Model Update

A lot of water has gone under the bridge since 2007, when the Lexus LS 460 picked up top honours for the car of the year. One thing is the same, however; the Lexus LS 460 is as good as ever. The smoothness and the refinement of the LS 460 is unbettered anywhere else, while the all alloy Quad Cam V8 engine combines port and direct injection, optimising power output. Rated at 280 kW and boasting a very lusty 493 Nm of torque at 4100 rpm, it is an immensely nice car to do long journeys in. Conversely, the Lexus LS 460 sets an impressive standard in fuel efficiency for luxury vehicles.

Front, side and curtain airbags combine with all the latest pre-tensioning and height adjustable seat belts that boast force limiters. VDIM integrates the comprehensive package of safety technologies in the LS 460, which includes the Anti-lock Braking System, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control. The Lexus Pre-Collision safety System (PCS)1 helps you avoid accidents and can reduce injury and damage where impact is unavoidable. The PCS is assisted by a radar sensor embedded in the front grille, which monitors the distance of the LS 460 from objects ahead. If the PCS determines a collision is likely, it pre-emptively retracts the driver and front passenger seatbelts, while arming Brake Assist to help reduce speed. If the driver does not respond and a collision is unavoidable, the system automatically applies Pre-Collision Braking.

Getting comfortable in a Lexus LS 460 is so easy to do. Reclining and sliding back seats (all done electrically) make for premium levels of comfort.

Do you like grace and pace? I guess you might think the Aussie V8s have that. Or, perhaps the German marques might come to mind. What pops into my mind when I think grace and pace is Jaguar. Has the Lexus LS 460 captured this quintessential glory that envelopes a fine luxury motor car like a Jaguar? Certainly! The new Lexus LS 460 has some superlative lines that capture the essence of power and refinement. The broad bonnet lines embody a powerful presence, while the sweeping teardrop roofline gracefully finishes at a classy boot lip that is bolstered by some very sweet looking taillights. Its stance remains very Lexus-like, but is muscular and more aggressive.

Under the bonnet lies 280 kW from a silky smooth 4.6-litre V8. The engine is 36% more powerful than its predecessor and features the world’s first 8-speed automatic gearbox. Performance is swift and impressive, with its 0-100 km/h sprint time performed in a time of less than 5.5 seconds. This is one fast car, particularly if the American reports are true in stating that the Lexus LS 460 will blast through the quarter mile in 13.8 seconds! In the same breath, mentions were made that the car’s fuel economy is equally notable.

If you like the idea of hybrid technology, then the hybrid version of the big Lexus sedan is called the LS 600h. And this is where Toyota has blended its Hybrid Synergy Drive with the V8 engine.

The new Lexus LS 460 is bigger all-round, and boasts larger wheels and tyres which will ensure that the grip levels will be superb. Being rear-wheel-drive, the LS 460 is well planted and stable through tight switchbacks and gradual sweeping turns. It is rumoured that an all-wheel-drive option will be added to the LS 460 in the near future… I can’t wait!

Comfort levels are nothing short of superb, with plenty of technologically advanced features such as a Smart card entry, a magnificent 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system (How does one fit 19 speakers into a car’s cabin? This will surely be a very theatrical experience.), reclinable back seats with individual DVD entertainment systems and back massagers. Electronic sensors pick up the cabin temperature as well as occupant body temperature to maintain the desired balanced cabin temperature.. For those who find tight car parks a nightmare, the Lexus LS460L has an automatic park assist system which will allow the driver to park with ease.

For you blokes who would like to pamper their pretty wives with a car as good as this one… you can’t go wrong. The Lexus LS 460 is one mightily impressive luxury sedan. And Lexus has a well-earned reputation for outstanding reliability. American surveys put the Lexus marque way out in front of European and American marques for being the most satisfying car to own. The executives residing at BMW and Mercedes will be a little unsettled to say the least.

The current model series includes the:

• Lexus LS 460

For any more information on the Lexus LS 460, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Lexus dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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