2007 Lexus LS 460L

The mantra at Lexus has always been "The Pursuit of Perfection." Actually it used to be the "relentless" pursuit, but over the years, that's been changed to "passionate" pursuit—maybe a point more for the marketers than anyone else. Whether you're relentless or passionate, or both, we'd have to say that with the all-new LS 460 flagship sedan, if Lexus hasn't achieved perfection, it's come as close as any car we can think of.


For the first time in its history, the LS is offered in two versions. The LS 460 is slightly larger than the outgoing LS 430 model, while the LS 460L gets a nearly 5-inch stretch in wheelbase that translates into limousine-like rear-seat legroom. If you're going to big, we say go all the way. We tested the LS460L.

Styling

Your first clue that this is something different is in the styling. Where previous LS models bordered on the conservative side, this new model is sexy and rakish. Little things catch your eye: Lexus says the jeweled-look headlamps were inspired by high-end crystal. The faired-in deep oval rear exhaust pipes look tastefully aggressive. Although it shares a family look (Lexus calls the design philosophy L-finesse) with the swank new GS and sporty IS sedans, many thought our tester was a new 7 Series BMW. Considering that the top-of-the-line 7 Series is nearly $120,000 now, not really a bad neighborhood to be in.


Adding to the upscale bad-boy look of our tester was the L factor, with a longer wheelbase that makes the LS visually longer and more sinister looking. Topping it all off, our tester had the optional Touring Package with massive 5-spoke 19-inch alloy rims that really fill out the wheel wells. Dressed in Gorgeous Smoky (that's right, no "e") Granite Mica, our 460L looked sleek, powerful and very upscale.


And the LS provides the go to match the show. The 460 is the flagship of the Lexus line, so if you expect ultra-smooth, ultra-refined performance you won't be disappointed. It starts with an all-new 4.6-liter V8 (Lexus says this is the first entirely all-new motor since the LS debuted in '89) pumping out 380 horsepower (102 more than the previous model!) and 367 lb.-ft. of torque (55 more than the LS 430). Using high-tech tricks like a dual fuel injection system and electric-motor driven variable valve timing—a world's first—the big motor is not only powerful, it even gets better fuel economy, with a city/highway mpg of 18/27—extremely impressive for a big, heavy, muscular vehicle.