2007 Lexus LS460 Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2001, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2016 Lexus LS as a used buy.

The most noticeable feature of the Lexus LS series models is their near-silence and comfort. Features that put them very much in the upmarket limousine class. First rate materials are used throughout and these are assembled with meticulous care. Though aimed very much at the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Audi A8, the top-line Lexus hasn't quite managed to reach their high status in the image stakes despite 25 years on the market. But they're reasonably close and will obviously keep trying to improve.Lexus tells us 'LS' stands for Luxury Sports, however to our eyes there's a lot more luxury than sport. Handling is safe and secure but doesn't have quite the sporting sparkle you get in the big Germans.The LS400 was discontinued late in 2000, to be replaced by a near-new design in the LS430. April 2007 saw the introduction of an all-new LS, the 460. The numbers in the title refers to the capacity of the V8 engine in decilitres.Interior space was good in the original 1990 LS400, but was noticeably improved in November 1994 when the initial model received a solid revamp. Given that Lexus had learned a lot in the early production years, cars from this model are probably the ones to aspire to. There was a facelift in November 1997.September 2003 saw a revised and upgraded version of the Lexus LS430. It has features such as doors that pull themselves closed, and door mirrors that automatically fold when you switch the ignition off. There's front-mounted radar to keep an electronic eye on the vehicle ahead when you are using the cruise control. If heavy braking is required the Lexus sounds a gong to grab your attention.This was one of the early adopters of a reversing camera. And the electric motor that automatically powers down the sunscreen in the rear window when you engage reverse gear.Lexus LS400 is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 engine that is incredibly smooth. It was uprated several times during its life before being replaced by a revised 4.3-litre unit late in 2000. The LS460 engine was virtually all-new.Of particular interest is the hybrid Lexus LS600hL, introduced in November 2007. Just to confuse matters, the '600' doesn't mean there's a 6.0-litre engine under the bonnet, but that Lexus considers its new hybrid has the sort of performance that would normally require a 6.0-litre engine. The 'L' in the title announces this is a limousine, with a longer wheelbase than the standard Lexus LS460 on which it's based.Most LS600hL models were imported with an upper-luxury layout featuring just two business-class seats in the rear. A timber-trimmed console between the two seats contains controls for the Mark Levinson audio system as well as the inbuilt DVD player, climate control, rear window shades and other functions.Dealerships that specialise in the Lexus marque are relatively scarce and tend to be confined to capital cities and major country centres. The far-flung Toyota network can assist Lexus owners as some mechanics are specifically trained on it.Insurance isn't likely to be overly expensive in comparison with the high price of the car.Many used cars are bought from a Lexus dealership and have been serviced by that, or another, dealer. These tend to be more expensive, but smart buyers consider it a good move.All new Lexus models come with an impressive Encore lifestyle package that includes complimentary service pick up and delivery of the car, roadside assistance, a priority ticketing service at leading cultural centres, golf days and a luxury travel service. Buyers of used vehicles up to five years old and bought from a Lexus dealer receive the same benefits. The offerings may change from time to time so contact your local Lexus dealer for the latest info.WHAT TO LOOK FORIt's smart to have a Lexus inspected by either by a motoring association or a specialist in the marque. In the absence of a Lexus technician, some senior Toyota mechanics are trained on the car.Check for damage to the bodywork and the interior trim and remember the car should be close to immaculate in all areas unless it is one of the oldest models. Even then, we would expect the car to be in very good condition inside.Look over the complete vehicle, testing each of the functions using the owner's manual to work out exactly how everything should operate.Make sure the engine starts virtually immediately and accelerates without hesitation even when it is cold. Look for a puff of oily smoke from the exhaust when you accelerate hard after the engine has been running on a light load, or idling, for a while.Some early Lexus LS400 cars, built before August 1992, had an oil leak at the rear of the engine. The chances are that most, if not all, engines will have been repaired years ago. Check with Lexus if there's any doubt.Make sure the automatic transmission operates almost imperceptibly. A slight thud during a change during very hard acceleration is acceptable, anything else may indicate a problem.During an extended road test make sure the brakes stop the car in a straight line without too much pedal effort, and that the steering is precise, smooth and reasonably light.CAR BUYING TIPUpmarket cars with full service records for their entire lives are likely to cost more, but are almost invariably worth the extra investment.

