Lincoln’s fun-to-drive, well-mannered LS sedan has unfortunately been something of a wallflower since its introduction in 1999–in spite of capturing top honors as Motor Trend’s Car of the Year that year.  That’s partly because it’s a very good car in a segment that consists of nothing but very good cars.  The buyers of upscale sports sedans have been among the most discerning and, well, downright picky consumers since BMW and Mercedes came over in the early 1980s and hooked a generation of Yuppies on the joys of sports-car performance in a leather-wrapped four-door.

Lincoln hopes to increase the wow-factor of its shy four-door hot rod with the introduction of a new LSE performance and appearance package.  Quieter running, smoother transmission and a new “Ultimate” option package should also help the LS to get noticed.

The LS has been blessed (some might say cursed) with the same handsome, conservative lines since its introduction.  A black trapezoidal grille with a bold chrome surround puts the family heritage right up front, and quad round headlamps under glass are aggressively sporty.  The LS is long and low, with big wheels and strong fender flares.  The styling isn’t quite dated; it has a hint of the Sixties Lincolns designed by Virgil Exner (Lincoln purists, put those torches away, I said it was a hint) and even though it’s been a while since the LS’ introduction the face is aging well.  The LSE is the most aggressive LS, with a body-color grille, a handsomely smoothed front valance with a gaping air intake and round foglights, special seven-spoke chrome wheels and a rocker panel extension that wraps around into the rear bumper.

The greatest evolutionary strides have been made to the interior.  The tall center console is three times bigger than it used to be, and splits the front compartment into driver and passenger cockpits.  Like the rest of the Lincoln lineup, the LS’ interior is accented with satiny nickel trim.  Wood, aluminum or lacquered trim is used depending on the model.  The LS was already a comfortable place to spend a day of driving and the available THX sound system makes it even more so.  The full-Cleveland LS Ultimate shows that Lincoln hasn’t forgotten how to do gadgets, either; adjustable pedals, GPS, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, rain-sensing wipers, a rear parking assist, and Sirius satellite radio are all on the list.

A front-engine, rear-drive layout is the basic ingredient of the LS’ sporting nature.  The 3.0 liter V6 puts out 232 horsepower and enables the LS to play with the likes of Lexus’ IS300 and Acura’s 3.2TL.  Opt for the 3.9 liter V8 in your LS and you’ll get 280 horses, as well as the ability to dance with sedans like Mercedes’ E-Class and Audi’s A6.  Both V6 and V8 engines feature variable cam timing and electronic throttle control, for improved power delivery.  There’s only one sour spot; a five-speed automatic is the only transmission offered.

The lack of a manual is likely to drop the LS off of many enthusiasts’ lists, and that’s too bad because it really is fun to drive, even with the slushbox.  For 2004 suspension tweaks have tightened the front end just a little, but the fully independent setup that puts unequal-length control arms at all four corners (instead of the less racy MacPherson struts found on more pedestrian cars).  It’s not quite a BMW 5-series killer, but the LS will happily run with any Acura or Cadillac you care to name in spite of a rather portly 3800-lb curb weight.  Over our handling loop we even enjoyed the LS more than we did the Jaguar X-type.  AdvanceTrac stability control is also available.  In our wet-pavement driving, we found AdvanceTrac to be smart enough to keep the LS pointed straight even during intentionally stupid maneuvers.

We like the LSE best, with its racier looks, but the whole LS lineup is impressive.  Pricing starts at $34,495 for V6 powered models, and $40,060 for the V8.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2004 Lincoln LS.
Length:     193.9 in.
Width:        73.2 in.
Height:        56.1 in.
Wheelbase:    114.5 in.
Curb weight:    3768 lb.
Cargo space:    13.5 cu.ft.
Base price:    $40,060 (2003)
Engine:     3.9 liter DOHC 32-valve V8
Drivetrain:     five-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower:     280 @ 4000
Torque:     286 @ 4000
Est. mileage:    18/24

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