Overview & Reviews

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 is the latest model in this well-known premium luxury sedan line, boasting a supremely smooth V8, an eight-speed automatic transmission, handsome styling, impeccable fit and finish and, for the first time, an extended-wheelbase model. Known as the LS 460 L, this longer LS provides significantly more legroom for rear-seat passengers and competes directly against similar extended-wheelbase models offered by European luxury-brand automakers.

At the same time, Lexus has managed to make most of the LS 460's extensive technology intuitive, with most major functions controlled by good-ol' buttons and a touchscreen. Considering that these cars are often purchased by an older demographic, this is good news since the interfaces in competing models can be bewildering for even the most tech-savvy members of the Internet generation. For anyone interested in a large luxury sedan, the LS 460 deserves serious consideration.

Current Lexus LS 460
Under the skin of the current Lexus LS 460 is a 4.6-liter V8 with 386 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque (with standard rear-wheel drive) or 360 hp and 347 lb-ft (with optional all-wheel drive). An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on every LS 460. Although the big Lexus still wraps its occupants in a cocoon of peace and quiet, various suspension and steering tweaks make for a more involving drive. There's even an available F Sport package with firmer suspension and steering tuning and upgraded brakes.  

Standard features include 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, adjustable drive settings, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery and a power adjustable steering wheel. There's also a navigation system, the Lexus Remote Touch interface, Bluetooth phone and audio, the Lexus Enform suite of smartphone-integrated apps, a Siri-based control system for iPhone users and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio, satellite radio and an iPod/USB interface. The 460 L adds a power-closing trunk, heated and cooled front seats and a power rear sunshade.

Option highlights include power rear seats, an adjustable air suspension, adaptive cruise control and the aforementioned F Sport package. The "L" version can be fitted with the Executive-Class Seating package which provides a pair of plush rear seats (separated by a console with a cool box), a power ottoman and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

In reviews we noted the LS 460 is still the serene, comfortable cruiser we'd expect. But now there's a sharper, more responsive feel to the steering and a more composed attitude when pressed on serpentine back roads. Although the Drive Mode Select doesn't turn the LS 460 into a sport sedan, it can provide a firmer, more controlled ride. Some will note that the LS' V8 isn't quite as potent as some European rivals', who also offer ultra-high-output variants of their big sedans. But this Lexus flagship boasts brisk performance that should be more than enough for most folks. And beyond that, there's also the appeal of Lexus overall quality, reliability and value.

Used Lexus LS 460 Models
The current Lexus LS 460 debuted as a redesigned 2013 model and kept its traditional strengths of impeccable build quality, strong yet quiet performance and a roomy, tranquil cabin stocked with the latest in luxury features. Most sheet metal was carried over, with the notable change being Lexus' signature angular grille design. The cabin was updated as well, with more fancy stitching and padded surfaces. Functional upgrades included the old touchscreen being replaced by Lexus' Remote Touch interface with its large display and mouselike controller. The following year, Siri Eyes Free iPhone control was added.

The previous-generation Lexus LS 460 was produced from 2007 through 2012. Throughout its run it received only minor updates. This LS 460 was a full-size luxury sedan available in regular 460 and extended-wheelbase 460 L body styles.

As its name suggests, this LS 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 with 380 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. Power went to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. For '09, all-wheel drive became optional while the following year brought a Sport package, with the latter including bigger wheels, summer tires, upgraded brakes, a sport-tuned suspension and slightly different body styling. In our instrumented testing, the LS 460 went from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds -- on par with rivals in this segment.

The LS 460's standard feature highlights included automatic xenon headlamps, automatic wipers, a sunroof, keyless entry/ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, wood trim, a power-adjustable steering wheel and power/heated front seats. Option highlights include a navigation system, heated and cooled front seats, adaptive cruise control, regular park assist and even an Advanced Parking Guidance System. The LS 460 L also offered an available air suspension and a package that dropped rear seat capacity to two passengers and added a rear center console with cooled storage, reclining climate-controlled seats, ottomans and a DVD entertainment system.

For '10, this generation received its most notable changes that included updated electronics (iPod interface and Bluetooth audio), Lexus' Safety Connect emergency telematics and the aforementioned Sport package. Visually, only slightly revised taillights gave it away.

In our reviews of this Lexus LS 460, we found it to be impressively quiet. Drivers and passengers are coddled in a cocoon of luxurious serenity. That peace does create an isolated feeling that kills some involvement between car and driver -- this can be viewed as a good or bad thing depending on your point of view. Handling is competent, but obviously calibrated more for comfort than tight handling. The optional adjustable air suspension does give the driver some choices, however.

While we think other large, premium luxury sedans are more rewarding to drive and own, the Lexus LS 460 is less expensive to purchase and likely much less expensive to maintain. Most consumers should find it an exquisite way to travel thanks to its smooth and effortless performance, supremely comfortable interior and full menu of high-tech gizmos.

Previous to this model, Lexus sold the LS 430. The LS was first introduced for 1990 and there have been four generations since then.

