I’ve never aspired to be a limousine driver. Yet, there I was recently experiencing what it must feel like to fill that role. I was touring the hillsides around Apple Mountain, Calif., with friends on a beautiful fall day.
Although I wasn’t behind the wheel of a limo, it was the first comment from friends enjoying the extensive back seat legroom of the 2008 Lexus LS460. No wonder, the wheelbase stretches nearly 203 inches bumper to bumper.
“What kind of car is this anyway?” the couple said in near unison.
My quick reply quickly: “It’s my favorite sedan of all-time.”
A week in possession of the Lexus LS460 is like receiving a birthday gift or a hoped-for Christmas present. The full-sized luxury sedan is an exceptional vehicle in many ways. One auto publication captured the LS460 perfectly – “a personal sanctuary on wheels.”
While driving, it feels like the Lexus LS460 is doing most of the work while the driver relaxes with the passengers. Part of feeling is the ultra-quiet ride; the LS460 is among the quietest cars on the road. The engine is virtually silent at idle and emits only a subdued noise even the aggressively accelerating. In fact, it’s difficult to hear any road, tire or wind noise.
The LS460 premium sedan has been around for nearly two decades and was redesigned in 2007. It was so good, no changes were made in 2008 and none are planned in 2009.
The LS460 has several unique features, including an 8-speed automatic transmission. No other vehicle has a similar transmission, although Mercedes Benz offers a 7-speed automatic transmission.
Although not standard, the more publicized feature of the LS460 is the automatic parking system. How many times have you seen a driver struggle to parallel park? It’s no wonder, since parallel parking is no longer a required
as a driver’s test skill
The Lexus LS460 gives you the option of never having to worry about parallel parking or even successfully pulling into a cramped parking space. It does both while the driver basically sits comfortably and observes.
Offered in three trims (460, 460 L and hybrid 600h L), the base model features a high performance engine, a 4.6-liter, V8 with 380 horsepower. Acceleration arrives near instantly, completing the 0-60 mph standard in 5.4 seconds.
The LS460’s handling is almost nearly as impressive. It has a light steering feel, corners effortlessly, braking is superb and the driver feels confident.
The back seat is plush and the front seat is extremely comfortable. Heated, leather front seats offer good support, and are wide enough to make long trips pleasing.
Not surprisingly, the LS460 isn’t cheap. But it’s priced fairly considering what the Lexus offers. And it’s not as costly as its primary competition from Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
FAST FACTS
Power — 4.6-liter, V8, 380 horsepower.
Mileage Estimates — 16 mpg (city), 24 mpg (hwy).
Standard Features — automatic electric parking brake; antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, daytime running lights, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery, 16-way power driver seat, 12-way power passenger seat, power sunroof.