Symbolism is rarely something car companies worry about on a model launch. But executives from Toyota's luxury Lexus division chose the 92nd floor of Melbourne's $500 million Eureka Tower to unveil its LS460.The skyscraper's height and commanding presence over the city was a metaphor for the expected sales dominance of this new Lexus in the upper luxury segment.The LS460 this week also won the World Car of the Year award for 2007 — so expectations are right up there.With a price tag of $184,900, it's likely to cause some headaches for its European rivals, notably the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW's 7 Series.The LS460 is a fourth-generation development of the LS400, launched here in 1990. And, like the original, which was priced way below its European rivals but packed with gear, the newcomer costs between $19,000 and $69,000 less than its competitors.There are no options. What you see is what you get: an equipment list that would put the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz to shame.There are 10 airbags, adaptive air suspension, an eight-speed automatic transmission (a world-first for a passenger car), a 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, keyless entry, four-zone climate control, a rear DVD player, heated and air-cooled seats, and enough leather and wood to satisfy the fussiest luxury-car buyer.Naturally, there are also active safety features such as Lexus's vehicle dynamics integrated management system, which covers traction control and vehicle stability, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electro-hydraulic brakes and the variable-ratio electric power steering.Apart from its standard equipment, the LS460 is new from the ground up, including the chassis, suspension, engine, driveline and sharper steering.It's powered by a 4.6-litre VVT-i V8 that develops 280kW at 6400rpm and 493Nm at 4100rpm.This smooth engine delivers an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h, a zero-to-100km/h sprint time of 5.7 seconds and a combined fuel economy figure of 11.1litres/100km.Lexus says an eight-speed sequential automatic was needed to cope with the LS460's torque and provide improved acceleration at low speeds.In reality, it's one-upmanship. Many six- or seven-speed autos cope just as well with similar torque outputs. Regardless, this transmission, as you would expect from Toyota, is a work of art.It's the same size as the previous-generation LS430's six-speed auto, yet its alloy casing is 10 per cent lighter, 30 per cent stronger and weighs just 10 per cent more than the six-speeder.When the car is driven gently, eighth gear will lock up at 80km/h.Lexus delayed the LS460's local launch so air suspension could be a standard fitting. It had originally planned to release the car last year with a conventional steel-spring suspension.As well as the trick multi-link aluminium front and rear suspension and a “vehicle posture control system”, the suspension uses state-of-the-art monotube dampers.The posture system reduces body roll by a claimed 30 per cent, as well as alleviating the inherent pitching associated with a conventionally sprung car.Visually, the LS460 adopts an evolutionary approach almost identical to the styling of the Lexus concept car shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show.That car showed off Toyota's “L-finesse” design strategy for the Lexus brand. Like the IS and GS, the LS has a bold family look and sleek styling.The LS460 is 5mm longer, 45mm wider and has a 45mm longer wheelbase than the LS430 and has a 1610mm front and 1615mm rear track.We've often thought of the Lexus LS430 as a brilliantly built car, but a touch too clinical.Granted, it did everything that was asked of it — some things extremely well. But, as a thoroughly entertaining driver's car, it just missed the mark.That's why BMW, Mercedes-Benz and even Audi had no cause for concern over a Lexus challenge to their dynamic superiority.Cachet is one thing, but bragging rights at the golf club are also important when you buy a luxury car. With the arrival of the LS460, the Germans can no longer look down their Teutonic noses at the Japanese newcomer.A new V8, the three-mode air suspension and more responsive steering have elevated and improved the LS460 to the point where it is a serious contender in the luxury-car segment.Its steering is still a tad light for our liking, but that silky V8, the seamless eight-speed gearbox and those suspension refinements mean this big sedan's overall composure is vastly better than that of the LS430.The air suspension has a lot to do with that. It irons out corrugations, reduces body roll and maintains a level attitude even pushing through hairpin turns.Be wary, though: this Lexus is something of a wolf in sheep's clothing. Floor the accelerator, and the V8's muted growl will propel it — and you — into trouble as the speedo surges into the danger zone beyond 110km/h.Thankfully, there's radar cruise control to keep LS460 drivers on the right side of the law.The LS460 looks more agile and sporty than the upright LS430, with a smoother grille and a Japanese take on the 7 Series-style rear end. Some buyers may like a little more chrome to distinguish their six-figure purchase, though.The newcomer has but 400 litres of boot space versus 573 litres of the LS430. It seems the new-fangled rear air conditioning system takes up the extra room.In the cabin, everyone is suitably pampered with acres of leather and wood, a superb sound system and plenty of space. Large and small folk alike will be able to find an agreeable position behind the wheel.Attention to detail is also outstanding. Like the way the insides of the doors are finished in moulded grained plastic, the subtle lighting of the “Lexus” name on the door sills, or the neat flange along the sills that stop mud and grime marking your pants.The LS was always a well-built car. Now it can run with the luxury pack.

