There's ample space for heads and legs and elbows, and enough room in the rear seat to cross even long legs without touching the front seatback. The three-person rear bench has contoured spaces for two and a broad center fold-down armrest. The armrest features a padded storage drawer and a panel to control the heated seats, compact disc player and rear climate system. Extensive applications of leather and rich wood set an opulent mood.

The driver faces an adjustable steering wheel trimmed in wood and leather, mounted in front of a new instrument panel with vivid electroluminescent analog gauges that are among the best available. To the right and immediately above the console, a seven-inch touch screen incorporates controls for climate and audio, as well as the optional navigation system. All variables and instructions show up on the screen as bold and legible icons that simplify operations; you can also use voice commands to direct the action.

Again and again, the Lexus uses complex computer technology to simplify the driving experience. The automatic climate system, for example, reads temperature sensors around the cabin, and sun-sensing articulated air registers deploy in particular areas as needed to combat a solar heating.

Extensive safety measures begin with the strong structure, incorporating impact-absorbing crumple zones and steel reinforcements surrounding the passenger compartment. Seat-mounted side airbags help augment the required front-mounted bags to shield front-seat riders. Side-curtain airbags are mounted above the side windows, front and rear. High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers and front side window glass that repels water enhance driver visibility.

Active safety controls include anti-lock brakes, which automatically apply extra braking force during emergency stops. An advanced vehicle skid control (VSC) system weds ABS and traction controllers with microprocessors to correct oversteer or understeer. These systems help the driver to maintain control of the LS 430 in emergency maneuvers even when he or she panics and makes mistakes.