When the Lexus brand debuted a quarter-century ago, the full-size LS sedan was the first model. Today’s Lexus LS 460 stays true to the formula that’s kept the brand viable. LS is a quiet, competent luxury sedan that’s meant to minimize the stress of driving, while providing a sumptuous cocoon for five occupants. In addition to coupe-inspired design and strong V8 power, the LS 460 has the option of an F Sport package that can yield what Lexus calls “a more engaging driving experience.”
What's New for 2016
The multimedia system has been enhanced, so drivers can now display the navigation map across the entire 12.3-inch screen. Menu shortcuts have been added to the side of the screen, and voice recognition capability has been enhanced. The Remote Touch interface adds “enter” and “back” buttons. Structurally, body adhesive goes into more areas to improve rigidity. Lexus Enform Service Connect is new for 2016.
Choosing Your Lexus LS 460
The Lexus LS 460 is available in six configurations, and can be fitted with various option packages. Most buyers will choose a base sedan, but Lexus also offers a more aggressive F Sport package with 19-inch wheels, a revised suspension, and larger brakes. All versions feature a 4.6-liter V8 engine that develops up to 386 horsepower, driving an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is an option. Long-wheelbase “L” models have five additional inches of space for rear-seat passengers.
Fuel economy with rear-wheel drive is estimated at 16 mpg in city driving and 24 mpg on the highway (19 mpg in combined driving). The highway-driving estimate dips slightly, to 23 mpg (18 mpg combined), with all-wheel drive or the extended wheelbase.
LS 460
Priced at $72,520 (plus destination charge), the base LS 460 comes with heated/ventilated front seats, 16-way power driver’s seat, power passenger seat, wood trim, moonroof, and 10-speaker audio. The multimedia system with navigation includes a 12.3-inch screen, HD radio, Bluetooth audio, traffic/weather data, and a cache radio button that saves up to 15 minutes of music. Lexus Drive Select has three settings: Normal, Eco, or Sport S.
Major options include an air suspension, Executive Class Seating Package with four-zone climate control, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert, pre-collision system, driver attention monitor, semi-aniline upholstery and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
For sharper agility, the $9,980 F Sport Package adds a sport-tuned adaptive air suspension, a torque-sensing limited slip differential (rear-drive), Brembo six-piston front brakes, Alcantara headliner, aluminum interior trim, a black-surround grille, round foglamps, and paddle shifters. Forged alloy 19-inch wheels lower the car by 0.4 inch.
LS 460 AWD
The all-wheel-drive model reduces the V8 to 360 horsepower, but adds an all-wheel drive system with a Torsen limited-slip rear differential. F Sport is available with all-wheel drive.
LS 460L
For $6,300 more than a regular LS 460, the L model gets five inches of length in the wheelbase to give more rear legroom over the short wheelbase model. Equipment levels are largely the same, but the F Sport package is not available.
LS 460L AWD
The long-wheelbase all-wheel-drive model has standard equipment similar to the LS 460 AWD.
Despite costing almost $10,000 extra, the F Sport package doesn't turn the LS into a luxury sport sedan akin to a Jaguar XJR or Maserati Quattroporte. May as well stick with the standard suspension, to preserve the isolation that the Lexus does best. Options, unfortunately, are lumped into expensive packages. Lexus calls its AWD system “all-weather drive,” emphasizing the fact that it’s intended solely to improve foul-weather traction.
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