2007 Lexus LS 460

Relaunching the Flagship

The redesigned Lexus LS 460 is a technological and luxury tour de force, as groundbreaking as the first LS that launched in 1990.

The Lexus flagship LS sedan gets revised styling, added features and a larger engine, prompting a name change to the Lexus LS 460 from the old LS 430. It is a long-overdue makeover by Lexus standards, since the LS last underwent a full redesign for 2001. Japanese brands generally refresh their lineups at a quicker pace than European luxury brands, which may produce the same model for eight or 10 years, or even more. The new model gets a first-ever long-wheelbase model, the LS 460 L, which is 4.8 inches longer than the standard version. It is added to the line to compete with similarly stretched models from European competitors.

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The Lexus LS 460 comes powered by an all-new, 4.6-liter V8 engine that generates 380 hp, an increase of 90 hp over the model it replaces. The new model also gets an industry-first eight-speed automatic transmission.

The ride and handling characteristics of the LS 460 benefit from a redesigned suspension and an improved version of the automaker’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management that integrates and manages its many chassis control systems for greater security in extreme handling situations. A new air suspension system is optional on the LS 460 L that further enhances ride comfort and handling.

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The new model’s exterior styling is more dramatic than the previous LS generation’s. Lexus calls its latest design theme “L-finesse,” which debuted with Lexus GS sedans. Inside, the Lexus LS 460 has a richly trimmed, leather-clad interior. The long-wheelbase version has five more inches of rear-seat legroom than in the standard-length LS. The LS 460 L also comes with dual rear bucket seats with a fixed rear console and foldout table. It also offers a reclining right rear seat that comes with a footrest and multifunction massage for the ultimate in decadence.

Lexus LS 460 Vehicle Summary

Standard equipment includes a wealth of safety, comfort and convenience features. A newly developed, voice-operated navigation system incorporates Bluetooth wireless technology. It also provides real-time traffic updates for major cities, recalculating its routes to avoid congestion ahead. The system also stores map information on a built-in hard drive. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system comes with a large, nine-inch, fold-down screen, while the audiophile-quality Mark Levinson surround-sound system now comes with 19 speakers and generates 450 watts of power.

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What will likely be the most-talked-about high-tech feature offered on the new LS is the so-called Intelligent Park Assist system. It can parallel park the car itself, taking the concept of a vehicle that drives itself one step closer to reality. This system was previously offered in Japan on the Toyota Prius gasoline/electric hybrid. When a motorist finds a parking space and activates the system, exterior-mounted video cameras guide the car’s steering to maneuver the car into place. All the driver needs to do is modulate the brake pedal.

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The system is not infallible, and some owners may not like the idea in the first place, but it does have a certain “gee-whiz” factor.