Against competition the likes of the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Consumer Reports crowned the 2009 Lexus LS 460 as the "Best Overall Vehicle" winner in their "Top Car Picks For 2009" selections. Not bad at all, especially considering it sells for about $20,000 less.
Known for its exceptional comfort, smooth and quiet ride, and elegant refinement, the 2009 model adds an all-wheel-drive option for still better traction and road-handling performance ... and it's available on the base LS 460 as well as the longer-wheelbase 460 L.
The standard LS 460 has a long list of standard features which includes 18 inch alloy wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, keyless ignition and entry, sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats with power controls and memory, wood trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a ten-speaker sound system with a 6-disc CD/MP3 changer and auxiliary audio jack.
The long-wheelbase LS 460 L model increases the car's midsection by 4.8 inches, adding to the already spacious amount of rear legroom.The 460 L also adds a navigation system, rearview camera, satellite radio with real-time traffic, Bluetooth, heated rear seats, front seat ventilation, and a rear power sunshade. All of these features are optional on the base LS 460.
Available upgrades to the LS 460 L include the luxury package, which adds upgraded leather seats and surfaces as well as rear climate-controlled power seats with memory. There's a rear-seat upgrade package which adds a cooler box, dual-zone air-conditioning, audio controls, additional wood trim, and power door sunshades.
Also available is an executive-class seating package which includes both the luxury and rear-seat upgrade packages and also replaces the rear middle seat with a center console with a retractable table. This package also adds a rear 9 inch screen DVD entertainment system, a power-reclining rear seat with massage and leg rest, and a rear-seat body temperature sensor that actually adjusts the climate control.
There's an air suspension package that controls the amount of body roll and nosedive, and also adds 19 inch alloy wheels and Lexus' variable gear-ratio steering (these features are standard on the AWD models except for the 19 inch wheels).
The 2009 Lexus LS 460 is powered by a 4.6 liter V8 engine that delivers 380 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. It's matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. The power delivery is extremely smooth and nearly silent.
A touring package adds high-performance brakes and sport-tuned air suspension.
Stand-alone optional features include adaptive cruise control, advanced parking guidance with intuitive park assist, and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system.
Both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive LS 460s have EPA gas mileage ratings of 16 mpg city, 24 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg combined.
With safety being a high Lexus priority, standard features include antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and front-seat knee airbags.
Optional safety features include rear-seat side airbags and a pre-collision system that senses an impending impact and retracts seatbelts while optimizing brake assist.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower LS 460 Prices:
Lexus' sales have been weak for months now, evidence of a continuing poor economy and an especially weak car buying trend. And the current combination of fierce competition and a soft market has created an ideal opportunity for nailing down great deals.
How To Buy A New LS 460 At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 Lexus LS 460, here's step-by-step instructions on how to get the lowest new car price, especially given the current slow car market.
Price:
2009 Lexus LS:
LS 460 Base: listed retail price: $63,675, invoice price: $55,395
LS 460 Base AWD: listed retail price: $67,200, invoice price: $58,463
LS 460 L: listed retail price: $73,585, invoice price: $64,016
LS 460 L AWD: listed retail price: $77,110, invoice price: $67,085
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