Lexus cars were conceived and built to surpass European luxury standards. It didn't come easy, with the firm putting up a 3,900 strong team and more than US$1 billion in R&D fees, all in their 'pursuit of perfection'.
And it was the LS flagship sedan, which first wore the Lexus badge at the 1989 North American International Motor Show (NAIAS).
More than 20 years now, the brand has achieved significant success as a luxury automaker. More recently, the Japanese carmaker has undertaken a great risk, setting off to make their cars livelier - a departure from the relatively inert image that they have portrayed since their debut. This sets many in wonder if the new direction would still work with its 'age-old' fans (pardon the pun).
The earlier GS range scored with the new recipe. The more dynamically honed sedan charms with its sharper looks and greater driving involvement, earning tall accolades from the motoring industry around the globe.
The LS is the next model slated to receive the transformation, and also the first LS to feature the 'F Sport' treatment.
And it was the LS flagship sedan, which first wore the Lexus badge at the 1989 North American International Motor Show (NAIAS).
More than 20 years now, the brand has achieved significant success as a luxury automaker. More recently, the Japanese carmaker has undertaken a great risk, setting off to make their cars livelier - a departure from the relatively inert image that they have portrayed since their debut. This sets many in wonder if the new direction would still work with its 'age-old' fans (pardon the pun).
The earlier GS range scored with the new recipe. The more dynamically honed sedan charms with its sharper looks and greater driving involvement, earning tall accolades from the motoring industry around the globe.
The LS is the next model slated to receive the transformation, and also the first LS to feature the 'F Sport' treatment.
Exterior
Now more athletic inclined, the latest LS bears a stronger resemblance to the GS and RX lineup. Of course, the spindle grille has a huge part to play, bestowing the Lexus with a distinctive look.
In F Sport trim, the LS looks nothing like before. While older Lexus cars have been boxes on wheels for most of their history, the new car feels more aggressive and sporty, even at standstill. Coupled with the generous dimensions, it is safe to claim that the LS bears a menacing stance.
At the rump, the LS' heft is left 'undisguised'. The chunky rear profile makes the car feel clumsy when viewed from the rear end. It does, however, give the car a stout presence - one that immediately sets it apart as a hallmark of its kind.
Interior
Much is expected from a car of such calibre, and the LS460 does not disappoint. While a more contrasting colour scheme would have brought out the intrinsic details within the cabin, the black on black in our test car feels equally luxurious.
The F Sport treatment follows suit in the interior, with steering mounted paddle shifters, aluminium trims on the door cards and dashboard, as well as drilled aluminium pedals.
Make no mistake - the LS still feels like a thoroughbred luxury sedan despite the above sporty endowments. Even the smallest parts reek of attention to details. The centre glove compartment closes with one smooth, swift action - a conviction of the effort put into the making of the car.
Much is expected from a car of such calibre, and the LS460 does not disappoint. While a more contrasting colour scheme would have brought out the intrinsic details within the cabin, the black on black in our test car feels equally luxurious.
The F Sport treatment follows suit in the interior, with steering mounted paddle shifters, aluminium trims on the door cards and dashboard, as well as drilled aluminium pedals.
Make no mistake - the LS still feels like a thoroughbred luxury sedan despite the above sporty endowments. Even the smallest parts reek of attention to details. The centre glove compartment closes with one smooth, swift action - a conviction of the effort put into the making of the car.
As a flagship, the LS460 is also laden with tech gadgets. For starters, it boasts a 12.3-inch LED display, as well as the renowned Mark Levinson audio system. The 19-speaker premium sound system comes standard on all variants of the LS, providing 450 watt of surround entertainment.
The LS has no lack of allowances throughout. The highly adjustable front seats also make it a breeze to find a suitable driving position. Ironically, it is the Short Wheelbase (SWB) variant which gets the most luggage space - 510 litres compared to 440 litres and 370 litres on the Long Wheelbase (LWB) and hybrid respectively.
