2015 Lexus LS460 F Sport Quietly Continues Setting Luxury Standard

Typically there are fast cars and luxury cars. Most fast cars are not really that comfortable or luxurious and most luxury cars aren’t really that fast. Yet, the 2015 Lexus Ls 460 breaks through the mold on both providing a luxurious, comfortable ride that radically changes into a fast, “diving into the corners” experience at the flick of a switch.

One of the great things about this job is gaining experience. When they first delivered the LS460, I wasn’t jumping for joy per se. Taking one look at it and it shares the exterior styling language of the IS, ES and GS. These cars have gotten better looking, yet they are really not that distinctive from one another. Little did I realize, the LS 460 is the Mack Daddy of the Lexus sedan lineup.

This sedan offers features for days and even though our model was considerably loaded up, I didn’t have the full rear seat treatments with “Climate Concierge” and “Ottoman Seating Package with Shiatsu massage plus rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray DVD player.

Instead, my test model came loaded with the F Sport package featuring a unique computer program that changes various powertrain settings at the flip of a switch. It quite literally takes the “boring sedan” mindset and leaves it behind in a trail of dust. And I mean a trail of dust. The LS’ 4.6L V8 produces 386 horsepower and goes 0-60 in 5.4 seconds (RWD model).  BTW, the Tundra’s V8 engine produces 381 horsepower.

Sure the F Sport setting isn’t the most fuel efficient or practical in everyday driving – the normal and ECO modes handle that job – it is the most fun to drive. Driving most of my week in this mode, I had a great time accelerating from dead stops and cruising on the interstates. This is the car that you accidentally end up going well over the speed limit without realizing it.

What’s really nice is this performance doesn’t disrupt anything else about the car. The interior is still amazingly quiet in any driving mode and Lexus says the “nearly silent” acceleration is a big focus. Also, they list “noise-reducing wheels” as a standard feature. Yeah noise reducing wheels.

The quiet interior is accented by the Mark Levinson stereo. While radio sound quality isn’t a big seller typically for me, in this car it makes a difference. Lexus crammed in 19 speakers throughout the cabin (Yes 19!). These speakers working with the 450-watt, 15-channel power amplifier deliver a truly amazing 5.1 home theater sound quality experience. Lexus says the frequency range delivers less than .1 percent of THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) – “a stunning achievement in mobile audio.” Frankly, I have no idea what that means, but my ears do. It is amazing!

Now all of this performance, luxury and amazing sound does come with a hefty price tag. Our test model was priced out at $89,870 with a $925 delivery fee. Before I get “that’s freaking crazy expensive comments,” consider this. On Cars.com, we found 30 Ford SuperDuty trucks priced between $75-100k. Sure, I am comparing a truck to a luxury sedan, but overall vehicle pricing has risen to the point where 70, 80, 90k isn’t as outrageous as it used to be.

One note on powertrain – the 4.6L V8 engine found in the Lexus is pretty reliable and powerful. When mated to the 8-speed transmission, it feels pretty good. Yet, rivals like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class with its tuned AMG version are better. I wonder how long it will be until a turbocharger finds its way into this sedan. Not only would a turbocharger make it faster from 0-60, a smaller displacement engine would drop a lot of weight while improved fuel economy.

In the end, the LS 460 has been a stalwart offering for Lexus and they call it their flagship model (I like the RX SUVs myself). It is easy to see why it sells with Lexus’ track record of dependability and reliability combined with F Sport performance. If you are looking for a luxury sedan to park next to your Tundra, it is hard to beat this one.

Model: 2015 Lexus LS 460 F Sport

Engine: 4.6L V8

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Highlights:

• Dual Fuel Injection System
• Full Time AWD system with Limited-Slip Center Differential
• Smart/Stop Technology
• 19″ Split-Five-Spoke Alloy Wheels with Dark Graphite Finish
• Mark Levinson 19-speaker system

Fuel Economy – 16/23/18 city/highway/combined