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. Simply put, the LS is a quiet, competent luxury sedan that promises 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 has called “a more engaging driving experience.”
What's New for 2017
A Luxury Special Edition has joined the lineup, featuring a Nightfall Mica exterior, Dark Brown interior with Ecru stitching, wood trim, a black/gold metallic grille insert, 19-inch wheels, and black Alcantara headliner. In spring 2017, an F Sport Special Edition will be added.
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 the base sedan, but Lexus also offers the 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 and 367 pound-feet of torque, 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). With all-wheel drive, the highway-driving estimate dips slightly, to 23 mpg (18 mpg combined).
Base
Priced at $73,495 (destination charge included), the base LS 460 comes with heated and ventilated front seats, wood trim, a sunroof, navigation with traffic and weather data, and a 10-speaker sound system and satellite radio and Bluetooth audio. The Lexus Drive Select system offers three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport.
Major options include an adaptive air suspension, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a collision mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, semi-aniline upholstery, and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
AWD
Starting at $76,440, the all-wheel-drive model reduces the V8 to 359 horsepower, but adds an all-wheel drive system with a Torsen limited-slip rear differential.
F Sport
For sharper agility with a standard-length model, the F Sport package adds a sport-tuned adaptive air suspension, Brembo brakes, an Alcantara headliner, aluminum interior trim, a black-surround grille, round foglamps, and paddle shifters. BBS forged alloy 19-inch wheels lower the car by 0.4 inch. Sport S+ and Comfort driving modes are available. A torque-sensing limited slip differential is included with the rear-drive model, priced at $81,845. With all-wheel drive, the F Sport comes to $84,300.
L
For $6,300 more than a regular LS 460, the L model gets five extra inches in the wheelbase for more room in back. Equipment levels are largely the same, but the F Sport package is not available. An optional Executive Class Seating Package includes amenities such as four-zone climate control, rear-seat entertainment, and a Shiatsu massager.
L AWD
Priced at $83,280, the long-wheelbase all-wheel-drive model has standard equipment similar to the LS 460 AWD.
Despite an additional cost as high as $8,350, the F Sport package doesn't turn the LS into a luxury sport sedan comparable to a Jaguar XJR or Maserati Quattroporte. We’d stick with the standard suspension to preserve the isolated feeling LS is known for. 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. In snowbelt regions, especially, that can be a big plus.
Get your price on a Lexus LS 460 »
Read our review on the Lexus LS 460 »