The LS has no lack of allowances throughout. The highly adjustable front seats also make it a breeze to find a suitable driving position. Ironically, it is the Short Wheelbase (SWB) variant which gets the most luggage space - 510 litres compared to 440 litres and 370 litres on the Long Wheelbase (LWB) and hybrid respectively.
The Drive
The F Sport treatment does not limit to the aesthetics - the $16,000 premium package will equip the LS460 with six-pot Brembo stoppers at the front, a Torsen limited slip differential, as well as 10mm reduction in ride height.
Under the hood of the new LS is a 4.6-litre naturally aspirated unit, producing 382bhp and 493Nm of torque. On paper, its capacity is large by today's standard (competitors such as the BMW 7 Series has fell victim to engine downsizing).
Having a go in it brings us back to the notion of 'there is no replacement for displacement'. Getting on speeds, the LS exudes a certain finesse that force-blown competitors will find it tough to match up to. There is a sense of urgency in the throttle response throughout the rev range - especially when it senses a jolt at the gas pedal.
The LS460 is capable of sprinting to the 100km/h mark in 5.7 seconds. To paint a better perspective, the near two tonne behemoth will dispatch from the lights at the same pace as a Golf R. But of course, one doesn't get the same nerve tingling sensation as in the latter.
Instead, the LS carries much more poise, with subtle but audible rumble from the V8 engine, as it leaves the rest of the pack for good.
Despite the car's heft, the renowned Brembo six-pot will gladly 'soak up' the velocity when the need arises - a gentle tap is all it takes to bring the car to a stop in a gradual and smooth fashion.
The F Sport treatment does not limit to the aesthetics - the $16,000 premium package will equip the LS460 with six-pot Brembo stoppers at the front, a Torsen limited slip differential, as well as 10mm reduction in ride height.
Under the hood of the new LS is a 4.6-litre naturally aspirated unit, producing 382bhp and 493Nm of torque. On paper, its capacity is large by today's standard (competitors such as the BMW 7 Series has fell victim to engine downsizing).
Having a go in it brings us back to the notion of 'there is no replacement for displacement'. Getting on speeds, the LS exudes a certain finesse that force-blown competitors will find it tough to match up to. There is a sense of urgency in the throttle response throughout the rev range - especially when it senses a jolt at the gas pedal.
The LS460 is capable of sprinting to the 100km/h mark in 5.7 seconds. To paint a better perspective, the near two tonne behemoth will dispatch from the lights at the same pace as a Golf R. But of course, one doesn't get the same nerve tingling sensation as in the latter.
Instead, the LS carries much more poise, with subtle but audible rumble from the V8 engine, as it leaves the rest of the pack for good.
Despite the car's heft, the renowned Brembo six-pot will gladly 'soak up' the velocity when the need arises - a gentle tap is all it takes to bring the car to a stop in a gradual and smooth fashion.
The eight-speed automatic, on the other hand, feels the least sporty of the lot, taking a tad longer to respond to manual overides at the helm. That said, the cogbox will deliver a smooth and effortless drive when left on its own.
In essence, the LS460 is potently fast, but still rides like a limousine. Indeed, the LS soaks up bumps in such a convincing manner, that it isn't too far-fetched to think "I don't remember that pothole being so comfortable".
Conclusion
The LS remains as one of the best luxury offering in the market, with its supreme ride comfort and luxurious decorations. In line with the GS and RX range, Lexus has given its flagship a new lease of life with a more distinct look and sharpened dynamics.
While not to the extent of transforming the LS into a driver's car, we have no qualms that these changes will gain a wider audience for the marque.
In essence, the LS460 is potently fast, but still rides like a limousine. Indeed, the LS soaks up bumps in such a convincing manner, that it isn't too far-fetched to think "I don't remember that pothole being so comfortable".
Conclusion
The LS remains as one of the best luxury offering in the market, with its supreme ride comfort and luxurious decorations. In line with the GS and RX range, Lexus has given its flagship a new lease of life with a more distinct look and sharpened dynamics.
While not to the extent of transforming the LS into a driver's car, we have no qualms that these changes will gain a wider audience for the marque.
