TheLexusLS 460 has been launched in South Africa, and according to the Lexus it is the “most profound statement that we can make about our brand” says Chief Designer Hideki Watanabe. The exterior door panels are the only parts to remain the same while more than 3 000 major parts and components have been redesigned or improved, making the Lexus LS 460 the ‘most comprehensive and dramatic vehicle enhancement ever done in the Lexus Group.’

Lexus LS 460 – Specifications and Features

Engine Capability

The Lexus LS 460 is equipped with an upgraded 4.6-litre V8 engine with 32 valves and dual intelligent variable valve timing (Dual VVT-i) that produces 285kW at 6 400rpm and 493Nm of torque at 4 100rpm. This unit is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode.

Acceleration to 100km/h will take 5.7 seconds before reaching a governed top speed of 250km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at 10.7-litres/100km which is 3% less than the predecessors 11.1-litres/100km.

Exterior Design Features

The Lexus LS 460 features an extra-large Spindle Grille, which is known internally as the ‘King Spindle’. The grille is completely framed in chrome and is flanked on two levels by LED light detailing. New horizontal LED fog lights are seen on the lower level while the upper level features LED daytime running lights with micro-engineered LED’s that form a single light row with high intensity lighting. The high impact discharge (Bi-HID) headlights feature an intelligent adaptive front lighting system (AFS) that uses sensors to adjust front light coverage based on ambient light, pedestrians and weather conditions.

The rear-end features new three dimensional ‘L-Finesse’ rear light clusters with L-shaped light guides for increased visibility. The exterior mirrors have been restyled and incorporate LED turn indicators. The boot lid incorporates a reverse camera and rear sensors that work in combination with the vehicles blind spot monitoring system. The Lexus LS 460 is built using a fair amount of new types of high tensile steel and aluminium in the body construction while under-body stabilisers reduce wind drag and improve stability, contributing to a drag coefficient of only 0.26. The Lexus LS 460 rides on 19-inch alloy wheels.

Interior Design Features

The interior is adorned with leather and bamboo inserts while the new dashboard and instrument binnacle uses minimalist design cues and adaptive mood lighting to create an attractive interior setting. The new Lexus LS 460 features a Climate Concierge system which uses sensors to determine differing temperatures in the cabin and adjusts the four-zone climate control, seat heating and cooling and the heated steering wheel accordingly.

The driver has access to several information displays including a 5.8-inch colour display in the central instrument binnacle and a 12.3-inch electro multi-vision (EMV) display above the analogue clock. The EMV screen is operated with the next-generation of Lexus’ Remote Touch Interface (RTI) and fulfils numerous functions including the display of the satellite navigation and iPod cover art. The Lexus LS 460 is also equipped with a Voice Control System. A Mark Levison sound system with 19 speakers and a 15 channel amplifier is compatible with Bluetooth, Blu-Ray discs, iPods, USB and MP3 discs. Rear seat occupants have access to a roof-mounted rear seat screen with in-built entertainment and connecting ports for most auxiliary entertainment systems.

Safety Features

The Lexus LS 460 is equipped with the world’s most advanced pre-crash avoidance system (PCS) with a stereo millimetre wave radar system. The PCS monitors the vehicle’s surroundings, including pedestrians, and warns the driver of any dangers. The system prepares the cabin safety equipment such as headrests and seatbelts if an accident looks probable. The PCS also features facial recognition to monitor and counteract driver fatigue. The PCS system works in conjunction with the other safety features which include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM), rain sensing wipers and side Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM). The Lexus LS 460 is also equipped with 10 airbags.

Lexus LS 460 – Price

Lexus LS 460 – R1 236 700

The price includes a 4-year/100 000km Lexus Distance Plan Complete full maintenance plan and warranty with roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15 000km.