Indulgent luxury in the 2016 Lexus LS 460

When the Lexus LS flagship sedan launched more than 25 years ago it made its mark with its luxury features, an interior that was created with painstaking attention to detail, and a remarkably smooth engine. The LS 460 comes in regular and long-wheelbase versions, each with the further choice of rear-wheel drive or all-weather drive. With its Lexus-signature spindle grille and sleek, coupe-inspired design, the LS cuts through the clutter of luxury sedan sameness and at the same time slices through the air with a very low 0.26 coefficient of drag. That figure translates into meaningful benefits that include hushed wind noise and admirable fuel efficiency.

For 2016 the LS sedan receives body adhesive in more areas for enhanced body rigidity and handling. Runflat summer tires are now available as a convenient option.

Power for the Lexus flagship is generated by a supremely smooth 1UR-FSE 4.6L V8 prime mover teamed with an AA80 eight-speed automatic transmission. Quiet acceleration remains a hallmark aspect of driving a Lexus LS, which also offers the option of a more engaging driving experience with the F SPORT Package.

Beneath the sleek lines, standard frequency-dependent suspension dampers contribute to flat, agile handling and the uncanny ride smoothness that has long been a Lexus LS hallmark. Using Lexus Drive Select, you can tailor the car’s performance to your driving style or mood by selecting one of three settings – “Normal,” “Eco” or “Sport S.” The system automatically adjusts several performance parameters, including transmission shift points and throttle response. “Eco” prioritizes fuel efficiency, while “Sport” quickens responses for a livelier feeling. Models equipped with the air suspension – including F SPORT -- offer two additional drive settings, “Comfort” and “Sport S+.”

Sharpening the agility of a premium luxury sedan requires a deft touch to the suspension tuning and tire selection; the wrong choices bring harshness into the picture. Not so with the Lexus LS 460 F SPORT. Sport-tuned air suspension and 19-inch forged alloy wheels lower the car by 0.4 inches, a change that noticeably tightens cornering response. The F SPORT also equips the LS with such high-performance hardware as a Torsen limited slip rear differential (RWD model) and Brembo six-piston caliper front brakes. You can combine F SPORT with all-weather drive for maximum grip a wide variety of conditions.

Outside, the F SPORT treatment adds a unique front fascia with an exclusive mesh spindle grille featuring a black surround, larger air intake openings and round fog lamps. Inside, the F SPORT conveys the proper driver’s car feeling with an Alcantara headliner, aluminum trim and leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters.

Inside the passenger cabin, a history of defining true luxury in both the obvious and smallest details continues to define the Lexus LS. Standard comforts include heated and ventilated front seats, with 16-way power adjustment for the driver and 12-way for the passenger. The supremely quiet cabin gives passengers the comfort to admire the craftsmanship that has set Lexus apart for decades. For example, Lexus craftsmen take 38 days to create the available Shimamoku (“striped wood”) Espresso wood steering wheel and matching trim. It’s an exhaustive 67-step process of layering dark- and light-shaded veneers to create this one-of-a-kind wood finish. The finished product is like a work of art.

Even the climate control caters to individuals. The available Lexus Climate Concierge is a four-zone system that lets occupants set temperature preferences for the main climate control system, the climate control seats and, for the driver, the heated steering wheel. Multiple sensors throughout the cabin ensure that the system reaches heating/cooling preferences quickly.

For 2016, the multimedia system is enhanced with minute changes that help usability considerably. Drivers are now able to display the map across all 12.3-inches of the navigation screen and enjoy updated graphics. For convenience, menu shortcuts have been added to the side of the screen for quick access to functions like Audio, Navigation, Phone, Climate, etc. Enhanced voice recognition capabilities will help users when commands are not understood by the system. In addition, the Remote Touch Interface now has “enter” and “back” buttons to help the driver navigate the multimedia screen.

Dimensions & specifications

Standard Wheelbase

Wheelbase: 116.9; overall length: 200.0; width: 73.8; height: 58.1

Long Wheelbase

Wheelbase: 121.7; overall length: 205.0; width: 73.8; height: 58.1

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 4.6L V8 – 386 hp at 6400 rpm and 367 lbs-ft of torque at 4100 rpm

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 16 city/24 hwy. (RWD); 16 city/23 hwy. (AWD)

Cargo capacity: 18.0 cubic feet

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual front seat knee airbags, dual side-curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronically controlled brakes, vehicle dynamics integrated management system, Smart Stop technology, LED daytime running lamps, integrated LED fog lamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Xenon high-intensity discharge low beam headlights, HomeLink programmable garage door opener, SmartAccess with push-button engine start/stop, first aid kit, navigation system, back-up camera, Bluetooth hands free phone system, engine immobilizer, Lexus Enform Safety Connect system, adaptive front lighting system, and location specific direct type tire pressure monitoring system.

Optional safety features include blind spot monitor with cross traffic alert, LED low and high beam with Smart Beam, Pre-Collision system with all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, advanced pre-collision system with driver attention monitor and collision avoidance assist, and Lexus Enform Remote system.

Warranty

Basic: 4-year/50,000 miles

Powertrain: 6-year/70,000 miles

Corrosion: 6-year/unlimited

Roadside Assistance: 4-year/unlimited, 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Lexus LS 460 sedan starts from $72,520 for the regular wheelbase model and $78,820 for the long wheelbase. Destination charges add $950.