It's a Silver jubilee for Toyota's Lexus Division and the full-size sedan that help jump-start the upscale Asian delicacy.
Set the Way Back machine to 1989 and the automotive landscape looked completely different. The price of gas in the Chicago suburbs was $1.47 a gallon, diesel was still a dirty word, gas-electric hybrids were a decade away and ordering an Import luxury sedan was largely driven by German-badged nameplates.
What a difference 25 years makes. Lexus has grown from one model in 1989 (our tester this week, the full-size LS sedan) to eight in 2014, five of which include gas-electric hybrid variants, a key ingredient to the success of Lexus' parent company, Toyota. No other premium nameplate offers as many gas-electric hybrids as Lexus.
First on sale in the fall of 1989, LS (Luxury Sedan) offered a 4.0-liter V-8 engine with performance-inspired rear-wheel-drive standard. Lexus was not the first up-market Asian automaker on the scene. Honda's Acura division made its splashy entrance in 1987. Infiniti, Nissan's entry into the upmarket sweepstakes, also debuted late in the 1989 calendar year.
The LS capitalizes on a key aspect Lexus perfected over a quarter century: a whisper-quiet interior. Lexus set the bar high and competitors have spent two decades dissecting its sounds of silence. Attention to details including liquid-filled engine mounts and acoustic glass windshield help reduce noise and vibration inside the cabin.
The LS 460 experience on the road probably is best described as limousine like; a performance-luxury car at its apex. Its roomy, comfy and attractive interior digs spell elegance with V-8 power in reserve to handle just about any highway situation. For those who enjoy sportier performance, Lexus introduced the LS F-SPORT in 2013 adding sport-tuned suspension, sport seats, Brembo brakes and aluminum pedals.
Lexus' flagship model underwent a makeover in the 2013 model year and little changes in this 2014 edition. Most prominent visually in 2013 was the 'new face of Lexus.' The front grille, once a traditional horizontal bar-type undertook a 'spindle grille' format with the look of a truncated hourglass. It's surrounded by narrow, Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamp housing. The major addition in 2014 is Siri voice recognition software compatible with the latest generations of iPhones from parent company Apple to assist with hands-free operations.
Throughout the last quarter century, the LS flagship sedan derived power from a standard and potent V-8 powertrain, a trend that continues in 2014. Returning from 2013 is the sole gas engine, a 32-valve, 4.6-liter (thus the LS 460 name) V-8 delivering 386 horsepower connected to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. It's more than adequate, but less than class-leading horsepower when compared to other V-8s from import flagships including the BMW 7-Series (445 hp. with V-8 turbo) or Mercedes S-Class (449 hp. with twin turbo). Keep in mind the V-8 LS starts thousands of dollars less than these rivals.
Lexus' 2014 LS comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. In addition to our tester, the LS 460, a longer, extended-wheel base edition (LS 460 L) delivers even more front and rear legroom thanks to an extra five inches in length. Both come with rear-wheel drive or available (since 2009) all-wheel-drive. And LS qualifies as one of the five gas-electric products in the Lexus lineup with the 2014 LS 600h L, available exclusively in an extended wheelbase format.
Our all-wheel-drive LS 460 tester included a $75,085 starting price. Lexus offers a fair amount of options which can add to the bottom line quickly. With our potpourri of extras, the bottom line ended at $90,675 including a $910 destination charge. A rear-wheel drive LS 460 starts at $72,140 while a rear-drive extended SL 460 L pegs in at $78,440.
Once the standard push-start button id depressed (along with the brake pedal), the power steering column traverses out and down into place in front of the driver. When exiting the vehicle, the opposite action takes place as the steering column moves away from the body of the driver. Electronic power steering glides the LS 460 down the road with ease.
The roof and A-pillars include soft, optional suede-like materials. The dashboard incorporates a traditional, straight-across, well-padded format rather than a wrap-around cock-pit design. Another traditional nuance is a be-sparkled analog clock front and center. Adding to the warmth are flipping number panels displaying interior temperature rather than a robotic-like digital readout. The one-sectioned glove box includes a handy shelf for the instruction manual.
At night, the white backlit, three-dimensional mostly analog instrument panel includes a dark, ocean-blue hue that's attractive and easy on the eyes. Between very comfortable and supportive, Lazy-Boy-like front bucket seats are dual, side-by-side beverage holders and an optional circular dial for selecting one of five air suspension modes: Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus. Nearby buttons activate retractable sun shades for select side windows along with heat/air cool controls for front buckets. The electronic parking brake button is near the remote start.
Returning in 2014 is the second-generation, 'remote touch interface' with deep-set 12.3-inch color multi-purpose center screen. It's not touch-sensitive, but remotely operated from a square, mouse-like wiggle pad between the buckets to scroll between map, audio, temperature and Bluetooth connected screens. A rearward narrow arch cushion acts as a rest pad easing right-hand wrist fatigue and potential carpel tunnel flare ups. Helping speed along the process are often-used 'map' and 'menu' buttons ahead of the wiggle pad reachable via fingertips. Ventilations controls are smartly operate via secondary push buttons in the central dash region.
All LS 460s include a year subscription to Sirius/XM satellite radio (including traffic, weather and stock information) enjoyed through the 10 standard speakers. Our black interior included contrasting white stitching on seats, doors and dash with dark faux wood and aluminum trim on doors, dash and steering wheel. The optional heated steering wheel with wood enhancements was warm on a cool November day, but only the non-wood areas at 3 and 9 o'clock received the majority of the warmth.
The rather voluminous fuel tank holds 22 gallons of required, premium, 91-octane gasoline. Fuel economy is not a LS 460 strong suit. With all-wheel drive, our tester averaged 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. When choosing rear-wheel drive, add one more mile to the highway designate.
The spacious 18.0 cubic foot trunk includes a full-size spare tire beneath the flat floor. The optional power-operated trunk lid allows for easy closing when engaging an under-edge button to close the deal.
The left tail light, in a nod to the 60-degree 'L' design of the Lexus logo, includes three illuminated logo 'Ls' in a row with the right housing utilizing a mirror image of the 60-degree L. It's unique and subliminally reminds those following behind the driver in front is piloting a Lexus. Chrome-plated, strap-like door handles adorn all four side doors while chrome framing surrounds narrow side windows. A horizontal character line resides just below the side windows. A double-line resides along the hood spine, narrowing towards the spindle grille. Dual chrome-tip exhausts come standard. Heated side-view mirrors smartly include secondary turn-signal blinker bands and fold in tightly when the key-fob lock button is pushed.
At a Glance
2014 LS 460
Price as tested: $90,675
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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