Driving Impressions
reviewed by
For the most part, the 214-horsepower, 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 provides
good performance for the LHS. It tends to be a little noisy under hard
starts and aggressive passes and it doesn't have the off-the-line torque
of a big V8. The LHS, however, weighs considerably less than the Lincoln
Continental and Cadillac Seville and about the same as the Infiniti J30
and Mercedes E-class, which helps make the most of the available power.
The four-speed automatic transmission is smooth and seamless most of
the time. But stand on the gas pedal and shifts tend to get rough and abrupt--or
more positive, depending on your perspective.
The traction control system that comes as standard equipment reduces
wheelspin, particularly when accelerating from a standstill on slippery
surfaces. If the system senses that the front wheels are spinning it will
automatically apply the brakes, pulsing them rapidly until the offending
tire regains its grip.
The LHS is surprisingly agile given its size. With its taut suspension,
it handles like a smaller sedan. Steering is precise with good on-center
feel. The power assist makes the steering feel a bit on the light side
and the LHS leans in corners more than a Lexus or Mercedes, but overall
it handles better than the heavier Lincoln Continental.
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