Lexus LS460 Reviews

In the world of luxury limousines, it's the well-entrenched and much-desired European trio of Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi that hold court. It's a brave car maker that tries to muscle in.

The LS 500 represents the more conventional side of the new LS flagship line-up, with the twin-turbo V6 model sitting alongside the identically priced LS 500h hybrid.

The LS 500h represents the more high-tech side of the new LS flagship line-up, with the petrol-electric hybrid V6 model sitting alongside the identically priced LS 500 twin-turbo V6.

Lexus is mentioned more times in songs than BMW, Mercedes Benz and Audi. But is that any indication of how good the fifth generation LS is going to be compared to its rivals? We found out.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2001, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2016 Lexus LS as a used buy.

The most noticeable feature of the Lexus LS series models is their near-silence and comfort. Features that put them very much in the upmarket limousine class. First rate materials are used throughout and these are assembled with meticulous care. Though aimed very much at the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Audi A8, the top-line Lexus hasn't quite managed to reach their high status in the image stakes despite 25 years on the market. But they're reasonably close and will obviously keep trying to improve.Lexus tells us 'LS' stands for Luxury Sports, however to our eyes there's a lot more luxury than sport. Handling is safe and secure but doesn't have quite the sporting sparkle you get in the big Germans.The LS400 was discontinued late in 2000, to be replaced by a near-new design in the LS430. April 2007 saw the introduction of an all-new LS, the 460. The numbers in the title refers to the capacity of the V8 engine in decilitres.Interior space was good in the original 1990 LS400, but was noticeably improved in November 1994 when the initial model received a solid revamp. Given that Lexus had learned a lot in the early production years, cars from this model are probably the ones to aspire to. There was a facelift in November 1997.September 2003 saw a revised and upgraded version of the Lexus LS430. It has features such as doors that pull themselves closed, and door mirrors that automatically fold when you switch the ignition off. There's front-mounted radar to keep an electronic eye on the vehicle ahead when you are using the cruise control. If heavy braking is required the Lexus sounds a gong to grab your attention.This was one of the early adopters of a reversing camera. And the electric motor that automatically powers down the sunscreen in the rear window when you engage reverse gear.Lexus LS400 is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 engine that is incredibly smooth. It was uprated several times during its life before being replaced by a revised 4.3-litre unit late in 2000. The LS460 engine was virtually all-new.Of particular interest is the hybrid Lexus LS600hL, introduced in November 2007. Just to confuse matters, the '600' doesn't mean there's a 6.0-litre engine under the bonnet, but that Lexus considers its new hybrid has the sort of performance that would normally require a 6.0-litre engine. The 'L' in the title announces this is a limousine, with a longer wheelbase than the standard Lexus LS460 on which it's based.Most LS600hL models were imported with an upper-luxury layout featuring just two business-class seats in the rear. A timber-trimmed console between the two seats contains controls for the Mark Levinson audio system as well as the inbuilt DVD player, climate control, rear window shades and other functions.Dealerships that specialise in the Lexus marque are relatively scarce and tend to be confined to capital cities and major country centres. The far-flung Toyota network can assist Lexus owners as some mechanics are specifically trained on it.Insurance isn't likely to be overly expensive in comparison with the high price of the car.Many used cars are bought from a Lexus dealership and have been serviced by that, or another, dealer. These tend to be more expensive, but smart buyers consider it a good move.All new Lexus models come with an impressive Encore lifestyle package that includes complimentary service pick up and delivery of the car, roadside assistance, a priority ticketing service at leading cultural centres, golf days and a luxury travel service. Buyers of used vehicles up to five years old and bought from a Lexus dealer receive the same benefits. The offerings may change from time to time so contact your local Lexus dealer for the latest info.WHAT TO LOOK FORIt's smart to have a Lexus inspected by either by a motoring association or a specialist in the marque. In the absence of a Lexus technician, some senior Toyota mechanics are trained on the car.Check for damage to the bodywork and the interior trim and remember the car should be close to immaculate in all areas unless it is one of the oldest models. Even then, we would expect the car to be in very good condition inside.Look over the complete vehicle, testing each of the functions using the owner's manual to work out exactly how everything should operate.Make sure the engine starts virtually immediately and accelerates without hesitation even when it is cold. Look for a puff of oily smoke from the exhaust when you accelerate hard after the engine has been running on a light load, or idling, for a while.Some early Lexus LS400 cars, built before August 1992, had an oil leak at the rear of the engine. The chances are that most, if not all, engines will have been repaired years ago. Check with Lexus if there's any doubt.Make sure the automatic transmission operates almost imperceptibly. A slight thud during a change during very hard acceleration is acceptable, anything else may indicate a problem.During an extended road test make sure the brakes stop the car in a straight line without too much pedal effort, and that the steering is precise, smooth and reasonably light.CAR BUYING TIPUpmarket cars with full service records for their entire lives are likely to cost more, but are almost invariably worth the extra investment.

