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Test Drives:
2007 Lexus LS 460
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Prior to its launch in October, Lexus provided an opportunity to test drive the latest
flagship sedan at its Taste of Lexus luxury tour across the United States. The day of
this test drive was held in Chicago, IL approximately one month prior to launch. A track
was setup in the Arlington Race Track parking lot where the new LS was available for
evaluation against the BMW 750i and Mercedes-Benz S550.
After being completely disappointed with a loop of the road course in the BMW, it was
time to take the Lexus out. I took command of one of three LS 460s available. This
particular LS 460 was a short, I mean standard wheelbase edition. Compared with the
BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the Lexus interior now appears busy. The Germans are
integrating multiple functions into a central command, known as iDrive, MMI, and
COMAND. Lexus has chosen to avoid this approach of consolidation and continue
what it feels is more ergonomically and intuitively appropriate. As a result, the Lexus
interior houses more buttons and controls than the S-Class, A8, and 7-Series. On the
plus side, at least I know how to put the transmission onto Drive without any thought or
training.
On the course, the LS 460 proved to be much more competent than the LS 430, thanks
to its new 4.6L V8 engine which produces 102 more horsepower than the 4.3. Of the
sound that you can actually hear, the engine produces a nice V8 rumble. Around the
corners, the Adaptive Front & Rear Air Suspension provides some assistance but the
Mercedes-Benz is better sprung.
The Lexus may not provide the best performance of the group, but as a package, it does
prove itself worthy of praise. While previous LS sedans were comparably equipped
with V8 E-Classes and 5-Series, the LS 460 now moves up to compete head-to-head
with the flagship German sedans. In its 17 years of existence, the LS has come a long
way. To be competing with the best sedans in the world at such an early age, the LS is
on track for nothing less than further success. Although there are no plans for a V12,
Lexus will introduce a hybrid-powered LS 600h (LS 600h L in North America) this
summer as an equivalent. Lexus has spent considerable resources researching the
Prestige Luxury High segment, where the real money is. It has been identified as one
segment within the luxury industry where there is considerable growth opportunities.
Can't wait to see these LS sedans on the road.
*Note: Since introduction, I have had the chance to drive both standard and long
wheelbase LSs in a variety of packages. There has been criticism of the self-park
feature known as Advanced Parking Guidance. After testing the system myself in both
parallel and perpendicular parking situations, I can honestly say that the system is
amazing. You just have to know how to use it properly, unlike many journalists.
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