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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  Mostly better, but interior brain burps! - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By archiefriend - March 14 - 3:20 am

  Mostly better than LS430. Most important, much stiffer spring rates allow still supple ride, but much better roll resistance, and much less lean in turns. Bridgestone Turanzas give vastly superior dry and wet handling. Engine much more powerful and responsive. Interior ergonomics disappointing. Placement of gear shifter much too close to dash, requiring awkward access to buttons for AM/Sat, FM, and CD. Why does the car over-ride selected air-recirculation when in reverse, allowing exhaust gas to enter cabin?

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  Beware wind and road noise - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By MrTl - February 19 - 10:16 am

  Dont make the same mistake I did. The LS 460 is noisy. New drivers might not notice it but there should be no wind noise. I am in the process of having the two front side windows replaced. There is a significant problem with wind and road noise with this model. After one window was fixed which did correct the wind noise, of course there is now a noise in the door. Lexus needs to fix the windows. In addition this engine is more noisy than the ones in the past

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  Great Car But Beware of GPS - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By jpm - January 15 - 6:20 am

  I love the car, which overall is bulletproof in terms of reliability. The GPS system, however, is as non-intuitive as you could get without showing instructions in a foreign language, and the directions are terrible, taking you on all sorts of wild goose chases. My wifes GX 470 has the same problems. Why Lexus cannot come up with a decent GPS system is beyond comprehension.

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  Less Car than Earlier Model - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By econpasha - October 7 - 2:40 pm

  Took this car on two long trips, to Washington, DC and Florida, and now have 4000 miles on it. At highway speeds, there is significant wind noise. Also, unlike my earlier 1994 model LS 400, it feels lighter on the road. I dont feel any pride of ownership. Yes, it gets good gas mileage: 29 miles on the highway. But no feel for the road, and wind noise is simply awful. I miss my BMW.

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  Wind noise unacceptable, comfort disapp - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Bob M - October 3 - 9:43 pm

  I owned a 2002 LS430. This car is not as comfortable and the wind noise is totally unacceptable. The dealer has installed the factory recommended fix, but my wife does not like to ride in the car because the wind noise is so bad. The LS430 was so comfortable and quiet that I made the mistake of not road testing the LS460 extensively. My assumption was that it would be improved. That was a BIG mistake. In contrast to the LS430, the LS460s seats are very uncomfortable after a couple of hours on the road. If the factory does not come up with a fix for the wind noise, this will be the last Lexus that I purchase.

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  A Disappointing Update - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By Rick S - updated - February 9 - 12:00 pm

  Now that I have had this car for 2 1/2 years, I thought I would add an updated review. This is our 4th Lexus and I am disappointed in the overall quality of the car. Aside from the recall, I have had a number of mostly minor quality- related issues since my last review, including an issue with paint chips on the front of the car and a blown out speaker in my expensive Levinson stereo. If I had to do it over again knowing what I know now, I would not purchase this car. I expected uncompromising quality in a car I could drive for 10 years like my last 2 (less expense) Lexus vehicles. Now I worry about expensive repairs down the road. I am thinking seriously about getting rid of the car.

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  The LS 460 L - 2010 Lexus LS 460
  By wheelman4000 - September 18 - 6:00 pm

  This is the first Lexus I have ever owned as a car collector. The LS 460 L has much bigger back seats than other Lexus models do. When you drive around you feel like your in an S550. You would think this car would have like 14 mpg. but this car doesnt. The GPS always comes in handy but now I dont think you could call a GPS a luxury feature. So remember, S550 vs. LS 460. LS 460 wins.

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  Disturbing Observations - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Lexus dud - August 10 - 1:53 pm

  I bought this vehicle based upon build quality, style and value. I should have paid more attention to comfort and convenience. Both front seats are uncomfortable due to a support in the center of seat bottom which I did not notice during my test drive. As I drive 35,000 miles a year new destinations are common place. The guidance system limits programming to voice commands once the vehicle is in motion though the system can be programmed via voice instruction this to limit distraction to the driver. However, the voice recognition system leaves much to be desired. The reality is there are enough selections on the display screen to make this idea laughable. Let the driver drive!

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  Wind Noise Problem - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Leza2279 - November 27 - 3:23 pm

  The LS4 60 has a manufacturing defect that allows a very noticeable wind noise that emanates from the drivers side window. Lexus states that there is no fix. New buyers should carefully evaluate whether they want to spend $70,000+ for a car with noticeable and annoying wind noise.

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  Nav lockout a big thumbs down - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Greg Bastug - August 6 - 12:26 pm

  Ive owned the car for a month and a half now, and the Lexus lockout of much of the navigation, phone, and even audio functions while the car is in motion is a major issue - had Lexus been honest and forthright about this in their sales literature and through their dealership, I would have not purchased the vehicle. Overall, the car rides nice, but a bit insulated. My previous car, a 2006 750li, handles better, provides better tactile road feel, has far more comfortable and adjustable seats, and, with its active suspensions, corners mush better than the LS. I do like the exterior styling of the LS better