Lexus LS

The fifth-generation LS strays from its historic place as the embodiment of stress-free comfortable motoring by piling on complicated controls, a less cushy ride and compromised seating. This redesigned flagship brings lots of tech and more dynamic styling. Available with rear or all-wheel drive, the standard drivetrain is a 416-hp, 3.5-liter V6 turbo engine coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission, but despite good measured acceleration times, the car doesn't impart a powerful impression due to some hesitation at low speeds. (A hybrid is available.) The wide car is too bulky to feel nimble. The optional air suspension keeps the Lexus steady but bumps punch through more often than they should. The cabin is nicely trimmed and luxurious but the controls are extremely convoluted and frustrating; it can take several steps to perform simple tasks.

Updates for 2013 freshening included updated styling, a revised dashboard and suspension tweaks for more responsive handling, while preserving the creamily serene ride. The LS remains a terrific highway cruiser and yet it won't completely disappoint if it's occasionally hurried. The Lexus LS sets a benchmark for soothing luxury motoring, providing a cosseting and isolating environment in a very spacious cabin. Even though this generation's 4.6-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission date back to the 2007 makeover, the powertrain remained a paragon of response and smoothness. The biggest change was the move to more complicated controls, including a mouse-like controller that moves around a giant center dashboard screen. This represents a step backward compared to the relative simplicity of the previous touchscreen system.