A large amount of city and highway driving in all kinds of weather was necessary during my week with the 1998 LS400. In a lesser car, it could have been tedious or aggravating. In the LS, it was pleasant. Tasteful conservatism and evolutionary styling change befit a premium luxury automobile, and allow easy product identification. The 1998 LS400 is discernably a Lexus, and at first glance seems little different from its namesake of 1989, let alone last year's car.
Closer examination reveals a look that is more athletically toned, yet still elegant.
The new LS is differs little from the previous version, but minor changes make all the difference. Restyled headlight clusters are more rounded and smaller, leaving space between the lights and the grille. This, and a restyled front bumper and lower fascia that incorporates a more apparent air dam, enhance the subtly sporting look of the car. The new front fascia echoes the discreet performance image given by the small ducktail spoiler on the trunk lid. The 1998 LS400's increased performance envelope hasn't decreased comfort any.