By Mark Phelan
The 2013 Lexus LS 460 AWD F Sport is the best-looking and most responsive version of Lexus’ flagship sedan yet.
The sedan showcases Lexus’ new design theme with a big trapezoidal grille, LED running lights and elegant lines. The attractive F-Sport package includes 19-inch, 10-spoke wheels; grille inserts; and a lowered suspension.
Prices for the 2013 Lexus LS 460 start at $71,990 (in the US) for a rear-drive, short-wheelbase version.
Non-hybrid versions of the LS have a 386hp 4.6-litre V-8 engine. The engine is detuned to 360hp for all-wheel drive models. All LS models but the hybrid use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The LS 460 L long-wheelbase model is 5 inches longer than the 200-inch-long base car. The hybrid LS 600h L comes with AWD, the long wheelbase, continuously variable automatic transmission and a 5.0-litre V-8 and electric motor that produce a total of 438hp.
I tested an LS 460 AWD. It had the F Sport package, 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, navigation, voice recognition, Bluetooth compatibility and a big 12.3-inch screen.
The LS 460 AWD competes with big luxury sedans like the Audi A8 4.0T Quattro, BMW 750i xDrive, Jaguar XJ AWD, Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic and Porsche Panamera 4S.
It’s less expensive than comparably equipped models from BMW, Mercedes and Porsche. The Audi and Jag cost less, though the short-wheelbase Jag only comes with a 340hp supercharged V6 engine that’s less powerful than the LS 460’s V-8.
That’s the only one of the competitive engines that trails the Lexus, however. Neither power nor fuel efficiency is the LS 460 AWD’s strong suit. The 360hp V-8 trails the German competitors by 40 to 85hp, and the LS uses more fuel than all the competitors except the aged S550, which will be replaced by a new car this autumn.
The LS 460 AWD’s EPA rating is an unimpressive 16mpg city, 23 highway and 18 combined. The combined figure is 1-3 mpg lower than the Audi, BMW, Jag and Porsche. The LS 460 AWD’s 0-60 mph time trails the A8, 750i, Panamera and S550.
Lexus’ eight-speed transmission has improved immensely from its early days, when it hunted restlessly from one gear to another. Shifts are now quick and nearly imperceptible. The gearbox selects the appropriate gearing and sticks with it.
The Lexus’ handling is fine for a big, heavy car. The steering is direct and provides some feedback in the driver-selectable sport modes. The F Sport’s adaptive air suspension absorbs bumps for a comfortable ride.
The interior is handsome and restrained. Soft leather covers nearly every surface. Wood and aluminum trim attractively lightened the all-black interior of the car I tested. The centre console and doors provide plenty of storage. The seats are supportive and comfortable. Luggage space trumps all competitors but the hatchback Panamera.
Lexus’ Enform connectivity system uses your smartphone for access to Internet services like Bing, Pandora Internet radio, Facebook Places and other services.
It performs well, but you have to download an app and register with Lexus to use the system. That’s more than other automakers’ systems require.
The LS’ voice recognition works well for phone calls and to set destinations for the navigation system. It doesn’t respond to the command “Cancel,” however. That’s an odd oversight.
A joystick near the shifter on the centre console controls the navigation, climate, audio, systems and more. It’s difficult and distracting to use in a moving vehicle. Lexus would be better off using a touch screen with big icons. Only the presence of secondary controls for some functions saves the joystick from being a complete disaster.
Despite that, the 2013 LS 460 AWD F-Sport is a luxurious and accommodating sedan. While it lacks any technical or performance advantage over its European competitors, its looks, classy interior and reputation for service and quality should please its owners. — Detroit Free Press/MCT
l (Price and technical specifications may vary in locally available models)
In a nutshell
In a nutshell
Engine: 4.6-litre direct-injected DOHC variable-timing 32-valve V-8
Power: 360hp at 6,400 rpm; 347 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Reasons to buy: Styling, interior materials, all-wheel drive, trunk size, reputation for quality and service
Shortcomings: Fuel economy, power, balky controls, weight