In the quest for alternative power sources Toyota and Lexus have been at the forefront of the development of petrol/electric hybrid technology for many years.While Toyota concentrated on conservative models such as the Prius, Lexus took it a step further by using electric power to add sporting performance.At first glance this approach may have seemed odd but in fact hybrids actually make more sense in large cars than in small ones because a fuel saving of around 25 per cent in a large engine will benefit the environment far more than trimming the same percentage from a small one.Though people who can afford expensive vehicles don’t have the same fuel cost concerns than buyers of cheaper ones, more and more of them are starting to see CO2 emission reductions as a more significant issue. Interestingly, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are now also producing luxury sports hybrids.STYLINGThe Lexus LS range was given an upgrade in early 2013 with a more adventurous look to it, extra power to all models as well as the option of F-Sport styling and performance enhancement features with both the LS 460 and the new, standard wheelbase, LS 600h. The LS 600hL remained on sale with, as before, the choice of two rear bucket seats or a traditional three-seat bench.Premium luxury cars such as the big Germans and the Lexus LS have traditionally come with quite conservative styling as befits their buyer’s status so the new angular wide-mouth treatment is quite an exciting change and one that we loved.ENGINESPower and torque are the same in all four LS models with power increased from 290 kW to 327 kW and torque unchanged at 520 Nm. Their inclusion of the F-Sport package adds a second dimension to the hybrid nature of the LS 600h because it allows the car to be driven in five different modes: Normal, Eco, Comfort, Sport S and Sport S+.The last two modes are an interesting move because, as with the styling changes, they direct the LS more in the direction of the driver than the chauffeur and his executive passenger(s). Less likely to be an issue in egalitarian Australia than in more status-conscious overseas countries. Indeed, many Asian owners of the Lexus hybrids will never drive their own cars.DRIVINGThe Lexus LS models consummate cruising vehicles with an almost floating feeling such is the level of comfort and noise suppression. Twiddle to knob to the Sport S or Sport S+ settings and you feel noticeable changes in the driving dynamics with firmer suspension through the Active Stabiliser System, tighter steering and drivetrain.While these enhancements do improve driving enjoyment the big Lexuses are a long way from being sporty – they’re far too large and heavy for that. Nevertheless the gap between the superior performance of cars the BMW 7 Series has been closed and the dynamics of the new LS models largely through a stiffer chassis than before.Interior space in the standard wheelbase F-Sport is acceptable for a pair of adults in the rear seat but with boot space restricted by the batteries to just 370 litres. Fuel consumption during our test of the LS 600h sat just over 10 litres per 100 kilometres during freeway segments and around 12 overall, quite impressive numbers for such a large vehicle.TECHNOLOGYWe could fill several more pages describing the equipment and technology within the Lexus LS but rather than do so, we’ll pick out a few highlights and let your local dealer walk you through the rest. Rear-seat passengers get access to most of the car’s infotainment features from the console located on the armrest between the rear seats, no doubt designed for the Chairman of the Board en route between business meetings and listening in to stock market reports.The front seat console employs a rectangular floating ‘mouse’ which we found much more difficult to use than the typical round one. It doesn’t come easily to hand and is so twitchy that it’s necessary to take your eyes of the road to use it.VERDICTWith on-road prices starting above a quarter of a million dollars the Lexus LS 600h is obviously aimed at an elite category of buyer for whom only the best will do. Those who appreciate technology will love it.MODEL RANGELS 600h F-Sport 5.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid four-door sedan: $217,900 (automatic)LS 600h L 5.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid five-seat four-door sedan: $249,900 (automatic)LS 600h L 5.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid four-seat four-door sedan: $259,900 (automatic)Lexus LS 600h F SportPrice: from $217,900Engine: 5.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid V8 290 kW (327 kW combined)/520 NmBody: four-door sedanTransmission: CVT, RWDTurning Circle: 11.6 metresKerb Mass: 2270-2340 kgFuel Tank Capacity: 84 litres0-100 km/h Acceleration: 5.7 secondsThirst: 8.6 L/100 km 95RONStandard warranty: four years/100,000 km

