Lexus LS460 Review
Average Joe does on occassion review cars. Here is my personal Lexus LS460 and let me tell you why I really enjoy this vehicle. This particular model is the 2014 LS460 AWD. In the AWD version you do sacrifice a bit of horsepower, but anyone who drives an LS really does so for the smooth ride (transmission and suspension). It really feels like floating on a cloud.
MSRP on a new (2017) LS460 is north of $80,000 but I purchased this one from a Lexus dealership in Spokane, WA in February 2017 for under $48,000. It came certified meaning I get an additional 2 year warranty on top of the manufacturer 4 year/50,000 mile warranty, a 161 point inspection prior to delivery and free service every 5,000 mile with a loaner car.
The leather appointment in the LS is really unmatched by any other Lexus model (RX, GS, GX, LX, IS, etc.). This is their flagship and pride shows throughout. You can get many options when selecting a new LS including BSM (blind spot monitoring), DNC (Dynamic Cruise Control), LKA (Lane Keep Assist) and RCA (Rear-Cross Alert) just to name a few. My model has the Mark Levinson and having owned two other models with the Lexus Sound System you really can tell the difference in sound quality.
The navigation/dvd screen is well equipped, a bit clunky to use, with map and of course numerous screen/settings. The screen is just over 12 inches, yes that is correct, only rivaled by the Tesla screen. It of course does come with Lexus' proprietary Enform App Suite, enabling users to access things such as Pandora and iHeart Radio. Personally I find it gimicky and difficult to pair each time so I simply use Bluetooth to access Pandora and other music on my phone. I did install the Beatsonic NAV/DVD bypass - you can read that review here - what it does is enables me to use the navigation screen while driving so that my passenger can enter addresses and look up points of interests. It also enables use of the DVD while driving (although I recommend only the passengers partake). I did also add aftermarket headrest DVD screens in the back for the kids - here is the review on those.
Each of the front seats has not only three memory seat buttons but a button to adjust the seatbelt height on the corresponding pillar. They of course both have heated and cooled seating. The rear passenger seats have heated seats as well, but not cooled. Here in Washington that isn't particularly going to be missed.
Overall: well-equipped with all modern technology and a very capable 4.6 Liter V8, the flagship Lexus LS460 doesn't disappoint. It is not for those seeking a performance luxury vehicle but designed to appease those seeking a smooth luxurious ride.
Pros: very smooth transmission, enormous navigation screen, luxurious interior, high resell value and low maintenance.
Cons: navigation mousepad is clunky, cup holders should be located elsewhere, less than stellar gas mileage.
Check out our video review here: