2013 Lexus LS 460 Overview

2013 Lexus LS 460 Overview

Remaining virtually unchanged from the previous model year, the 2013 Lexus LS 460 is the Japanese automaker’s high-end luxury sedan, facing stiff competition from Europe in the form of the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Porsche Panamera, among others. The thing that makes the LS 460 appealing compared to its German and Swedish counterparts is a sticker price that starts much lower than the competition's.

New features for 2013 on the Lexus LS 460 trims include a revised grille, redesigned LED taillights and available LED headlights. Interior upgrades include a 12.3-inch split-screen video display and a digital amplifier.

Lexus offers the 2013 LS 460 in four trims: Base, AWD, L and L AWD. The Base and L trims have rear-wheel drive, and the AWD and L AWD trims have all-wheel drive. All trims are manufactured with a 4.6-liter 4-cam 32-valve aluminum block V8 engine paired with an 8-speed sequential-shift automatic electronically controlled transmission that makes 360 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque with AWD and 386 hp and 367 lb-ft of torque with RWD. Estimates by the EPA put the AWD trims at 16 mpg city/23 highway and the RWDs at 16/24, all on regular gasoline.

Standard for all 2013 Lexus LS 460 trims is a voice-activated navigation system with the aforementioned split-screen display, power tilt-and-slide moonroof, drive-mode select—ECO, Normal and Sport—dual-zone climate control system, cruise control, leather-trimmed interior, wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel, 16-way power driver’s seat and 12-way front passenger seat, power tilt-and-telescopic and collapsible steering column, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors, power windows and locks,10-speaker premium sound system with AM/FM/HD radio, DVD/CD player, and SiriusXM and Bluetooth connectivity, and 18-inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires. Available upgrades include a Mark Levinson 19-speaker, 450-watt Surround Sound audio system, rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-Ray player, 19-inch 7-spoke or 15-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with summer or all-season tires.

Standard safety features for all 2013 Lexus LS 460 cars are a driver and front passenger advanced airbag system, which includes front seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags. Rear seat-mounted airbags are an available option. Other standard safety features include a 4-sensor, 4-channel antilock braking system with electronic controlled braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, smart-stop technology, and regenerative braking, vehicle stability control, traction control, intuitive park assist, backup camera and direct tire pressure monitoring system.

Standard security features found on the LS 460 are a vehicle theft deterrent and engine-immobilizer system, as well as Lexus’ Safety Connect feature, which includes automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, an emergency assistance button and enhanced roadside assistance service, which comes as a free 1-year trial subscription.

While most owners note that the 2013 Lexus LS 460 would never be mistaken for an Italian sports car, many are impressed with the power delivered by the LS 460, along with its ride. Comfortability is the name of the game in the high-end luxury sedan market, and the LS 460 delivers.

While not as flashy as its European counterparts, its sticker price, nicely designed exterior, and luxurious interior will have buyers giving the 2013 Lexus LS 460 more than just a passing glance. A stronger powertrain is undeniably on the wish list, but in the meantime, the LS 460 offers a great deal to consider for those looking for a luxury ride without the luxury price.