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?What is it?This is the recently upgraded flagship of the Lexus fleet, now available in four variants. The car we drove is one up from the 'base' model with a luxury slant as opposed to a more sporty flavour. It leaves precious little to be desired in terms of pampering passengers.How much?The Sport Luxury goes for $192,400, about ten grand up on the kick-off price.What are competitors?Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, Jag XJ.What's under the bonnet?Plenty of poke from a revised 4.6-litre petrol V8 with direct dual injection (like the Toyota 86), variable cam timing, variable cam lift on the intake side and other tech stuff to achieve 285kW/493Nm output. Transmission is an eight speed auto - silky smooth, adaptive and with paddle shift. Drive is to the rear wheels.How does it go?Quick for a big luxo-barge. Stops the 0-100kmh clocks in 5.9 seconds and has plenty of performance ready and waiting especially in Sport and Sport+ modes on the drive select system which also offers Eco, Comfort and Normal. Ride and handling is impressive too due in part to the adaptive air suspension, big brakes, and multi links at all four corners. Scores 19-inch tyres this time around.Is it economical?Surprisingly so for a two tonner. We saw better than the claimed 10.7 litres/100km. It dipped into the 8.0s on the highway but averaged mid 9.0s in mixed driving without trying too hard.Is it green?Moderately so, EU5 engine.Is it safe?Five star or equivalent.Is it comfortable?Supremely so right down to the front passenger's ottoman seat, seat heaters and coolers including the back seats which electrically recline, privacy blinds on the rear three windows, radar cruise control, awesome Mark Levinson audio with a bazillion speakers, largest info/satnav screen in the business. Multiple seat adjustment, electric wheel adjustment, supple ride, no noise at all pretty much.What's it like to drive?Felt like a chauffeur. But still pretty good from the driver’s seat. Unreal in the back pews if you can score a driver. Watch the Blu Ray, turn on the seat heater, recline and take a nap....Is it value for money?Against the competition yes.Would we buy one?No, unless we could afford a chauffer.Lexus LS 460 Sport LuxuryPrice: from $190,664Engine: 4.6-litre 8-cylinder petrol, 280kW/493NmTrans: 8-speed sports auto, AWDThirst: 11.1L/100km, CO2 261g/km 

No, it doesn't mean a luxury version for the models they are based on are more than luxurious already. The L means long, or more correctly long-wheelbase.

