Lexus 460

When it comes to luxury sedans, the name Lexus has to be in the mix.  Though, brands like BMW, Mercedes and Audi might be more prestigious, Toyota's luxury division is no slouch in the luxury department.  The Lexus flagship LS 460 has added a few new features since it debuted in 2007.

One of the biggest deals made about the Lexus LS 460 was the Advanced Parking Guidance System.  This system actually parks the car itself.  Parallel parking is not the easiest thing to do.  Some people are too scared to even try it.  Luckily, the new technology in the 460 takes the driver out of the equation.  All the driver has to do is line up the car and sensors direct the car into a spot without hitting other cars or curbs.  It's really futuristic and fun to watch.  Some people will say that they don't need a robot to park a car for them, but you never know when it will come in handy.  Even the best drivers sometimes have to pull up and try again when they parallel park.  It's not always as easy as it seems.

The LS 460 hasn't changed much since it was introduced in 2007.  The latest model features adjustable air suspension as an option when it was standard on previous models with all-wheel drive.  AS the flagship full size luxury sedan from Lexus, the car excels in things like comfort, refinement, performance and craftsmanship.  Along with a lot of high-tech features, the 460 comes through with a high quality ownership experience.  However, it still doesn't quite match up with the luxury brands from Europe.

When it comes to options, the LS 460 comes with a V8 engine and has a choice of standard or long wheelbase.  Drivers can also choose a rear or all-wheel-drive version.  People in the backseat will feel like they are in a limo with all the features available at their disposal.  The rear seats recline up to 45 degrees and there is even a footrest similar to those found in private jets.  There is a fridge to keep drinks cool and even a DVD entertainment system, though his should go without saying.  Most luxury cars come with the option for headrest mounted DVD screens for passengers.  If you don't have to do the driving, this is the way to travel, especially on longer trips.

The good news is that all these extra luxuries don't cost a ton like they do in the Euro competitors.  When compared to the others, the Lexus LS 460 will cost about $10,000 less for the same package.  The extra cost is usually due to the styling and power that the Europeans offer, but if this isn't a big issue, then the Lexus will do just fine without looking as good as say a BMW or a Jaguar.  The 460 it top-notch when it comes to construction and reliability.

The competitors to the LS 460 are the Audi A8, the BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ and the Mercedes S-Class.  You can't go wrong with any of these cars, especially if the price isn't a major concern.  They all have a healthy dose of performance, but those that really want to spin the tires might want to also take a look at the Porsche Panamera.  In most cases, the Lexus LS 460 will have what anyone in the market for a large luxury sedan will be looking for.

Now let's talk about some of the features of the 460.  18-inch wheels are standard, as are power mirrors that are heated.  The xenon headlights are automatic and adaptive.  I think that means they look around corners during turns.  All the other features one would expect from a luxury car are here.  Sound junkies will like the 10-speaker stereo with CD changer as well as satellite radio and Bluetooth capability.  AWD models have a heated steering wheel.

The next step up is the LS 460 L.  This adds automatic high beams, washers for the headlights, a power trunk lid, power doors, parking sensors and more.  These options are usually part of packages that can be a little expensive.  There is a Comfort package and a Comfort Plus package with even more upgrades.

The Sport package is for those that want to have a little fun with their drive.  This package is only available on RWD models and comes with 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires and Brembo performance brakes.  There is also a sport-tined air suspension, sport seats and special interior styling.  The leather trim steering wheel is fitting with paddle shifters that match revs on downshifts.

There is another option available that take the already awesome sound system to new heights.  This is the Mark Levinson surround sound audio system that has 19 speakers and a DVD.CD changer.  There is also the parking assist feature that can be added with other options in a package deal.

The LS 460 also packs quite a performance punch, though not quite as much as its competitors.  The 4.6 liter V8 makes 380 horsepower and 367 pound feet of torque with an eight-speed automatic transmission.  You won't find any manual transmissions here.  The rear drive sedan goes from 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, which is about average for this car class.  The car also get about 16 city and 24 highway miles per gallon.  It gets a little less for AWD models.  These are pretty standard numbers for such a big luxury boat.

If you have the money, I would recommend getting something from BMW, Audi, Jaguar or Mercedes.  Lexus cars are pretty bland and don't really stand out.  It's getting hard to tell them apart from the higher end models from Hyundai.  These cars are great for people that just want to get someone in comfort and luxury, but they aren't going to turn any heads.

For those that want a really cool performance car from Lexus, the IS is the way to go.  Those that have the money can go for the IS F which is one of the most powerful production sedans available.  It also looks awesome and will really stand out to those that know about performance cars.  It's the best car from Lexus since the IS 300.  Now that was a cool car in its day.

The LS 460 will cost over $70,000 and the price goes higher as more options are added.  Rich people will buy this car to show that they are rich, but they are not getting the best out there.  Being old is like that, though.  Sometimes style doesn't really matter.