User Reviews:

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  Excellent car - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By Derek - October 23 - 4:33 am

  Extremely comfortable, quiet and smooth car, yet surprisingly powerful and fuel efficient, a great car for commute and family trips, cant find anything wrong with the car. Lexus service has been excellent, no complains at all! This is my first Lexus and Im very happy with it so far. ML audio is superb, got to get it if you want good music while driving!

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  2011 LS 460 AWD - 2011 Lexus LS 460
  By rl007 - October 14 - 4:55 am

  Previous Mercedes owner....now have 2010 RX 350 and 2010 GX 460 and just got 2011 LS 460 AWD. A soft quiet excellent ride, (but 2010 RX 350 feels more of a drivers car.) Appointments and materials first rate. Excellent fit and finish. Acceleration with V-8 excellent, powerful and controlled.

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  Great car, but still has some issues - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By tommyguy - October 12 - 12:26 am

  After a year with this car, it has been very dependable. However, like with most other owners, the side wind noise drives me batty. And calls to Lexus say that it is a design problem, that nothing can be done about it, and the problem wont be addressed until about the 2011 model year. Bummer. Also, the complete lockout of nearly every navigation feature while in motion renders the system nearly useless. Dont waste the money on this. Buy a Garman instead.

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  Squeaks and rattles - 2009 Lexus LS 460
  By SteveF - September 19 - 1:46 am

  Great car except for the squeaks and rattles in both the drivers and front passenger doors and in the drivers seat. Had it back to the dealer 4 times in 5 months - I finally gave up and sold the car back to the dealer and took a loss. Is this really the pursuit of perfection? Goodbye Lexus - you built a true lemon. Never had these problems with my S-class or 7 series cars.

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  Cross country experience - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Tom N - September 6 - 5:56 pm

  I drove my LS 460L on two long trips, one 1,200 miles, the other 4,300 miles. The car was flawless. Using radar cruise, MPG was as high as 30.1 and no lower than 26.7 in a very strong headwind. With a 22.2 gallon tank, the range is terrific and after driving long stretches there was very little driver fatigue. This is my fourth Lexus and the only car of the four that was perfect right off the lot. Having recently owned competitor’s cars, I think this is the very best value on the market today. I drove the LS 460L, Mercedes 550, and BMW 750 back to back. When driving each car I couldn’t find enough of a driver experiene difference so my decision came down to features and the Lexus won.

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  Perfect ; absolutely Perfect - 2012 Lexus LS 460
  By mitchellrowe - August 31 - 7:26 am

  2012 LS 460 ; standard AWD , flawless . now that the automobile is perfect ( even premium michelin rubber) , its time for a model change to create unhappiness for awhile . --- absolutly reccomend the 2012 LS ... save + $ 30 k over a 550s MB with 4 matic ... and no need for constanr maintenance ! .... Beats the pants off the Jag , leaves Caddy in the distant dust , saves $ 100 k over a Bentley . Double Black , or White with Alabaster are stunners . The only MUST HAVE OPTION IS THE LEVINSON RADIO . ( perfect balance , crisp stand out highs , and completely undistorted Bass ( last model year for this model Levinson ) ... Gas Mileage is 24 + on the highway ( 92+ ) mitchell rowe ;

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  LS 460L - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Dan - June 20 - 9:53 am

  Exceptional quality again. As always, Lexus provides the smoothest, reasonable luxury car on the market. The LS 460L finally brings a sportier look than the previous 430s. The controls remain very intuitive and significantly easier to use than my previous BMW 760Li or Mercedes CL 55. If you want a lots of back seat legroom, quiet, quiet, smooth and reliable there is nothing better. And the cost remains relatively low.

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  Ultimate Luxury - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By astrotoy - May 10 - 1:53 am

  This is my 2nd LS. My 1991 LS 400 lasted 16 years/350K miles. My 460L Exec Class has 4 seats, including the recliner with ottoman and massage. It also came with the nav system, Mark Levinson sound, DVD drop down screen. My brother-in-law was in the recliner watching a movie through the wireless headset and getting a Shiatsu massage, said I needed to have a chauffeurs hat. Many more electronic controls than my old LS, but they are laid out in a simple way and pretty intuitive, though reading the encyclopedic manual is very useful. Wind noise issue seems solved for the later built cars (mine was built in 7/07), but test drive the car you are buying.

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  Nice car, but disappointment - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By carlover - April 21 - 4:20 am

  Ive owned S500s, 7-series, A8s, and an LS 430. After my latest car (04 S500), I decided to give Lexus another try with their new LS 460L. After owning the car for a few months now, Ive come to realize why it is so much cheaper than its claimed competition (S550, A8L, 750Li.) The performance, attention to detail, driving technology advancement, luxury, and style is sub par when compared with the German makes. After switching between my wifes 745Li and this car, I definitely notice the small touches with the BMW that add up to huge diff. (i.e., driver oriented controls, smoother/wider power band, brakes that automatically dry themselves, power closing drs, etc.).

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  Transmission noise - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By ted - March 25 - 6:20 am

  Previously owned a LS 430. LS 460 similar with improvements. Great audio system and ride but not sports car like in quality.