The latest iteration of Lexus’s halo model has arrived on local soil. Sporting the boldest take on the company’s L-Finesse design idiom and packed with a wealth of luxury and innovative technological features, the new Lexus LS460 looks well placed to take on the German top brass in the grand saloon segment.
Design:
Perhaps the most prominent design element of the LS460 is the largest take on Lexus’s now-signature spindle grille, finished in chrome and flanked by a brace of swept-back headlamps with LED elements running along their bases. The bonnet now sports a more sculpted set of lines that run into a coupe-like roofline and on to a rear that’s highlighted by a redesigned bootlid and brakelamps with L-shaped LED elements.
From what could be gathered from a pace around an early example in a rainy Cape Town evening at Lexus’s first press event for this model, the car, rolling on a set of 19-inch alloy wheels, manages to look imposing without being crass or overbearing.
Cabin and safety:
Lexus’s LS models have always managed to cocoon their occupants in a serene, comfortable and feature-laden cabin and the new car looks to have continued that tradition.
Particular attention has been paid to material quality, with fine-grain leather adorning the seats and a choice of high-end wood trims (including bamboo and Shimamoku wood, the latter comprising inlays of thin wood strips in a traditional process taking up to 38 days). The interior mood lighting has been optimised to respond to vehicle usage and the sound system comprises one of the most impressive set-ups in the segment; a 19-speaker Mark Levinson system with 7,1 surround sound.
Among the comfort and convenience highlights are a 5,8-inch colour infotainment screen with touch and haptic interface, 16-way electrical adjustment for the driver’s seat with programmable presets, motorised rear- and side blinds for the rear occupants, Blu-ray and iPod compatible entertainment system and a Climate Concierge that tailors climate control settings for all four passengers.
Among the new car’s safety system s are 10 airbags and a pre-emptive crash safety suite that includes, blind-spot monitoring, driver alertness monitoring and pre-crash measures such as seatbelt pre-loading and headrest position.
Powertrain:
Power is provided by an uprated version of the outgoing model’s 4,6-litre V8 engine. Developing 285 kW and 493 N.m, this unit can propel the LS460 from standstill to 100 km/h in 5,7 seconds and on to an electronically limited 250 km/h top speed. Power is channelled to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission and the car is suspended on an adaptive multi-link air suspension set-up.
Pricing:
The LS460 is available now and retails for R1 236 700, which incorporates a 4-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and warranty with roadside assistance. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.
