2008 Lexus LS460 Review
August 18, 2008 by Matt Brogan
Steering feel and feedback is light but tangible and with a better turning circle than most similarly proportioned cars, parking is a delight, assuming you chose to do this for yourself of course. Lexus has self parking on the LS and whilst it is a novel idea and does indeed work in some instances, it can be a little futile and difficult to adjust outside certain parametres. Rain, and poor light can confuse the situation and should you need to reverse up a slight incline then forget it, for as soon as throttle input is detected, self park is canceled. Fortunately a very good reversing camera with on screen assist and audible parking sensors are included for good measure.
An ingenious brake hold feature and automated parking brake assist whilst at rest prove most handy and though it is a large car the braking capabilities are certainly very capable while a progressive pedal offers precise feel and tremendous feedback ensuring a smooth stop for you and your passengers.
Clever radar cruise control keeps a safe distance between you and the car in front (when activated) and with auto dipping mirrors, self folding wing mirrors, thoughtful interior lighting, self-cornering dusk-sensing xenon headlamps and auto wipers it almost feels as though the LS could drive itself.
You’re also met with the usual interior refinements including an electronic glass moonroof, refrigerated cooler box between the rear seats – just the ting to keep the Champers on ice, mirror and seat position memory for three people, rear seat audio, climate and DVD remote control, “Smart” entry/egress key fob with panic alarm, heated woodgrain and leather bound steering wheel, and integrated Bluetooth handsfree.
On the safety front dual front, dual knee, front/side, rear/side and full length curtain airbags are waiting in the wings while EBD, EBA, ABS, ESP (or VSC in Lexus speak) with Traction Control take a more active approach to preventing a mishap.
The only real downside to the big Lexus, besides the soft handling, is that the boot space is diminished due to the reclining rear seats and as such only offers 400-litres of space. It’s not a big deal, though I suspect most buyers would assume a car of such proportions to offer greater luggage capapcity, sadly this isn’t the case. It’ll swallow a set of golf clubs without an issue, but there’s not much room left for anything else and should four people decide to take a weekend away, then they’re well advised to travel light – or have James send the baggage ahead!
So, back to my opening question – is the LS on par with the tried and tested German saloon trio? Very nearly, yes. Is it a better choice for the substantial difference in price? Indubitably. If I could only remove brand status from this equation and sit a potential buyer in each of the cars for a day then ask to them to hand over the cheque, I’d have a tenner on the Lexus being first choice.
CarAdvice Overall Rating: 
How does it Drive: 
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Specifications:
- Engine: 4608cc DOHC V8 (32 valve)
- Power: 280kW @ 6400rpm
- Torque: 493Nm @ 4100rpm
- Transmission: Eight-Speed Automatic
- Brakes: Four-Wheel Discs with ABS & EBD
- Driven Wheels: Rear
- 0-100km/: 6.4 seconds (Claimed)
- Fuel Type: 95 RON Unleaded
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 84 litres
- Fuel Consumption: 11.1 litres/100km (Combined ADR)
- Airbags: Front, Side, Curtain & Knee
- Safety: ESP with Traction Control
- Service Interval: 6 month/10,000km
- Spare Wheel: 19-inch Alloy
- Turning Circle: 10.8 metres
- Warranty: 4 year/100,000km
- Weight: 1945kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy 19 x 8.0”
Road Test the Rivals:
- AUDI A8
- BMW 7 Series
- Jaguar XJ V8
- Mercedes Benz S Class
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