By Cheryl Eldridge
I got a $86,784 surprise last week. Not only did the surprise make me feel as if I was on the top of the world, I’m thinking about purchasing such a dynamic power- filled automobile.
The 2013 Lexus LS 460 was definitely a sight for sore eyes. Many people even thought that it was a Mercedes, that is until when the lights turned on, they were in the form of the letter “L.”
Another amenity that I enjoyed was the Navigation System. You don’t have to store the information in while locating your next destination. You can just simply push the voice command, which connects you to a live operator, which links to the car to your address in a matter of seconds. Now that’s being a bit spoiled. The LS 460 is also a serene, quiet and comfortable drive.
On a more technical side, the 2013 Lexus LS 460 is a full-size luxury sedan available in regular and extended (LS 460 L) wheelbases. Both seat five people standard, but the L is available with a four-passenger configuration that includes a special center console in the rear.
Standard equipment on the LS 460 and LS 460 L includes 18-inch wheels, adaptive automatic xenon headlights, LED foglamps and running lights, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, automatic wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a sunroof, power door closers, adjustable drive settings and keyless ignition/entry. Interior features include cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats (12-way driver with four-way lumbar; 10-way passenger with two-way lumbar), front seat memory functions, leather upholstery and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.
Electronic features include the Lexus Remote Touch interface, a 12.3-inch central display screen, a navigation system, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, Lexus Safety Connect emergency communications and the Lexus Enform suite of smartphone-integrated apps. The 10-speaker sound system includes a CD player, HD radio, iTunes tagging, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Comfort package (standard on the 460 L) adds a power-closing trunk, heated and cooled front seats (with climate control-linked automatic setting), and a power rear sunshade.
Stand-alone options include 19-inch wheels, summer tires, LED headlights, an adjustable air suspension (includes enhanced steering, ride height adjustment and additional drive settings), a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with an enhanced pre-collision system, upgraded leather upholstery (includes a faux-suede headliner), a heated steering wheel and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system.
The All Weather package adds headlamp washers and a wiper de-icer. The Ultra Luxury package adds four-zone climate control, six-way power rear seats (with heating, cooling and massage functions), rear-seat side airbags and rear audio controls.
The regular LS 460 can be equipped with the F Sport package. This includes 19-inch wheels, Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential (rear-wheel drive only), a sport-tuned air suspension, sport-tuned steering, sportier adjustable drive settings, unique exterior and interior design elements, transmission shift paddles on the steering wheel and rev-matched downshifts.
The long-wheelbase LS 460 L can be equipped with the Executive-Class Seating package. This includes the Ultra Luxury package’s backseat upgrades, but enhances them with a two-seat configuration, a center console (includes enhanced controls, a cool box and added storage), a power passenger-side ottoman, power rear side sunshades and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with a power drop-down screen. Extended leather trim throughout the interior is included with this package.
The 2013 Lexus LS 460 is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that produces 386 hp and 360 pound-feet of torque when equipped with standard rear-wheel drive. It produces 360 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque with optional all-wheel drive. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard on every LS 460.
Lexus estimates that the rear-drive LS 460 will go from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive version will do it in 5.9. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive. It drops to 16/23/18 with AWD.
On the safety side, every 2013 Lexus LS 460 comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front knee airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and a rearview camera. Also standard is Lexus Safety Connect, which includes automatic collision notification, an emergency assist button, enhanced roadside assistance and a stolen vehicle locator.
There are several safety options which I enjoyed. The blind-spot warning system includes a rear cross-traffic alert system. The adaptive cruise control system includes a pre-collision system that preps various vehicle systems when it detects a possible collision. The Advanced Pre-Collision system includes a driver-attention monitor and can actually take evasive action if the driver fails to do so. Rear seat side airbags are also available.
The previous Lexus LS interior was beautifully constructed, but when it came to design and material choices, it just didn’t feel as elegant or special. All this changes with the 2013 LS 460. Soft leather or leather-look vinyl now covers most interior surfaces, and it’s complete stitching that lends a feeling of customization. Wood trim is now more artfully applied, and in general the look is much more modern.
The Remote Touch electronics interface is a part of that look, but more importantly, it controls most cabin functions. This is essentially a mouselike device that allows the user to navigate among a variety of icons on a centrally located video screen. I found it to be a competent control interface for the increasingly numerous and complicated gadgets found in flagship luxury sedans. However, it can still draw too much attention away from the road, and you may find that a tech interface as seen in the cars of some competitors will suit you better. This is definitely something to test thoroughly at a car dealership.
Front seat comfort is exemplary, and the backseat can be even better. Spacious in regular form and very spacious with the long-wheelbase L, it only gets nicer when you start sampling from the options list. Frankly, there isn’t a more indulgent or relaxing backseat than the one included with the optional Executive-Class Seating package. Even a Rolls-Royce or Bentley doesn’t give you as many toys. Trunk space is a generous 18 cubic feet.
Until next week, drive safe, buckle up, and please don’t text and drive, it’s the law.
