soft leather upholstery and satiny wood trim. You'll find those in almost every luxury

car. They don't set the Lexus apart; features and design do.

Start with the dashboard. The instruments and controls are logical, handsome and

easy to use. Gauges are of the electro-luminescent -virtual+ type; when the ignition's

turned on, the pointers light up on an otherwise black panel, followed by the numbers

a moment later. Some eyes may note a slight flickering of the display when it is set

at full brightness, but that can be overcome by turning down the dimmer.

Also on the plus side of the LS scorecard are the seats. The front buckets can be

adjusted to suit occupants of almost every size and shape, and are comfortable for

trips of any length. The rear seat doesn't move, but doesn't have to; there's enough

room in back to accommodate even the tallest passengers, a distinct improvement over

the previous edition.

Aside from the gorgeous gauges, there's nothing especially unusual about the LS

interior. No special fitments, no heads-up displays or built-in blenders to mix

strawberry smoothies while you're underway--just the expected array of power assists

and comfort and convenience features, including an automatic climate control system

with separate settings for driver and passenger. What sets this space apart is the way

all systems look and feel, and by its amazingly low noise levels. That's something

better conveyed by a test drive than by words.

There are, however, some extra-nice touches. The optional CD changer is a 6-disc

unit that is built into the dashboard instead of soaking up trunk space. There are a

pair of gloveboxes, one above and one below the passenger's airbag. The steering

column has both tilt and telescope adjustments; these, like seats, windows, door locks

and mirrors, are electrically operated. And there are a myriad of smaller but no less

thoughtful features, ranging from illuminated seat belt buckles to individual map

lights for each occupant.

Extras? Choose an upgraded audio system, with or without CD changer. Add a

cellular phone if you like. Get carpeted floor mats. Order a memory system that

recalls driver's seat, steering wheel and mirror adjustments for two pilots. Or you

can simply enjoy a fine interior that doesn't really need any options.