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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  LS460 F SPORT - 2013 Lexus LS 460
  By taylormade2107 - March 11 - 8:19 pm

  Must say that the LS460 F Sport is much better choice then the regular model in its class. Before buying this LS, I drove the 750IL, S-class and A8. I find the LS Sport is the best choice overall in terms of looks, feels and comfort. The exterior of this the F Sport in white makes the 2014 S-class, Audi A8 or 750IL looking ugly. Lexus has done an outstanding job in the new body stye and the reason why I bought the F sport model. especially in the F Sport Model. It rides like butter in any condition. For the money and its Lexus I wouldnt think twice. I owned the CL550 AMG 2010 and traded in for this F Sport in Aug 30 and it has been a joyable ride so far. Highly recommended car.

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  Big transition from GS 430 - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By rnovaq71 - March 8 - 5:26 pm

  This LS460 is a big step from the 05 LS 430 I owned and a quantum leap from the 06 GS 430 I just traded up from. This LS 460 is some machine. It does everything well, drives like nothing else Ive driven. Just silky smooth!

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  THE BEST YET - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By alandgrace - March 8 - 4:30 pm

  I have owned 39 cars in the past 50 years including 1981 Imperial, 1977 New Yorker, 1962 Thunderbird,2002 Infiniti Q-45, 2006 Infiniti M, 2006 Lexus LS430, and this is the best yet. It outperforms the Q-45, handles better than the LS430, and is just as quiet as the LS430. The Nobel Spinael Mica is the most beautiful color I have ever owned. We drive 2500 miles to CA to visit the children and driving 600 miles a day in 4 days is a breeze. The gas mileage for a 380 HP engine is incredible. In our last trip to CA, we averaged 29 MPG. I have gotten as high as 31 MPG on a 500 mile round trip. No car is perfect, but this one is as close as I have ever owned.

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  Not just another luxery car. - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By DJE1981 - March 7 - 4:30 pm

  Since 1995 I have owned 6 Audi A6s and one 89 Mercedes. Loved the Mercedes but when it reached 360,000 miles we figured it was time for a new car. Mercedes new look just didnt seem to appeal to us, and we knew we were over Audi. Awesome cars, when under warranty (the reason we owned 6) When we saw the Lexus 460 it was instantly our favorite car weve ever owned. My wife is a terrible driver/parker but now I can trust her with it because it literally parks itself. She loves it, and I love not repairing ding marks. I will never sell this Lexus, which surprised myself because I am not a Toyota fan at all. Ill tell you one thing, when our audis warranty is up, were buying another Lexus.

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  Poetry in Motion - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By aproforyou - January 21 - 9:26 am

  This is my third Lexus. Ive owned a 1996 Lexus coupe, a 2001 LS 430, and now a Lexus LS 460. I believe the 460 is both smooth and powerful. I like the wind tunnel design and the 8 speed transmission. I also drive a 2006 Corvette coupe. This car accelerates with a rush, and the controls are where they were on the LS 430. I like the changes to the navigation system, the bluetooth phone and the hard disk on which to record my music.

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  2008 LS 460 - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By ken - November 21 - 6:56 pm

  We went with the Black, with Tan Interior. Great car, I get total strangers coming up to me and telling me what a great looking car I have. That never gets old. Rides great, very comfortable, easy to use nav, love the back up camera and sensors, door auto close and trunk auto open and close, heated and cooled front seats and heated rear. Fair gas mileage, about 17 in town and 19 on Highway. This is well worth the money, will never own anything else.

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  Disappointing for the money - 2010 Lexus LS 460
  By dav2149 - August 2 - 5:30 am

  I traded my 2002 LS-430 for the 460. The older 430 seemed much more of a luxury car in style, roominess, and feel. The gas mileage on the 460 is awful and exterior style is not distinctive enough to set it apart as a luxury car. It looks like a car costing $30-45K rather than the sticker $76K .

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  Another Home Run - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By Mike Chadwick - April 19 - 7:30 am

  This is my second LS, the first was a 1995 LS 400, I ran it for 15 years. This car is very much the same, just much more advanced, smooth and powerful. Lexus is getting pricey is the only bad thing, but once youre used to this car no other even comes close. I tried to find a more economical replacement but there are none on the market. The German cars that are in the same league are unreliable and even more overpriced than this one, and because I keep my cars forever theyre not an option for me. If I leased it wouldnt matter, outside of how much time you care to waste in a car dealership.

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  Wow! - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By jr - April 13 - 6:53 am

  This is so much superior to the LS 400 or 430 in style and features, and has much more get up and go. I love the handling and the brake hold is an innovation that I would not of imagined. I use it all the time. Very easy to program the car, even tho there are so many electronic marvels to use.

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  A car to love! - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By xman - February 28 - 5:40 pm

  I love this car! Very comfortable and smooth. Quiet on freeway and car just cruises. The 8 speed transmission keeps car even more quiet.