Lincoln LS vs Lexus GS300 - Comparative Review

 

Lincoln LS

The Lincoln LS carries on the automaker's reputation of producing high class cars. The LS only comes in one basic model, but there are five available feature packages - the LSE Appearance, the Sport, the Premium, the Convenience, and the All-Season.  This sedan features 16-inch, 7-spoke aluminum wheels, standard front fascia-mounted fog lamps, dual power heated side view mirrors, available power moon roof, and Lincoln LS Dupont SupraShield, a premium protective coating applied over the vehicle's color basecoat. Interior features include amenities such as: CFC-free climate control, air-filtration, leather seating surfaces, duplicated steering wheel-mounted controls, 100-watt audio system, and burl walnut interior accents . The engine's powerful and smooth performance is enhanced by 232 horsepower. If you want more power, you can opt for the available 280-horsepower, V-8, 32-valve, 3.9-liter DOHC engine. Available on the Lincoln LS Sport is the 5-speed SelectShift Automatic transmission, which delivers seamless performance, with fully automatic or one-touch manual shifting and shift points that intuitively adapt to match driving conditions.

The Lincoln LS also is one of the safest cars on the road, boasting such features as: All-Speed Traction Control, driver and passenger front and side airbags, easily adjustable front head restraint, lap and shoulder safety belts, four-wheel ventilated disc antilock brakes, and AdvanceTrac, an interactive control system that enhances vehicle stability in extreme driving conditions.  It does this by comparing driver's intentions with the actual driving path, correcting for oversteering or understeering that may hamper control, and adapting traction of individual tires to enhance vehicle control. What's more, the Lincoln LS puts increased mobility at your command, with the Vehicle Communication System.

2008 Lexus GS300

The Lexus approach to high performance is in its branding. That said, it could be easy to overestimate the road manners of the Lexus GS sedan. The car has the elegance often associated with the Lexus brand. However, the quality of the ride can get dampened with the large tires. Passenger room is good, but not generous, and cargo room is limited. The GS has speed, power, and decent fuel economy, with 27 mph Hwy and 19 mpg City.

The GS is simple, yet sculpted. The combination of this sleek shape and careful work to reduce aerodynamic turbulence beneath the car has produced a remarkably low 0.27 coefficient of aerodynamic drag, and this promotes a quieter interior and fuel efficiency.  Lexus is known for smooth ride and luxury appointments, and the GS carries these charactristics.  Its fundamental sense of balance makes driving enjoyable. Even during a morning commute, you can seize a few moments of driving enjoyment.

The available 18-inch tires can make the ride a bit harsh. The GS 300 employs a 3.5-liter V6 engine that can generate up to 303 horsepower and 274 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. An all-wheel drive version is also available. The GS 300 can seat up to five passengers.

The Lexus features a DVD-based navigation system that has information for more than 6 million points of interest, while route searching is conducted at ten times the speed of previous-generation systems.  Voice recognition makes the system a hands-free experience for the user. The Bluetooth-compatible telephone system can be operated by voice command or through the seven-inch touch screen. Park Assist is another technological addition. It considers steering angle input as well as the usual distance-warning sensors to offer contact avoidance advice through graphics in the dashboard-mounted information screen. This advice also is displayed in the lower center of the speedometer, an area that is also used to show information from the trip computer, radar cruise status, distance monitoring and various warning messages.

Safety features that come standard include dual front air bags, front and rear side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, curtain-type head-protection air bags both and front and rear, and a tire-pressure monitor. Front and rear park assist and a rearview camera are standard on the GS 450h and optional on the other models.


Lincoln and Lexus both continue their tradition of eloquent, memorable vehicles with the LS and the GS.  The Lexus GS has a base MSRP of $44,550, and makes its mark with practicality as well as speed, restraint and luxury. The Lincoln LS makes an impressive return, after a short hiatus. It has a 280-horsepower, V-8, 32-valve, 3.9-liter DOHC and is a great bargain, with an MSRP starting at $39,285.