It’s easy to forget the inherent goodness of the Lexus LS460. Amidst the glitterati of Bentleys, Mercedes, Audis, and BMWs, the LS460 just glides under the velvet rope without drama. It possesses talent that places it among the best cars in the world, but you’d never know it from looks alone. It’s just not that kind of fancy pants flasher.
Basic design and architecture of the current LS dates back to 2007, but styling has advanced. It has the same gracefully-long shape that clearly connects to earlier models, but parts air with a 0.26 drag coefficient for low wind noise and enhanced fuel economy. It’s among the sleekest sedans on the road. Designers recently stepped it up with Lexus’ spindle grille, 18” alloys, and LED headlamps. The car has presence, but also looks high-tech. Hard to believe the design is entering its ninth year!
Inside, a revised infotainment system, accessed through a 12.3” screen and mouse-style controller, includes navigation, trip computer, and audio controls. Lexus Enform Destination Services offers apps for Bing, OpenTable, MovieTickets.com, Pandora and iHeartRadio. Siri Eyes Free mode is compatible with iPhone 4S and iPhone5. The 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system will send your ears on a tour of heaven. If there’s an obstacle in your way, an electronic system will help you avoid it.
High tech, yes. But, the LS is also wonderfully-crafted. If there’s a more beautiful steering wheel than ours with dark heated leather and horizontally-grained wood, I’ve never experienced it. All surfaces are cushy and the heated/cooled seat leather feels like it was cut and sewn for a private jet. Second row kings recline in heated leather thrones with a large armrest containing audio and climate controls. Those seats even have massagers. Joy can be found in the back, but I’ll take my pleasure up front.
Driving the LS460 is akin to waltzing with a partner that’s graceful and in tune with your every thought. Gently think about accelerating and your right foot engages the 360 horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power won’t drench you as in a Mercedes AMG, but is plentiful enough for any reasonable request. You would not be displeased to experience the powertrain in a Rolls-Royce.
I’ve driven the long-wheelbase LS, but our short-wheelbase version with all-wheel-drive was slightly more agile with added confidence in poor weather or while cornering. The Drive Mode Select system with air suspension adjusts for Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes. With the turn of a knob, go from nearly floating in comfort to adjusting the steering, suspension, throttle response, and shift pattern for tearing up backroads.
The LS460 is first a sumptuously comfortable luxury sedan, ideally suited for moving four passengers across town or continents. It’s quiet until stomped, then there’s just a hint of exhaust throat to confirm your choice to play. In Sport+ mode, the car provides reassurance it can keep up with fierce German juggernauts. It is graceful, elegant, and without any hint of drama.
All in, the LS460 is wholly worth a base price of $72,520 or $90,675 as tested. Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz S550, BMW 740i, Audi A8, Cadillac XTS, and Hyundai Equus.
Storm Forward!
2015 Lexus LS460
Five-passenger, AWD sedan
Powertrain: 360hp 4.6-liter V8, 8-spd. auto transmission
Suspension f/r: Electronic Ind/Ind
Wheels: 18”/18” alloy f/r
Brakes: disc/disc fr/rr
Must-have features: Refinement, Audio
Drag coefficient: 0.26
Fuel economy: 18/23 mpg city/hwy
Assembly: Japan
Base/As-tested price: $72,520/$90,675