2008 Lexus LS460 Review
August 18, 2008 by Matt Brogan
2008 Lexus LS460 Review & Road Test
L•S |ˈɛl ˈɛs | (abbr.) - Lederhosen Shakedown
Model Tested:
- 2008 Lexus LS460 sedan 4.6-litre automatic – $194,891 (RRP)
Spacious & Comfortable, Simple Functionality, Well Appointed
Diminished Boot Space, Soft and Heavy Handling Attributes
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Matt Brogan
As flagship of the Lexus range this fourth generation LS should have the German big boys shaking in their lederhosen. It’s considerably cheaper, is similarly well appointed, and offers all the technical refinements and precision engineering expected from a car of such lofty status. But is it really a comparable and credible competitor to the well respected Bavarian marques, or is it simply a sheep in wolf’s clothing.
The history of the LS dates back some 25 years when Eiji Toyoda, then chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, initiated the ‘Circle-F’ project. The concept was straight forward – produce a world-class, full size luxury sedan that would rival the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8 and BMW 7-Series on the international stage. There were no budget or time constraints, nor were there set design rules or platforms to work within. It was an engineer’s dream, a creative free-for-all, and from that seemingly simple vision was born the very first LS in 1989, and subsequently Lexus as we now know it.
Humble beginnings though they may have been, from them arose a mass of experience in both production intelligence and research and development work to create a car that has adapted itself to suit the needs of a modern age. Although complex and technologically marvelous underneath, it remains simplistic in function, almost traditional, something the Germans seem to have long since abandoned.
Externally LS commands an authoritative presence, albeit with well considered refinement. A dominant facade and bold grille yield softly at the edges to a sleek, flowing profile and haughty rear end with integrated exhaust outlets that hint of something beneath, enveloping both power and quiet dignity, a characteristic often lost in modern day mass produced prestige cars.
The first model to boast Lexus’ new L Finesse styling queues, the sweeping lines and lustrous paint, which is wet-sanded twice by hand between each coat, present a passive yet assertive style – or proud elegance if you will – an approbation that only the best top-shelf vehicles can expect to achieve without being ostentatious or arrogant.
Inside those beautifully weighted doors an insular feeling of well-being awaits in a light and spacious cabin offering comfort levels worthy of your favourite recliner. The mix of wood grain, ecsaine, leather and plastic can feel overdone in some respects though this is soon forgotten once settled in to the hand polished, heated and air-conditioned, leather seating.
Well.. I have seen a video in Youtube.. and they’re searching for a best chaueffuer car… They tested all high-end luxury cars such as S-Class, 7 series, Jag XJ, Lexus LS, etc…
and suprisingly the Lexus comes second while the Jag in the lead…
hey guys
a lexus is a toyota it’s a horrible car. it’s built like a toyota. it sucks. it’s not a dang limo, or anything close to a mercedes. i’d rather have a 1980 mercedes e 200 thann a 08 lexus LS. my 08 mercedes s600 is so much nicer than any lexus. my fathers maybach 62s is better than any car a japanese car company can make. you can’t compare don’t even try. The only thing better is a Rolls Royce Phantom. Lexus sucks
A review from Car Magazine [October 2008 issue] comparing BMW 7 Series – Audi A8 – Lexus LS460 Luxury Saloons
Lexus LS460
Good – Gadgets
Bad – As soulful as a Tumble Drier
Verdict – “A great Car…. If you HATE Cars”
[That has to be the quote of the year]
I for one will always take the Lexus LS above any other luxury sedan in the market. But unlike most of you German fans, I still respect the German luxury brands because if it wasn’t for them, world class Lexus cars would not exist today. Not to mention, if it wasn’t for the first LS400, Mercedes and BMW would not have had to step up the build quality of their vehicles.
But to simply ignore the fact that Lexus does build great cars is simply ignorance. The LS460 is one of the best cars ever built and given Lexus’ reputation, I’m confident they will only make it better. You may not like the Lexus LS, because we all have different tastes in a luxury car, but you will give Lexus its due respect for creating the LS460.
Some very ill informed comments by I suspect people who will never be able to own a Lexus of any type.
HI have owned 9 Lexus since 91 and being fully aware they are built by Toyota.In fact since 91 I have owned 3 LS400\’s an SC430 2 GS300\’s an RX 350 & 2 IS 250\’s.
During this period I also owned 2 E class Mercs A CL200 a CLK 350.
Each time I ventured away from Lexus I found myself driving a car that in a few months was requiring warranty work.Not once in any Lexus have I ever required warranty work,however on one occasion I did mention that the drivers door trim had an irritating noise when leaned on in some places and without hesitation the response was,\”we\’ll get a new one under warranty for you sir.
My last Merc purchase was the current E class which after deciding to go ahead with the purchase I was informed,the only car in stock had metallic paint $3000 Park assist $1900 and a sunroof $3000 and a wood grain steering wheel thus the car cost increased by almost $10K,very annoying.
The most recent purchases have been 2 GS300\’s and there are NO OPTIONS available.The cars come with every conceivable option.
The German makes are losing buyers like me simply because they will not offer a fully equipped car without the buyer spending from $10K to $25K above the advertised price.
Buying a Lexus is simple choose the model and get the extras as standard,and get a level of service from the dealers that is unrivalled anywhere.including a loan car when yours is in for service
Looks like an Aurion geeeez,,get your eyes tested and your brain scanned,if you have one
Larry Wilkins Says,
“Some very ill informed comments by I suspect people who will never be able to own a Lexus of any type.”
So true Larry!!
so larry wilkins, you say the majority of us will never be able to afford a lexus. lexus is a cheap car. it’s a toyota that they charge a little extra for. as i said before my dad has a maybach 62s and i an s600. both of the cars are made by the same father company, and neither have had to get work done. i have also recently bought a mercedes slr coupe. this car doesn’t have any competition from lexus because frankly the biggest engine lexus makes doesn’t come near the horsepower of my slr. so i’m glad you have had 9 lexuses, but i guarentee they were on lease and if you actually had some money you would have only have had 4 or 5 lexuses. you don’t actually have the money to buy a lexus. i on the other hand bought all my cars cash in hand. anyone with reasonable credit can walk into a toyota/lexus dealer and buy one on lease and get it easily. also, the mercedes you bought were the cheapest least powerful ones in their class so if you’re gonna complain about mercedes try out the nice one in the class or mabey an s class because the only competition for it is the bmw 7 series so get over it lexus sucks