Big, Bold and Back for more. The Lexus that started it all back in 1989 receives a substantial makeover in 2013. The flagship LS sedan and its limo-like ride continues its evolution as a top-tier sedan selection. This summer, it earned the highest score among premium sedans in the influential J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. Simply stated, LS owners report fewer problems than any in its class. Another reason to break out the bubbly? Toyota's image-conscious division celebrates its 25th anniversary in the almost-here 2014 model year.
Taking direct aim at Germany's top luxury name plates, Lexus created its own interpretation of potency and posh, but with a bottom line a bit lighter on the pocketbook.
Today, LS includes the most advanced technology and five-star digs of any model in the growing Lexus lineup; continuing to earn high resale value returns during trade-in time. Rear drive continues powering the vehicle with a soft-glide ride rather than a harsher, sports-tuned experience. Midwestern-friendly all-wheel drive is also optional for greater peace of mind during frosty times, but advances with traction control and anti-lock brakes make rear-drive a competent choice anytime. The church-mouse quiet interior is the envy of the industry.
The most notable exterior visual change in the revamped 2013 edition involves the new face of LS, which also serves as the new grille for the entire Lexus line. The attractive 'spindle' grille bears a slight resemblance to a truncated, sand-filled hour glass
A total of four LS versions are available in 2013: this week's tester, a LS 460, an extended-length LS 460L, a high-performance LS 460 F Sport edition and a gas-electric hybrid incarnation, the LS 600hL. Extended-length (designated with the "L" suffix) add an extra five inches to length and gobs of rear leg room, although our standard-length tester provided more than ample extremity-extending girth.
All LS choices include V-8 powertrains for ultimate get-up-and-go. The LS 460 gas engine ups ponies by six from 2012. The 4.6-liter displacement remains unchanged (thus the '460' suffix) with a dual fuel-injection system and 32 valves. It's connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Be aware 91-octane premium fuel is required to top off the 22.2-gallon fuel tank. Expect 18 miles per gallon city and 24 highway; subtract one mile highway with all-wheel drive. Through the first six months of 2013, sales were up a huge 75 percent from the previous year's timeframe.
Pricing for a rear-drive LS starts at $71,990 and $74,935 for all-wheel drive. Extended length versions extend pricing upward, $78,290 and $81,775 respectively. Our regular-length, all-wheel-drive tester ended at $79,249 after adding the highly recommended $500 blind-spot monitor/rear cross traffic alert, $2,090 comfort package with heated outboard rear seats, power rear sunshade and air-cooled front seats, $550 headliner upgrade, $110 heated faux-wood steering wheel, $169 cargo net/trunk mat and $895 destination charge.
While the hefty 2013 LS gas-electric hybrid was tested earlier this year, the high-price premium ($119,910 to start) coupled with minimal fuel economy boost created a narrow customer base, although power output was head-snapping. German luxury counterparts (Audi, BMW) have steered away from gas-electric powertrains, in favor of clean-diesel to geek up fuel economy and performance.
Another advantage Lexus holds sway over its European luxury rivals is a driver-friendly, less over-engineered interior. Trunk, fuel door and hood release levers on the bottom side of the far left dash add to the convenience factor; above resides side power mirror controls. Lock and power window switches are found on the driver's door at 90 degrees. The electronic parking brake is controlled via a push-button in the same under-dash region. A push-style start/stop button resides right of the steering column. The power-lift trunk also opens via the key fob with an inside lip button ready for use when closing.
The soft-touch dash with contrasting stitching stretches straight across instead of a serpentine structure. Wood-like trim intersects with duo-tone coloring. This theme continues through the doors. Bucket seats mimic Lazy Boy support and comfort. A welcome, elegant analog tick-tock clock is found front and center
Optional Suede-like materials ensconce A and B pillars as well as the ceiling for an added flair. The power tilt-and-telescope steering wheel includes a cruise control appendage at 5 o'clock and secondary audio controls. The steering column lifts and inches inward when switching off the ignition for a more comfortable exit. B pillars include built-in vents to comfort row two riders. With the vertical floor hump, two riders fit in optimal comfort while a fold-down armrest provides cup holders and storage. The folded arm rest also segway's into the trunk. Rear doors swing open widely, creating a substantial entry way and if not closed firmly when leaving, automatically and electronically seal themselves tightly closed.
As with Lexus ES and GS sedans, LS 460 incorporates a second-generation 'remote touch interface' to communicate with such functions as climate and audio. A one-inch by one-and-a-half inch slightly elevated wiggle pad between the front buckets tilts sideways and depresses down, offering option selections through the colorful center-mounted mid-dash screen. Screen-touching is not encouraged. A rearward arched cushion acts as a rest pad easing right-hand wrist fatigue and potential carpel tunnel aches. Helping speed along the process are often-used 'map' and 'menu' buttons ahead of the wiggle pad reachable via fingertips.
While this quick descriptive may seem overly burdensome, mastering the process is easier than many other designs. Plus, a soft-pinging audio cue lets the operator know when selections are made. Nearby, are three on-command drive mode choices adjusting suspension firmness: Normal, Sport and Eco, all operated via a push or twist of circular dial.
While functions like climate and audio tweaks may be commanded through the multi-information screen, Lexus wisely added a secondary option of utilizing dashboard knobs and dials to monitor these necessities. Ford learned a lesson with its 'Sync' inspired "My Ford Touch" interface by bowing to blistering consumer feedback and bringing back old-school tactile; turn knobs to work in tandem with voice recognition in upcoming models.
Exterior styling continues conservatively subtle. In addition to the upgraded grille, chrome strap-like handles adorn all four doors, although Cadillac's all-new 2013 XTS sedan includes illuminated versions. Narrow side windows and high side belt line continue an industry trend. Narrow red-housed tail lights wrap around to the fenders and feature a trio of ensconced Lexus logo "L"s all in a row (with the right-side "L"s flipped, facing inward); an attractive cue also promoting its corporate identity. Inlaid dual tail pipes sport a square end. At 18.0 cubic feet, trunk volume stacks up impressively, and includes a rarity in this day and age: a full-size spare under the flat-floor cargo region along with a first-aid kit as a nice parting gift.
The M56, Infiniti's flagship sedan, offers a more potent (420) horsepower output from its V-8 engine and a firmer, more sports-oriented experience. Unlike the Lexus LS, the Infiniti M offers a smaller V-6 option. A clear distinction exists between the two. For those demanding a luxo-light glide, the LS 460 is THE choice.
At a Glance
2013 LS 460
Price as tested: $79,249
Engine: 4.6-liter V-8
Horsepower: 386
Wheelbase: 116.9 inches
Overall Length: 200.0 inches
Overall Width: 73.8
Fuel Economy: 16 m.p.g. city 23 m.p.g. hwy.
Curb weight: 4,651 pounds
Powertrain warranty: Six years/70,000 miles
Built: Yoshiwara, Japan
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