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Lexus LS 460, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review

James Raia

Lexus LS 460, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review 1As the flagship sedan for the luxury division of Toyota, the Lexus LS was introduced in 1989. And for the past 15 years it has been the country’s best-selling luxury sedan and among the most reliable cars on the market.Now in its fourth generation, all Lexus LS varieties include V8 engines. The current generation began in 2007 and debuted as the first production vehicle with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an automatic parking system.

J.D. Power and Associates and Consumer Reports consistently praise the LS 460 for its dependability, with the 2010 model further adding to the car’s top-of-the-industry’s reputation.

Lexus LS 460, 2010: The Weekly Driver Car Review 2The Weekly Driver Test Drive

Unless they’ve driven or been a passenger, onlookers don’t know the powerful, smooth performance the LS 460 delivers. But the luxury sedan (my test vehicle had a finely finished black exterior) to the corner market or on the open road and people stare with a look of envy. It didn’t matter where I drove the car, it attracted near-constant attention.

And once you drive the Lexus LS 460, it’s hard not to want to drive it. Get on highway and the 380-horsepower machine takes charge. From the push-button start to the effortless shifting and its even, quick acceleration to the smooth ride, the LS 460 is everything a luxury sedan should be.

Lexus LS 460 Interior

There are more plush cars, but it’s hard to fault the Lexus design and its quality material. The ample wood trim is stylish. The leather seats are comfortable and constructed from top-quality material. Everything power, seats to side mirrors, work effortlessly and complement the car’s quiet engine.

Lexus LS 460 Exterior

With rare exception (early 2000s, 430 series), the exterior design Lexus matches its interior and performance. Certainly, the LS 460 has a stylish presence. Its deep-drawn fenders and the low front grille are signature traits. The integrated dual chrome exhaust tips tie the entire exterior together with a coolness factor.

Lexus LS 460 Performance

The reviewer for the noted automotive experts, Edmunds.com, wrote: “. . . The 2010 Lexus LS 460 isolates its occupants from the outside world, wrapping them in a silent, cloudlike cocoon. . . ”

That’s a hard-to-top assessment. The Edmunds reviewer didn’t specify if his cocoon comparison was present under all driving conditions. But suffice is to say, there wasn’t a driving circumstance when I wanted to be in any other car.

The LS 460 isn’t a sports car, of course. But when equipped with its optional sports car package (summer tires, performance brakes, paddle shifters, sport-tuned suspension, etc.), it’s as sporty as any vehicle in its class.

Likes:

Navigation screen clarity arguably the best in the industry.

The quiet ride is extraordinary. Is there a quieter car available?

Is the wood trim for a car or a piece of handcrafted furniture? Two words come to mind: handsome elegance.

Dislikes:

The sport package features six items and they’re all great . . . but the option costs $6,185.00.

Trunk space is adequate for groceries. But the trunk ledge is awkwardly positioned and the total cargo area falls short of what one might expect from a luxury sedan.

It’s a big, powerful, heavy car. But 16/24 mpg averages just aren’t adequate anymore.

2010 Lexus LS 460: Facts & Figures

Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 5.4 seconds.
Airbags: Dual front, seat-mounted side, front and rear side curtain passenger and driver’s side knee airbags.
Antilock brakes: Standard.
First aid kit: N/A.
Fuel economy: 16 mpg (city), 24 mpg (highway).
Government Safety Ratings: Not tested.
Horsepower: 380.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $65,380.00.
Price As tested: $76,979.00.
Warranty: Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/70,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited mileage.

What Others Say:

“The Lexus LS line may be the quietest, most serene luxury car available. It offers an excellent combination of comfort, space, quietude, and features. It’s also the most electronics-intensive luxury car we’ve ever experienced and, if it weren’t a Lexus, that would give us pause. The LS 460 offers all anyone might want in a luxury car, and at a price that cannot be considered exorbitant.” —- New Car Test Drive.

“LS base prices start below those of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8. It is less sporty and more comfort-oriented than those German rivals, but Lexus’ flagship is a Best Buy choice for its power, refinement, standard features, and optional gadgets.” —- Consumer Guide.

“A top choice for a luxury sedan thanks to its blissful comfort, exceptional refinement and value. Maintaining the Lexus LS line’s reputation as an all-star are such exemplary traits as a silent and super-smooth ride, commendable engine performance, stalwart reliability and undeniable value among competing large luxury sedans.” —- Edmunds.com

The Weekly Driver’s Final Words:

“The term luxury car is tossed around pretty loosely these days. The Lexus LS 460 isn’t a pretender. It’s a luxury vehicle — high performing, plush, chock-full of well-placed design elements. It matches well against any car in its class. Then again, it may be in a class of its own.”

Article Last Updated: October 4, 2010.

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