2007 Lexus LS 460 First Drive

FAQs


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TO THE POINT What’s New? This all-new fourth-generation luxury sedan is powered by the first new V8 engine Lexus has developed in 17 years, gets the world’s first eight-speed automatic transmission, and comes in a new extended wheelbase LS 460 L model to better battle the best from Europe.
Selling Points: Powerful and smooth new engine/transmission combo; drop-dead gorgeous interior; LS 460 L’s NBA star-sized rear seat; user-friendly technology; slick self-parking feature
Deal Breakers: Lacks some of the sporty driving character of competing models; toe room in short supply in LS 460’s rear seat; large floor hump makes sitting in center of rear seat a bit awkward
Our Advice: If you’re in the market for a full-on luxury sedan and share our love/hate relationship with technology, look no further than the Lexus LS 460.

MEET THE COMPETITION Audi A8/A8L
BMW 750i/750Li
Jaguar XJ8/XJ8L
Mercedes-Benz S550

RELATED LINKS Lexus LS 460 Photo Gallery
Lexus LS 460 Preview
Lexus LS 600h L Preview

FAQs Though the Lexus LS 460 might not offer the same sporting edge found in models such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class that just makes it a better choice for the typical luxury sedan buyer.

Would you recommend this new Lexus LS 460 over top-of-the-line models from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz?
Well, that depends on you. If the German sedans’ ever-so-slightly sportier driving character is important to you and you don’t mind dealing with their overly complex user interfaces, then by all means have at ‘em. Based on our time behind the wheel of all four cars, however, we think the Lexus is definitely a better choice for the typical luxury sedan buyer.

What else can you tell me about the new LS 600h L hybrid model?
Given that the debut of this 2008 model isn’t scheduled until sometime in the spring of 2007, Lexus hasn’t released many details. That said, here’s what we’ve been able to piece together:

In view of its prestige-building role, the LS 600h L will be available in very limited numbers – say, about 1,500 cars per year

Performance should be impressive with a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain putting out somewhere in the neighborhood of 430-plus horsepower

The car will also feature a number of high-tech firsts including LED headlights and the next generation of the automaker’s Pre-Collision System that includes a camera that can actually tell where the driver is looking and warn him to pay attention if it detects danger ahead

All this flash won’t come cheap, and while Lexus hasn’t announced prices you can expect the price tag to come in somewhere around six-figures

Is the optional Mark Levinson audio system really worth the extra dough?
If you’re a Dr. Laura-listening AM radio die-hard, we’re pretty sure you wouldn’t even be asking this question. So let’s assume you enjoy actual music. And if that’s the case, we think this system is a must-have. Pop in a CD and you’ll feel like the musicians are right there in the car with you.