2010 Lexus LS 460 (photos)

The LS received its last major update in 2006, getting its current power train. The 2010 model reflects some slight styling changes and updated cabin tech.

With this model's sport package, it gets a black-painted wire grille.

The 4.6-liter V-8--a very efficient engine in the LS combining port and direct injection--is clad in plastic covers for aesthetics and sound deadening.

Although a generally conservative design, the LS 460 still shows some style for a big, executive sedan. The car is also available in stretched format, which adds some inches to the rear seat area.

The standard air suspension gives the LS 460 a fantastically smooth ride, but its sport setting never quite delivers.

We like how the rear pipes are molded into the bodywork, a design cue since copied by other automakers.

The trunk of the LS 460 is very roomy.

The cabin does not go overboard with luxury, but is nicely trimmed in leather and wood.

Lexus uses an electric power-steering system that is well-tuned to offer some road feel.

The transmission does not have a Sport mode, but can be manually shifted using either the shifter or paddles on the steering wheel.

Among the destination entry options is Destination Assist, a new feature that dials out to a Lexus telematics operator, who can send addresses to the car's navigation system.

The navigation system's maps are easy to read, but they are strictly 2D.

A weather feature lets you view forecasts for certain areas around the country.

You can dial numbers on screen using this keypad for the Bluetooth phone system, or choose an entry from the address book, which downloads contacts from paired phones. Voice command lets you dial a contact by saying the name.

Among the stereo sources are Bluetooth streaming audio, USB, iPod, satellite radio, and the CD changer.

This iPod interface proved sluggish, taking a long time to populate each screen.

The audio quality from the Mark Levinson system is excellent. It uses 19 speakers and a 450-watt amp.