The LHS delivers a smooth ride quality, filtering out unwanted vibration without isolating the driver from the road. Noise and vibration, though not the best in the class, are low. The LHS is tuned a bit more in the direction of luxurious ride quality, but it feels extremely stable at high speeds. Steering is direct and precise and is among the best in the class. Quiet when cruising, the engine serves notice with an aggressive growl when provoked.
Plenty of power is on tap for accelerating away from intersections, onto freeways and passing cars.
A broad torque curve means it's ready to provide instant throttle response at any speed. The automatic transmission selects the appropriate gears and does not hunt excessively. The brakes have been refined and provide good stopping power and pedal feel. We checked out some of the competition on an undulating, wet, winding road through Georgia's Chattahoochie National Forest. Compared with the LHS, the tires on the Lincoln Continental lacked grip and the brakes felt mushy.