The skyscraper's height and commanding presence over the city was a metaphor for the expected sales dominance of this new Lexus in the upper luxury segment.The LS460 this week also won the World Car of the Year award for 2007 — so expectations are right up there.With a price tag of $184,900, it's likely to cause some headaches for its European rivals, notably the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW's 7 Series.The LS460 is a fourth-generation development of the LS400, launched here in 1990. And, like the original, which was priced way below its European rivals but packed with gear, the newcomer costs between $19,000 and $69,000 less than its competitors.There are no options. What you see is what you get: an equipment list that would put the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz to shame.There are 10 airbags, adaptive air suspension, an eight-speed automatic transmission (a world-first for a passenger car), a 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, keyless entry, four-zone climate control, a rear DVD player, heated and air-cooled seats, and enough leather and wood to satisfy the fussiest luxury-car buyer.Naturally, there are also active safety features such as Lexus's vehicle dynamics integrated management system, which covers traction control and vehicle stability, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electro-hydraulic brakes and the variable-ratio electric power steering.Apart from its standard equipment, the LS460 is new from the ground up, including the chassis, suspension, engine, driveline and sharper steering.It's powered by a 4.6-litre VVT-i V8 that develops 280kW at 6400rpm and 493Nm at 4100rpm.This smooth engine delivers an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h, a zero-to-100km/h sprint time of 5.7 seconds and a combined fuel economy figure of 11.1litres/100km.Lexus says an eight-speed sequential automatic was needed to cope with the LS460's torque and provide improved acceleration at low speeds.In reality, it's one-upmanship. Many six- or seven-speed autos cope just as well with similar torque outputs. Regardless, this transmission, as you would expect from Toyota, is a work of art.It's the same size as the previous-generation LS430's six-speed auto, yet its alloy casing is 10 per cent lighter, 30 per cent stronger and weighs just 10 per cent more than the six-speeder.When the car is driven gently, eighth gear will lock up at 80km/h.Lexus delayed the LS460's local launch so air suspension could be a standard fitting. It had originally planned to release the car last year with a conventional steel-spring suspension.As well as the trick multi-link aluminium front and rear suspension and a “vehicle posture control system”, the suspension uses state-of-the-art monotube dampers.The posture system reduces body roll by a claimed 30 per cent, as well as alleviating the inherent pitching associated with a conventionally sprung car.Visually, the LS460 adopts an evolutionary approach almost identical to the styling of the Lexus concept car shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show.That car showed off Toyota's “L-finesse” design strategy for the Lexus brand. Like the IS and GS, the LS has a bold family look and sleek styling.The LS460 is 5mm longer, 45mm wider and has a 45mm longer wheelbase than the LS430 and has a 1610mm front and 1615mm rear track.We've often thought of the Lexus LS430 as a brilliantly built car, but a touch too clinical.Granted, it did everything that was asked of it — some things extremely well. But, as a thoroughly entertaining driver's car, it just missed the mark.That's why BMW, Mercedes-Benz and even Audi had no cause for concern over a Lexus challenge to their dynamic superiority.Cachet is one thing, but bragging rights at the golf club are also important when you buy a luxury car. With the arrival of the LS460, the Germans can no longer look down their Teutonic noses at the Japanese newcomer.A new V8, the three-mode air suspension and more responsive steering have elevated and improved the LS460 to the point where it is a serious contender in the luxury-car segment.Its steering is still a tad light for our liking, but that silky V8, the seamless eight-speed gearbox and those suspension refinements mean this big sedan's overall composure is vastly better than that of the LS430.The air suspension has a lot to do with that. It irons out corrugations, reduces body roll and maintains a level attitude even pushing through hairpin turns.Be wary, though: this Lexus is something of a wolf in sheep's clothing. Floor the accelerator, and the V8's muted growl will propel it — and you — into trouble as the speedo surges into the danger zone beyond 110km/h.Thankfully, there's radar cruise control to keep LS460 drivers on the right side of the law.The LS460 looks more agile and sporty than the upright LS430, with a smoother grille and a Japanese take on the 7 Series-style rear end. Some buyers may like a little more chrome to distinguish their six-figure purchase, though.The newcomer has but 400 litres of boot space versus 573 litres of the LS430. It seems the new-fangled rear air conditioning system takes up the extra room.In the cabin, everyone is suitably pampered with acres of leather and wood, a superb sound system and plenty of space. Large and small folk alike will be able to find an agreeable position behind the wheel.Attention to detail is also outstanding. Like the way the insides of the doors are finished in moulded grained plastic, the subtle lighting of the “Lexus” name on the door sills, or the neat flange along the sills that stop mud and grime marking your pants.The LS was always a well-built car. Now it can run with the luxury pack.