Test vehicle’s MSRP: $100,805 (base model: $79,760)
Seating Capacity: 4
Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; LED Daytime running lights; electronic parking brake; first aid kit; traction control; HID headlights; and Lexus SOS safety/concierge system
Standard Equipment (base model): 18-inch wheels; a rear wheel drive system; an 8-speed automatic transmission; a navigation system; power opening trunk lid; 16-way power driver’s seat with memory; 12-way power front passenger seat with memory; climate controlled front seats; power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; keyless ignition starter system; leather/wood steering wheel; and power rear sunshade
Optional Features On Test Vehicle: adaptive variable air suspension; a blind spot monitor with a rear traffic cross alert; a windshield wiper deicer/headlamp washer; a 19-speaker (450-watt) Mark Levinson audio with a DVD/CD player; a heated steering which; and executive class seating package, which consist of a right rear passenger power recliner with a multifunction massager, a climate concierge, rear seat wood trimmed table, a Blue ray DVD rear seat entertainment system with wireless headphones, a 4-zone a/c system, a rear seat cool box, power rear door sunshades, rear seat audio controls, semi-aniline leather, heated/ventilated rear seats, power rear seats with rear adjuster, rear seat air bags, and genuine leather for the instrument panel
Other Trim Level:
LS 460 AWD
LS 460L AWD
LS 600h L (hybrid)
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 10-speaker AM/FM/HD/satellite
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
iPod connectivity: Yes
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 4.6-liter, 8-cylinder/386-hp
Recommended Fuel: Premium
Standard Fuel Mileage:
16-city/24-hwy
What’s New: The brand’s limo like flagship, with its spindle grille, is basically a carryover for the 2015 model year. One of the major new highlights include a new multimedia system, which offers real-time traffic routing info and the nearest fuel stations when the vehicle is low on gas.
Pros:
The Lexus LS is available in a variety of configurations: a short wheel base, a
long wheel base, an all wheel drive and a hybrid.
While
we’ve driven different variations of Lexus’ flagship vehicle over the years,
this is the first time we’ve actually spent time behind the wheel of their
extended base model, which is known as the 460L. The extended wheel base LS,
which is slightly longer in both length and wheelbase, offers more rear leg
room and luxury appointments that escapes the standard model.
The
extra footage in the rear of the cabin literally allows one to adorn rear
occupants with wall-to-wall luxury, so to speak. One of the ways Lexus does
this is by offering an optional but must-have $16,000 Executive Class Seating
Package. This package includes a four zone climate control system, a power
lay-z-boy type recliner, a rear air condition, a knee airbag, rear seat side airbags,
rear power sunshade and a rear DVD entertainment system. Now if this doesn’t
spoil the rear occupants, we’re not sure what will.
Conversely, for those not quite willing to part
ways with $16,000 to totally spoil their rear occupants in a living room-like
type setting, they could spend a fraction of that outfitting
the rear cabin with the Ultra Luxury Package, which consist of a four zone
climate control system, power rear seats with climate control and lumbar
support, a rear air condition with cool box, rear audio controls and a rear
seat side airbags. And the close to $11,000 that is
remaining can be used toward a stock or mutual fund.
So, while it may seem like all of the
news is in the rear of the cabin, the front occupants have access to one of the
largest infotainment screens we’ve seen. In fact, the 12-inch multi-display LCD
screen, houses the navigation system, the audio system and several new Apps,
too.
The
infotainment system is housed in a huge 12-inch multi-display LCD screen. A heated steering wheel is only standard on
the all wheel drive model, as opposed to being an option on the rear wheel
drive models.
Moreover,
the brand’s flagship offers a ride that literally soaks up every bump in the
road. Lexus has managed to up the ante as it relates to ride and handling capabilities, with the optional adaptive variable
air suspension system.
Yes, this long wheel base model is literally fit for chauffeuring a king or queen.
Cons:
One of the downsides of the brand’s luxury flagship is that it only seats 4
occupants which make good sense to us. However, we wanted to caution buyers that
this isn’t the typical 5 seater we’ve come to expect from the brand. Another
concern of ours is that while the LS features many limo like comfort features,
the vehicle comes up short on making the latest safety driving aids standard. The
current limousine like LS lacked such standard features as a forward collision
braking system, a radar activated cruise control system and a heated steering
wheel. In our eyes, these features should be standard, as opposed to being
optional.
Moreover,
both competitors are available with four powertrains, pushing the horsepower to
the 500 range. The Lexus only offers two powertrains, a standard 8-cylinder and
a premium priced hybrid, which offers slightly more power than the non hybrid
model. Lastly, the LS doesn't offer the same engaging driving experience as the two German competitors noted in this post.
Verdict:
The Lexus LS
continues to be the ultimate luxury cruiser, especially the long wheel base model,
which is suitable for chauffeuring a king or a queen.
The
LS is available in a hybrid, a rear wheel drive or an all wheel drive configuration. The feature-rich LS is
available with the latest optional creature comforts and high-tech safety driving aids.
And Lexus' flagship is priced
significantly less than their German counterparts.
Competition: Audi A8 L and BMW 740Li/750Li/760Li
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