the car seems special. Unlike so many new cars, it feels instantly comfortable and familiar. LS 400 controls and

instruments are among the best in the industry

The big tachometer and speedometer are flanked by smaller temperature and fuel gauges. Lighted, pure white needles

appear to float over the background numbers. It's very modern and now imitated by other manufacturers

Most driving controls are on three stalks. The one on the left controls the lights, the long one on the right the

wipers and the short one just below it the cruise control. Though not quite as convenient as cruise control buttons

on the wheel for the thumbs, the button and lever on the LS 400 can be easily reached without taking your hands off

the wheel

The center console is elegant. At the top are a clock, digital thermometer and temperature controls. The LS 400

uses large buttons for heating and cooling controls. Below the climate controls are the controls for a seven-speaker,

195-watt AM/FM/cassette stereo. The knobs are big and easy to use. The $1,050 six-disc CD changer is in front of the

passenger seat, cleverly hidden behind a door that looks like the glove box. The actual glove box , and it's a big

one, is just below that

A new trip computer is standard this year. Gas mileage and other information is displayed on a readout below the

speedometer. Drivers can click through the data with buttons on the steering wheel. While just about every luxury

car has this kind of thing now, the green words and numbers seem out of place on the elegant Lexus instrument panel

A new $2,250 satellite navigation system screen dominates the center console; it features a touch-sensitive

screen that displays colorful maps showing your travel route, while a pleasant female voice provides directions.

The optional system integrates the heating and radio controls; your favorite radio stations can be selected by

touching a menu on the video screen

In the center arm rest are two levels of storage bins. In front of them are two cupholders that pop up at the

touch of the finger. Actually, they glide up at the touch of a finger, at that trademark elegant, controlled pace.

Even the coat hooks over the back doors deploy with a calculated elegance

All of the safety equipment you'd expect is here: Dual air bags, and antilock brakes are standard, and this year

side air bags are too. A $2,020 traction control system is available to help keep this big rear-wheel-drive sedan

steady on ice and snow

We had no problem getting comfortable in the front seats of this car. Two electronic levers position the seats

just so. The seats are a wonderful blend of the cushy, recliner-like seats found in American luxury cars and the much harder, heavily bolstered seats in European sport-luxury cars. An unusual, square button on the steering column allows tilt and telescope adjustments.

Two adults should find the back seats comfortable with plenty of knee and hip room. But those over 6-feet may brush their heads on the roof unless they slouch down. Putting three adults back there is not really an option because of the hump down the middle of the floor for the driveshaft.