How Sporty Are They?Where the Lincoln LS really shines is in handling and chassis dynamics. It's clear the car's platform team put the emphasis on sportiness right at the top of the priority list. With a well-tuned independent double-wishbone/coil-spring suspension, both front and rear and its 51/49 weight distribution, the LS is nicely balanced with a neutral feel and razor-sharp responsiveness that allow it to hug a corner with the best of them. At the limit, the car feels predictable, stable, and forgiving and is perhaps the best-handling sedan built in America. This was confirmed at the test track, where the LS achieved the best numbers of the threesome, out-slaloming the 528i 63.6 mph to 63.1. Both posted the same 0.83 lateral g in the skidpad. The LS' steering has a little more assist than the 528i's, yet offers good on-center feel and a predictable, linear turn-in. There is, however, more kickback when hitting a large bump while cornering, although it's also quick to recover.
The tradeoff for this sharp handling is sports-car-firm ride quality. This is part of what gives the LS its Euro-feel ambiance, and in most situations the tuning is very liveable. Overall, though, the suspension isn't as refined or dynamically isolated as its overseas competitors, lacking both the finesse of the 528i and the plushness of the GS 300. On rougher pavement, in particular, the LS can become a little too "thumpy" and annoying, especially during a long stint of driving.
Hopping from the LS into the 528i makes it clear that BMW has a lot more experience in creating a "BMW-like" driving experience than does Ford. Also benefiting from a four-wheel double-wishbone/coil-spring suspension and 51/49 weight distribution, the 528i still remains the sport/luxury sedan against which all others will be measured in terms of handling and driving excitement. The suspension provides just enough controlled compliance to make the ride luxuriously comfortable, without feeling stiff. Like the Lincoln, the 528i feels like it was born for the twisties with good grip in corners and a stable, confidence-inspiring feel even in hard transient maneuvers. From behind the wheel, you have the unshakeable confidence that the car will go where you point it. The BMW gives up nothing to the Lincoln in absolute at-the-limit handling and delivers a much more comfortable, liveable ride. The BMW's steering is absolutely precise, predictable, and solid, but is also the heaviest feeling of the three. There's perhaps no better steering for pushing the limits of a vehicle, but some people accustomed to pure luxo-car feel may wish for a bit more assist.
While the BMW and Lincoln both place their priorities on sport driving, the GS 300 reaches for more of a balance between sportiness and comfort. With plusher suspension tuning, the GS is the most all-around comfortable ride on all road surfaces, yet remains well controlled, not at all floaty. The tradeoff for this is lower handling limits than the others, as evidenced by its 60.9-mph slalom and 0.80-lateral-g skidpad. The steering, too, is the lightest, most assisted of the group, again opting for ease of use over pure driving control. Make no mistake, though, the GS 300 remains a thoroughly fun car to drive, with precise, linear steering and handling that will likely satisfy most drivers' appetite for performance. Even without a manual gearbox option, the GS will still paste a smile across your wide-eyed face.
...
>>next page