Accessibility Page Navigation
Style sheets must be enabled to view this page as it was intended.
Print Header
Border Top
Border Left
Border Right
LEXUS
Used Car Search
Advanced Search
Search
Be the first to receive our latest stock updates and news on special offers Find your nearest dealer
Border Top
Border Left
Border Right

Lexus LS Saloon 460

For:
The LS460 is supremely quiet, comfortable and packed with comfort and safety kit

Against:
Eight-speed auto gearbox is poor, and interior is a touch short of flair



Performance

The 4.6-litre V8 petrol produces 375bhp and 364lb ft of pulling power, so out-and-out pace is decent, but the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox seems to have one more ratio than it knows what to do with. When you want acceleration, it takes a few moments to decide on the best ratio, which can be frustrating. The 600h hybrid version is almost as quick, but the hesitancy that precedes acceleration is just as noticeable.

Ride & handling

The air-suspension system works superbly at speed, cushioning occupants from the worst road surface scars. The handling is well controlled - up to a point, after which the LS starts to feel its size. It's best to just cruise and let the Lexus do what it does best. In town, the worst potholes can be felt as a slightly unseemly shudder.

Refinement

At idle, the big V8 seems utterly soundless. All you can hear is the climate control system wafting air around the cabin. Move off and the volume from the engine increases only slightly, to a muted hum. Road and wind noise remain completely in the background, even at motorway pace, and there's little noise from the suspension as it deals with bumps.

Buying & owning

The LS doesn't come cheap, but resale values aren't any worse than other luxury car rivals. Running costs are competitive, though. The 600h version returns 30.4mpg and emissions of 219g/km mean you'll pay tax on 30% of its value. The 460 will cost more to run, but bills will be on a par with those of a Mercedes S-Class.

Quality & reliability

When the world ends, it'll be an LS that's left standing. The big Lexus feels solid and well constructed, although some of the plastics don't look particularly special. Everything works smoothly and slickly, and there's certainly nothing as unseemly as a rattle. Lexus's reliability record is second to none.

Safety & security

The LS hasn't been crash-tested, but it comes with a huge range of safety kit. Top-specification cars have the Advanced Safety Park, which comes with a Driver Monitoring System and Pre-Crash Safety System, as standard. Advanced Smart Key entry systems mean your car should always remain where you left it.

Behind the wheel

Everyone should be able to make themselves comfortable at the wheel of the Lexus, such are the variety and range of adjustments available. Most adjustments are electrically operated, too, so minimum effort is required. However, the dashboard doesn't feel befitting of a £71,000 car.

Space & practicality

There's loads of room for a driver and front-seat passenger, and enough space for odds and ends. However, if you prefer to be driven and sit in the rear, you'll feel slightly short-changed. Leg and head space is not massive, and there's no space to slide your feet under the front seats. The centre rear seat is uncomfortable, too.

Equipment

Even basic cars have satellite-navigation, dual-zone climate control, a voice-control function, and a parking-assist monitor. Move up to SE and you'll add power boot closing, a 19-speaker Mark Levinson hi-fi and power sunshades. The range-topper has the Advanced Safety Pack, including adaptive cruise control, and Smart Key entry.

Running Costs

Town mpg

17.1

Out of Town mpg

35.8

Average mpg

25.4

Tank Capacity (gallons)

18.5

CO2 Rating (g/km)

261

Insurance Group

18

Typical Insurance Quote

£799

% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)

32

Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)

£1261

Pence Per Mile

138

Servicing Cost over 3yrs

£1833

Servicing Intervals

10/20k

Manufacturers Warranty

3yr/60k + 3yr Paint + 12yr Perforation + 3yr Breakdown

Performance & Measurements

Body type

Saloon

Number of Doors

4

Number of Seats

5

Engine (cc/type)

4608/V8

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Max Power (bhp/rpm)

375/6400

Engine Position

F

Driven Wheels

Rear

Length (mm)

5030

Width (mm)

1875

Height (mm)

1465

Boot Space (min ltr)

N/A

Boot Space (max ltr)

N/A

Turning Circle (m)

N/A

Towing Weight(kg)

2000

Kerb Weight (kg)

1945

View the What Car? Road Test for: