamic cruise control systems are designed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle traveling in front. Some people like dynamic cruise, others don't.
The 2005 Lexus LS 430 is powered by a 290-horsepower 4.3-liter aluminum V8 and comes standard with the six-speed automatic transmission. The LS 430 ($55,675) comes as one model, loaded with every feature expected of a flagship luxury sedan and more. Standard features include a power moonroof with auto open/close, a power rear sunshade, and lighted rear-seat vanity mirrors.
Leather trimmed upholstery comes standard, but upgraded leather trim is optional in Black Semi-Aniline ($2,100), Saddle Comfort Nappa ($2,100), and Ecru ($1,460). A Premium Package ($1,390) adds front climate-controlled (heating/cooling) seats, heated rear seats, and sonar-based Intuitive Parking Assist.
Optional 18-inch wheels with all-season tires ($220) are among the options to replace the standard 17-inch wheels. An optional Euro-tuned Sport Suspension ($220) sharpens handling and includes the 18-inch wheels and 245/45R18 tires.
A Custom Luxury Package ($5,935) is available that includes a Mark Levinson audio system, navigation with rear back-up camera, Bluetooth, dynamic cruise control (Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Pre-Collision Systems or Dynamic Laser Cruise Control without Pre-Collision), Intuitive Parking Assist, climate-controlled front seats with fans that circulate heated or chilled air, rear seat heaters, headlamp washers, and power door closers. The aptly named Ultra Luxury Package ($11,320) features all that plus the Adaptive Variable Air Suspension, SmartAccess keyless entry and ignition, and a number of rear-seat features: sunshades for the rear passenger doors, a rear seat adjuster with memory, rear climate-controlled seats with a massage feature, and a rear air conditioner with optical deodorizer.