Lexus LS 460: Performance & Luxury

One of the most endearing qualities about many luxury automobiles is the ease of handling. The great ones drive smooth and effortlessly as if you’re merely along for the ride.

The 2015 Lexus LS 460 is rated among the quietest luxury sedans on the market. There’s barely an audible sound when the ignition start button is engaged and only a faint hum when one aggressively hits the gas.

When you get behind the wheel of the LS 460, there’s no second guessing that this is indeed a luxury sedan. It looks the part as well, very regal and refined. But it’s the magnificent handling that that makes any driver or passenger feel truly indulged.

2015 Lexus LS 460

* Performance: 4.6-liter, V8, 386 horsepower
* Mileage estimate: 16-24 mpg   
* Estimated Price: $72,520-$87,500
* Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles; drivetrain: 6 years/70,000 miles; roadside assistance: 4 years/unlimited; corrosion: 6 years/unlimited

The LS 460 steering is extremely precise and responsive, whether one is in freeway mode or executing a challenging tight turn that causes most vehicles to temporarily lose their solid grip on the road.

When introduced 26 years ago by parent company Toyota, the Lexus brand was launched to compete with well heeled German luxury vehicles. Lexus was popular almost immediately, producing highly reliable, classy vehicles like the LS model that could not only compete well, but were offered at a lower price.

More than a century later, nothing has changed in regards to costs. With a starting price for this year’s model at an estimated 72,520, the LS 460 is still beating many competitors in the sticker price wars. But the one major knock against the LS 460 is it doesn’t provide the quick or engaging to drive of its European rivals.

The rear-wheel drive LS 460 (all-wheel drive is an option) is considered one of the finest sedans in a very competitive premium luxury class. It doesn’t take long to call roll in this class. Only the Audi A8, Mercedes S-Class, Jaguar XL and the BMW 7 series match up with Lexus’ flagship sedan.

As one would expect, the LS 460 delivers quite a of performance, featuring a 4.6-liter, V8 produces 386 horsepower, 367 pound-feet of torque, and accelerates from 0-60 mpg in 6.1 seconds. Although it’s pretty darn quick, the LS 460 actually lags behind some rivals by nearly a second when clocked going 0-60 mpg.

Criticized in the past for lacking the interior sophistication of its competition, the LS 460 has stepped up its game. It features padded surfaces, soft leather and high-quality vinyl, wood trim, and other niceties. Comfort is at a premium for all occupants and the dashboard has an elegant layout and remote touch electronics allows for interface with practically all the cabin functions. Trunk room is spacious at 18 cubic feet.

The flagship Lexus LS 460 sedan is a great buy thanks to its refinement, cost, performance, comfort, and its effortless driving capability. European models still rate as more prestigious, but there’s no denying the less expensive LS 460 remains an excellent choice.