2007 Lexus LS460L 4-door Sedan

A Class All it's Own

SPECS

  • MSRP: $71,000; total vehicle price $86,046; destination $715
  • Engine: 4.8-liter 380 hp., four-cam 32-valve V8 with electronically controlled intake valve timing, dual fuel injection system
  • Transmission: 8-speed Sequential Automatic, Electronic Throttle Control System with ³Snow and Power² Mode
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  • EPA Fuel Economy: 18/27 mpg.
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  • Tires: 235/50R18 V-Rated, full size spare
  • Wheels: 18-inch Aluminum Alloy including spare
  • Warranty: 4 yr.//50,000-mile basic coverage; ;6 yr./70,000-mile powertrain; 6 yr./unlimited mile corrosion perforation, 24 hour, 367 day/yr. roadside assistance plan, free first maintenance service, lodging for emergency breakdown 100 miles from home.
  • Options included Air Suspension (adaptive variable suspension and Variable Gear Ratio Steering ($2,120), Luxury Package (Semi-Anlline leather trimmed interior and Ecsaine headliner, climate=comfort rear seats with heat/cool knob, power rear seats with memory, rear-seat side airbag ($2,780), Rear seat upgrade Package (Four zone A/C with Air purifier rear-seat cool box and power rear-door sunshades, rear-seat audio controls ($1,625), Mark Levinson DVD Changer with hard disk drive; reference surround sound audio system with 19-speakers, DVD/CD changer with DVD Audio and DVD Video Playback ($2,530), Lexus Link (Digital, $900), Intuitive Parking Assist ($500), Advance Parking Guidance System ($700), Lexus Pre-Collision System and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control ($2,850), Preferred Accessory Package (Trunk mat, cargo net and wheel locks, $227), and All-weather mats ($99).

Redesigned for 2007, Lexus' flagship, the LS460 is now available in an extended-length version offering more rear seat room and many high-tech features. So high-tech in fact, you need a lesson in how to use them all.

Our test LS460 in Smoky Granite Mica came equipped with several options and packages, including the new automatic parking system, and Mark Levinson DVD Changer with hard disk drive and 19-count 'em-19 speakers! This is the ultimate in auto excellence and you'd be hard-pressed to find anything as luxurious and well-equipped; save of course, the competition at Mercedes-Benz.

Although generally a very quiet and smooth running automobile, we thought the LS460 lacked the quiet ride of years past. Supposedly improved, we noticed windnoise at the window level while cruising at speeds of 70 mph + on the highway. This surprised as Lexus is known for the serene ride and comfort, and remains the benchmark for which other manufacturers aspire.

Fit and finish as on all Lexus models is superior. Controls are easily operated and reached and the Nav system doesn't take too much time to decipher. As expected, cruising at a reasonable speed is tough. Glancing down at the speedo we found it hard to keep the LS below 80 mph and in fact, were hovering just under 100 mph without even suspecting. Yikes.

When highway driving with Dynamic Cruise Control on the car distances itself when coming upon a car ahead that might be too close. It's an eerie feeling but great if you've driving for long periods of time. The Intuitive Parking Assist is a first and only for Lexus and a real experience. Fearful to try it, we breathed a big sigh of relief after the LS righted itself perfectly in between two parked cars. Pretty soon these cars won't need humans to drive them. The Fifth Dimension is here.

Added to the lineup this spring is the LS AWD hybrid 600h version. No one can say Lexus isn't doing its part for the environment.