2014 Lexus LS 460 Review

When the LS debuted 25 years ago, it set a new standard for large luxury sedans—and caught the German leaders in the segment off guard. While automotive purists and European competitors scoffed at its bland performance, the LS became a leader in the luxury segment and helped set a benchmark for the comfort-seeking country-club set.

While it's trailed in performance as well as styling, the LS has been Lexus' prime vehicle for launching new technology. It was the first model to introduce ultra-high-end audio in the form of class-leading Mark Levinson sound systems. And when it was introduced in 2006, the LS 460 pioneered driver-assist technologies, such as self-parking, and Lexus' Pre-Collision System that autonomously applies the brakes to avoid or mitigate a frontal collision.

Luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, as well as Cadillac and Infiniti, have always had the upper hand when it comes to performance and styling, and they've also recently added the latest tech to their top-of-the-line offerings. Consequently, the flagship segment has become much more crowded and competitive. In addition, the 2014 Lexus LS 460 is now long in the tooth (the current version was first introduced in 2007), even if the exterior was updated with a few tweaks and the interior received a tech update starting with the 2012 model.

Pricing and Design
The Lexus LS 460 is available in both regular- and long-wheelbase versions starting at $72,140. Both come with a 386-horsepower, 4.6-liter V8 engine for rear-wheel-drive models, and the all-wheel-drive version comes with the same engine, but outputs 360 horsepower. The LS is also available as the performance-oriented F Sport model that starts at $80,490, which includes upgrades like paddle-shifters and uprated suspension and brakes. The LS 600h L hybrid has a 5.0-liter, 438-horsepower V8 engine paired with an electric motor, and it starts at $120,060. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on every LS 460.

I tested the regular-wheelbase model with all-wheel-drive, which has a base price of $75,085. Options in the test car included Adaptive Variable Air Suspension, Variable Gear Ratio Steering, Comfort and Sport S drive modes ($2,120), and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert ($500). The Comfort Package includes heated and ventilated front seats ($2,090), 19-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires ($1,100), interior leather trim with an Alcantara headliner ($550), a premium Mark Levinson sound system ($1,580), and a heated wooden steering wheel ($110). This brought the final sticker price up to $84,045, which includes a $910 delivery, processing, and handling fee.

A common knock against the LS is its staid design compared with other luxury competitors. The exterior design is largely carried over from the 2013 model and includes Lexus' now-signature spindle grille and partially modified tail lamps, trunk lid, and rear bumper. Minor interior trim revisions have also been included for the 2014 model.

Connectivity, Navigation, and Interface

Connectivity, Navigation, and Interface
The LS 460 I tested had the latest Lexus Enform telematics and infotainment system as standard equipment. It uses an embedded cellular modem for critical safety services, such as automatic crash notification, emergency assistance, and a driver's smartphone for connected features and in-dash apps. The system's Enform App Suite consists of Pandora and iHeart Radio for music streaming, Bing and Yelp for local search, OpenTable.com for restaurant reservations, MovieTickets.com for info on what's playing at nearby cinemas and buying tickets, and Facebook Places for social media.

Pandora and iHeart Radio worked without a hitch. While parked, I was able to check out and also check in to nearby places using the Facebook app, since it shows them on the navigation map and also offers the chance to route to them or just remotely check in. But I didn't have any luck with Bing and Yelp; I continually received an error message, even though I followed both the onscreen instructions and the owner's manual. I've used theses apps, as well as OpenTable and MovieTickets.com, in other Lexus and Toyota vehicles without incident.

The Enform system has other in-dash connected apps that are supported by SiriusXM's Data Services Package, including XM Fuel Prices, XM Sports, XM NavWeather, and XM Stocks, which require a subscription after a one-year free trial. The Enform system can also provide subscription-based real-time traffic info via XM, and has a feature called Lexus Insider that gives drivers insight on the car, destination suggestions, and messages.

These features are accessed via a 12.3-inch in-dash screen and what Lexus calls a Remote Touch system. The large, high-resolution screen is helpful; the Remote Touch interface is not. (You can read more in our separate review.) The ample screen provides an impressive display for the navigation system that no smartphone app can match. Connected navigation features include Destination Assist, which allows calling a live operator to help find a point of interest and have it sent to the car. There's also eDestination that lets an owner send destinations found online to the vehicle as well.

Media and Phone Support
In addition to the apps for music streaming, the LS 460 has AM, FM, and SiriusXM satellite radio (with a 90-day free trial for the radio service), as well as a CD/DVD drive, a USB port for connecting a portable device, and Bluetooth audio. The 19-speaker, 450-watt Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound system is still one of the best available. Bluetooth for hand-free calling is straightforward and includes all the requisite features. I found that the LS460's voice recognition system works better than most. Siri Eyes Free for compatible iPhones has also been added for the 2014 model.

Performance and Conclusions
The Lexus LS 460 I tested included several small, but helpful features you never knew you needed in other luxury cars. A few of these include lighted seatbelt clasps, power seat switches on the left side of the front passenger's seat (so that the driver can control them), and a SmartAccess card key feature that allows opening the doors and trunk, as well as starting the LS 460, when drivers get close to the car with the card key.

Maybe those extras help owners of the Lexus flagship forget about the lackluster performance of the car compared with other competitors in the segment. While the 2014 Lexus LS 460's V8 engine delivers plenty of power when called on (such as for passing), and the eight-speed transmission is silky smooth, most rivals have more power and quicker acceleration, even with a six-cylinder engine in some cases. However, the LS 460 does have the smoothest ride in the category as well as the interior quietude Lexus is famous for. But the tradeoff is its sedated handling and steering that lacks any sense of feel or sportiness.

The Lexus LS460 may never fully satisfy the well-heeled car enthusiast who prefers performance coupled with comfort. And no one in the luxury sedan segment has taken the lead on in-car technology—all have interface and device compatibility issues. So if you're looking for a large luxury car that seals you off from the world and remains on the cutting-edge of technology, the Lexus LS still sets the standard a quarter century later.

2014 Lexus LS 460

3.5

See It

$84,045.00 at Truecar

MSRP $84,045.00

Pros

• Smoothest ride in category.
• Best-in-class interior quietude.
• Thoughtful details like lighted seatbelt clasps and remote starting with a card key.
• Massive 12.3-inch in-dash screen.

View More

Cons

• On-road performance pales in comparison with rivals.
• Sedated handling and steering.
• Frustrating Remote Touch infotainment interface.

The Bottom Line

The 2014 Lexus LS 460 is one of the smoothest-riding, tricked-out-with-tech luxury sedans you can buy, but it lacks the on-road performance of most competitors in the segment.