2014 Lexus LS 460 Review By Larry Nutson
2014 Lexus LS 460 Review
by Larry Nutson
Senior Editor, New York Bureau
The Auto Channel
The LS 460 is THE Lexus flagship. As such, it has to deliver the very best that Lexus has to offer. And, it has to match up to the competition. I’ll cut to the chase; it does.
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There are lots of equipment items and features to marvel at. At your command is 360HP coming from the 4.6-liter 32-valve V8 driving through an 8-speed automatic and putting the power to the pavement through all-wheel-drive. Note that a rear wheel drive model is also available. The V8 will get you from stop to 60mph in 5.9 seconds, per Lexus. That’s quite adequate for most of Mr. and Mrs. America. It’s appropriate to compare or cross-shop the LS 460 with the Audi A8, BMW 7-series. Mercedes-Benz S-class, and Jaguar’s XJ. Some auto writers voice concern that the LS 460 doesn’t deliver the same performance as these. But I ask, how much do you need?
The EPA fuel economy test ratings for the LS 460 are 23 highway mpg, 16 city mpg for a rating of 18 combined mpg, or 5.6 gallons per 100 miles. Nothing to write home about, but there is a tradeoff to have a roomy interior, large trunk and lots of features, plus of course the A-W-D.
The engine is almost whisper quiet. Under full throttle acceleration a nice V8 exhaust note is evident. Overall, the LS460 is very quiet, with very little wind or tire noise evident in the interior. The slippery 0.26Cd pays off.
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My LS 460 driver-for-a-week had a base price of $75,085. It was optioned out with the F SPORT package adding $7860, and the F SPORT comfort package for $2090. Blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert was another $500 and a trunk mat/cargo net/wheel lock package brought on another $260. Add in the $910 delivery fee and the total MSRP hit $86,705.
A few noteworthy items I liked were: three (not just two) memory positions for the power driver seat/steering wheel/outside mirrors; automatic fold feature for the outside mirrors…it’s best to fold-in your mirrors when parked on crowded narrow street cities lest they be broken off by that large truck squeezing through; and, tire pressure monitor system that displays each individual tire as well as the full size spare.
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The F SPORT comfort package includes climate controlled front seats, heated outboard rear seats, power rear sunshade, and one touch power trunk open/close.
The LS 460 rear drive model is priced at $72,140. There is also a LS460L available that is five inches longer, riding on a 121.7 inch wheelbase v. 116.9 inches, and gets you just under an inch more of rear seat legroom. The “L” is priced at $78,440 and $81,925 with a-w-d, and also offers an optional Executive-Class Seating Package with just two rear seats.
If you are interested to compare the 2014 Lexus LS 460 to other luxury sedans you can do that right here on TheAutoChannel.com. For more information and detailed specifications on the 2014 Lexus LS460go to www.lexus.com.
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As I said at the start, the Lexus LS 460 delivers luxury very well. And, it does it very well in comparison to and as well as or better than some of the competition. It is quiet, responsive, well-designed and constructed, and very luxurious. Different luxury brands have different design philosophies. I certainly think the Lexus approach to a luxury car is very well defined and, as is evidenced, serves many of Mr. and Mrs. America very satisfactorily and without disappointment or concern.
As Lexus says: The pursuit of perfection.
© Larry Nutson