Symbolism is rarely something car companies worry about on a model launch. But executives from Toyota's luxury Lexus division chose the 92nd floor of Melbourne's $500 million Eureka Tower to unveil its LS460.The skyscraper's height and commanding presence over the city was a metaphor for the expected sales dominance of this new Lexus in the upper luxury segment.The LS460 this week also won the World Car of the Year award for 2007 — so expectations are right up there.With a price tag of $184,900, it's likely to cause some headaches for its European rivals, notably the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW's 7 Series.The LS460 is a fourth-generation development of the LS400, launched here in 1990. And, like the original, which was priced way below its European rivals but packed with gear, the newcomer costs between $19,000 and $69,000 less than its competitors.There are no options. What you see is what you get: an equipment list that would put the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz to shame.There are 10 airbags, adaptive air suspension, an eight-speed automatic transmission (a world-first for a passenger car), a 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, keyless entry, four-zone climate control, a rear DVD player, heated and air-cooled seats, and enough leather and wood to satisfy the fussiest luxury-car buyer.Naturally, there are also active safety features such as Lexus's vehicle dynamics integrated management system, which covers traction control and vehicle stability, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electro-hydraulic brakes and the variable-ratio electric power steering.Apart from its standard equipment, the LS460 is new from the ground up, including the chassis, suspension, engine, driveline and sharper steering.It's powered by a 4.6-litre VVT-i V8 that develops 280kW at 6400rpm and 493Nm at 4100rpm.This smooth engine delivers an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h, a zero-to-100km/h sprint time of 5.7 seconds and a combined fuel economy figure of 11.1litres/100km.Lexus says an eight-speed sequential automatic was needed to cope with the LS460's torque and provide improved acceleration at low speeds.In reality, it's one-upmanship. Many six- or seven-speed autos cope just as well with similar torque outputs. Regardless, this transmission, as you would expect from Toyota, is a work of art.It's the same size as the previous-generation LS430's six-speed auto, yet its alloy casing is 10 per cent lighter, 30 per cent stronger and weighs just 10 per cent more than the six-speeder.When the car is driven gently, eighth gear will lock up at 80km/h.Lexus delayed the LS460's local launch so air suspension could be a standard fitting. It had originally planned to release the car last year with a conventional steel-spring suspension.As well as the trick multi-link aluminium front and rear suspension and a “vehicle posture control system”, the suspension uses state-of-the-art monotube dampers.The posture system reduces body roll by a claimed 30 per cent, as well as alleviating the inherent pitching associated with a conventionally sprung car.Visually, the LS460 adopts an evolutionary approach almost identical to the styling of the Lexus concept car shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show.That car showed off Toyota's “L-finesse” design strategy for the Lexus brand. Like the IS and GS, the LS has a bold family look and sleek styling.The LS460 is 5mm longer, 45mm wider and has a 45mm longer wheelbase than the LS430 and has a 1610mm front and 1615mm rear track.We've often thought of the Lexus LS430 as a brilliantly built car, but a touch too clinical.Granted, it did everything that was asked of it — some things extremely well. But, as a thoroughly entertaining driver's car, it just missed the mark.That's why BMW, Mercedes-Benz and even Audi had no cause for concern over a Lexus challenge to their dynamic superiority.Cachet is one thing, but bragging rights at the golf club are also important when you buy a luxury car. With the arrival of the LS460, the Germans can no longer look down their Teutonic noses at the Japanese newcomer.A new V8, the three-mode air suspension and more responsive steering have elevated and improved the LS460 to the point where it is a serious contender in the luxury-car segment.Its steering is still a tad light for our liking, but that silky V8, the seamless eight-speed gearbox and those suspension refinements mean this big sedan's overall composure is vastly better than that of the LS430.The air suspension has a lot to do with that. It irons out corrugations, reduces body roll and maintains a level attitude even pushing through hairpin turns.Be wary, though: this Lexus is something of a wolf in sheep's clothing. Floor the accelerator, and the V8's muted growl will propel it — and you — into trouble as the speedo surges into the danger zone beyond 110km/h.Thankfully, there's radar cruise control to keep LS460 drivers on the right side of the law.The LS460 looks more agile and sporty than the upright LS430, with a smoother grille and a Japanese take on the 7 Series-style rear end. Some buyers may like a little more chrome to distinguish their six-figure purchase, though.The newcomer has but 400 litres of boot space versus 573 litres of the LS430. It seems the new-fangled rear air conditioning system takes up the extra room.In the cabin, everyone is suitably pampered with acres of leather and wood, a superb sound system and plenty of space. Large and small folk alike will be able to find an agreeable position behind the wheel.Attention to detail is also outstanding. Like the way the insides of the doors are finished in moulded grained plastic, the subtle lighting of the “Lexus” name on the door sills, or the neat flange along the sills that stop mud and grime marking your pants.The LS was always a well-built car. Now it can run with the luxury pack.