Lexus LS 460 Review

2007 Lexus LS 460 4dr Sedan Shown

In a less civilized time, we used to beat our clothes against a rock to get them clean. We made toast by holding bread over a fire. Changing one of three TV channels meant getting up off the couch and turning a dial. (The horror, the horror!) But thanks to advancing technology, those injustices are long since gone. And if you believe Lexus, its LS 460 full-size luxury sedan might just do the same thing to parallel parking.

Much ado has been made about the Lexus LS 460's Advanced Parking Guidance System. And yes, it really does allow the Lexus flagship to park itself. But there is more to the LS 460 than this nifty "way of the future" gizmo, as the Lexus sets several new benchmarks in the premium luxury sedan segment.

For almost 20 years now, Lexus' LS has showcased the brand's top levels of technology, interior furnishings and driving refinement. The Lexus LS 460 pushes the envelope even further, with 102 more horsepower than the previous LS 430, the world's first mainstream eight-speed automatic transmission, handsome styling, impeccable fit and finish and, for the first time, an extended-wheelbase model. Known as the LS 460 L, this extra-large LS provides significantly more legroom for rear-seat passengers and competes directly against similar extended-wheelbase models offered by European luxury-brand automakers.

At the same time, Lexus has managed to make most of the LS 460's technology intuitive, with most major functions controlled by good-ol' buttons and a touchscreen. Considering that these cars are often purchased by an older demographic, this is good news since the interfaces in competing models can be bewildering for even the most tech-savvy members of the Internet generation. For anyone interested in a large luxury sedan, the LS 460 deserves serious consideration.

Current Lexus LS 460

The Lexus LS 460 is a full-size luxury sedan available in regular 460 and extended-wheelbase 460 L body styles. Most of the features you'd expect in this upper echelon of automobiles can be found in this Lexus flagship, while several options packages load on more high-tech stuff. Some of these features include a hard drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic and a back-up camera, heated and cooled front seats, cruise control, regular park assist and the fancier Advanced Parking Guidance System. The LS 460 L offers an adaptive air suspension and a package that drops rear seat capacity to two passengers and adds a center console with cooled storage, reclining climate-controlled seats, ottomans and a DVD entertainment system.

As its name would suggest, the LS 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that sends 380 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. In our instrumented testing, the LS 460 went from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds -- on par with rivals in this segment. The heavier Lexus LS 460 L is a few ticks slower.

In our reviews of the Lexus LS 460, we've found it to be impressively quiet. Drivers and passengers are sheathed in a bubble of luxurious serenity. That peace does create an isolated feeling that kills some involvement between car and driver -- this can be viewed as a good or bad thing depending on your point of view. When one pilots the LS 460 aggressively on curvy roads, it's apparent that as usual, Lexus did not design the car to be overtly sporty. The standard suspension is set more for comfort than tight handling, although the optional adjustable air suspension does give the driver some choices.

While we think other large, premium luxury sedans are more rewarding to drive, most consumers should find the Lexus LS 460 an exquisite way to travel. Its powerful engine, supremely comfortable interior and full menu of high-tech gizmos make it a hard vehicle to fault.

Past Lexus LS 460 models

The Lexus LS 460 was an all-new model in 2007. The LS was first introduced in 1989 and there have been four generations since then. Previous to this model, Lexus sold the LS 430.

SELECT A SPECIFIC LEXUS LS 460 MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.