Lexus LS 460

The LS 460L is grotesquely oversized, disgustingly extravagant and the wheel wells look kind of empty with just 18s in there—all the right ingredients for Lexus to regain the Hip-Hop Car of the Year title it held through most of the ’90s. That’s right, Toyota’s up brand flagship could be bringing the heat to the luxo-barge market, and for the least amount of dollars. Now get in…After the heavy door sucks shut, depress the ignition button and the 32-valve V8 quietly springs to life. But don’t let the lack of bark question the bite. This land boat somehow skates to 60mph in 5.8 seconds, but the real giddy-up comes after 80. What’s most surprising is the complete absence of in-cabin drama at 130mph. Actually, it’s so numb, it’s a little troubling. But hey, you don’t buy this Lex for its sporting nature. In fact, if you lay out the extra paper for the “L,” you probably expect to be chauffeured.

You do know about the Executive Class Seating option? C’mon, sit down throw ya feet up. You can control the reclining rear seat from the center console and even move the front passenger seat forward to give ya’self more legroom. The best part of this Lex-Z-Boy, though, is attached to a wired remote, which controls the Shiatsu massage. That’s right, not just some oscillating lumbar support like many other so-called massage seats. And after you get comfortable, put up the privacy shades and lower the screen to enjoy a DVD. Jim Jones would approve!

Now, if you must drive the LS 460 yourself, it will actually drive for you…well at least into a parking spot. The Intelligent Parking Assistant virtually parallel parks itself. In all honesty, the system takes just as long to figure out as it does to learn how to park, but the coolness factor of pulling a no-handed park job is well worth it.

SPECS

Rating 5
Damage $71, 000
Power 380hp, 367 lb.-ft.
0-60 5.8 seconds
Top Speed 130mph (limited)
Gas Cash 18 city, 21 hwy
Miles Driven 307

Interior Aside from the reclining rear seats, massage, ample leg room, booming system, plush leather, heated and cooled seats, navigation, DVD player, super thick floor mats and the privacy screens, the cabin is sort of Spartan (note the sarcasm).

Exterior While the 460 resembles its old man the LS 430, it no longer resembles an S-Class Mercedes. The smoother lines and angrier headlights look quite fly. The L also doesn’t suffer from that awkwardness of mini-limos.

Floss Factor Check it: the rear seat reclines, has an ottoman and a built in Shiatsu. Oh, and the damn thing parks itself, too. Beat dat wit a bat!

Flaw Factor Okay, as fly as it is, the Intelligent Parking System requires a little tutoring to get the hang of it.

Brian Scotto

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