For more than 20 years, Lexus’ LS has showcased the brand’s top levels of technology, interior furnishings and driving refinement. The Lexus LS 460, this month’s wish list choice, is the latest model in this well-known premium luxury line, boasting a supremely smooth V8, an eight-speed automatic transmission, handsome styling, impeccable fit and finish.
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| Lexus LS460 |
Looks
A look at the extra-large Lexus Spindle Grille on the new LS and one quickly sees the sign of dramatic change. The grille itself is completely framed in chrome and is flanked on two levels by LED light detailing. The first, on the lower level, are the new horizontal LED fog light units. Higher up Lexus’ now familiar LED daytime running light signature is visible in micro-engineered LEDs that form a single light row and higher intensity lighting. The headlights give the LS has an imposing presence in the dark, while its intelligent Adaptive Front lighting Systems (AFS) uses sensors to automatically move one or both light units to adjust front light coverage based on ambient light, pedestrians and weather conditions.
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| Front design dominated by the spindle grille |
The new sculpted bonnet draws the eye across the sound-insulating windscreen and across the roof and along the chiselled flanks to the rear of the vehicle. On the way to the new rear light clusters you will notice new 19-inch alloy wheels, restyled side mirrors with integrated LED turn indicators, standard privacy glass (with rear side and back window automated blinds) and new side skirts. At the rear the light signature is completed with L-shaped light guides that were designed to increase day and night time visibility, while enhancing the saloon’s low-slung appearance. The restyled rear boot lid conceals a reverse camera and rear sensors that work in combination with the vehicle’s blind spot monitoring system.
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| Longer for extra legroom |
Power
The Lexus LS 460 is equipped with an upgraded 4.6-litre V8 with 32 valves and dual intelligent variable valve timing (Dual VVT-i) that delivers maximum figures of 285 kW (382 hp) and 493 Nm of torque. The engine propels the LS 460 to 100 km/h from rest in 5.7 seconds and top speed is governed at 250 km/h. Accompanying the performance is a new aural sound track thanks to the inclusion of a new acoustically engineered sound amplifier linked to the V8 engine. Fuel consumption was tested at 10.7-litres per 100 km. The power is delivered to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode, while all four corners ride on adaptive multi-link air suspension.
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| Cockpit |
Comfort
Once inside the driver and passengers are pampered by some of the world’s finest leather and real wood or bamboo inserts. The new dashboard and instrument binnacle uses minimalist design cues and standard adaptive mood lighting to create a calming interior where all controls fall easily to hand, but is never overpowering. The Lexus LS 460 features a world first Climate Concierge system. The system uses sensors to measure the temperature of each of zones and the exterior and adjust the standard four zone climate control, seat heating and cooling and heated steering wheel accordingly.
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| Spacious rear seating |
The Lexus LS460 is equipped with many more upgraded features such as 16-way power seat adjustment with memory function for the driver and 14-way adjustment for the front passenger. The rear occupants in the Lexus LS 460 also have access to a power operated roof mounted rear seat screen with in-built entertainment and connecting ports for most auxiliary entertainment systems.
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| Rear design with L-Shaped lights |
Verdict
Lexus steps up its game with the Lexus LS 460. The driving experience and interior trappings now stack up better to the best from Europe, while the Lexus brand pillars of bulletproof quality and relative value carry on. While we think other large, premium luxury saloons are more rewarding to drive and own, the Lexus LS 460 is cheaper and most consumers should find it an exquisite way to travel. The Lexus LS 460’s powerful engine, supremely comfortable interior and full menu of high-tech gizmos make it a hard vehicle to fault.