LEXUS LS460

Came: 2006
Facelift: 2010 (est)
Going: 2012 (est)

WE LIKE:
Stylish and supremely comfortable in every respect.

WE DON'T:
Dynamically lagging behind the German opposition.

WE SAY:
This car reminds me of the Pink Floyd song 'Comfortably Numb'. I’m guessing that the Japanese put in a lot of time and money trying to make this car feel more Bimmer-like. Of course they failed, but in the process they came up with a Super-Lexus. There is absolutely no driver feedback, but it also happens to be one of the comfiest cars I’ve ever driven. Second to maybe the Phantom. - Jesse Adams

It might not offer the same sporting characteristics that the boys from Bavaria deliver, but who cares. The wallowy ride makes it extremely comfortable and with some tidy styling has a large dollop of class. Best of all it will show you put some thought into the purchase and make you stand out from all those lemmings. - Stuart Grant

VERDICT:
Not for keen drivers, but you won’t get a more comfy limo at the price.

AT A GLANCE:
Engine: More than class competitive =7
Drivetrain: 8-speed auto not the smoothest =6
Chassis: Supreme comfort but wafty handling =7
Cabin: Fine limo, packed with gadgets =9
Styling: Stylish, if a little generic =6
Value: Well equipped and undercuts rivals =7
Safety: Should be safe as houses =7
Economy: Thirsty, but good for what it is =4
Performance: Faster than it actually feels =7
TOTAL =60

SAFETY:
EURO NCAP
Adult Occupant: n/a
Child Protection: n/a
Pedestrian: n/a
Overall %: n/a
Airbags: 10
Safety Equipment: Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management
CIA Security Rating: 4/5

QUICK SHOOTOUT:
MAKE Audi A8 4.2 BMW 750i Lexus LS 460 Mercedes-Benz S500
Price R784 000 R848 500 R780 000 R940 000
KW/Nm 246/420 270/490 280/493 285/530
0-100km/h 6.1 sec 6.0 sec 5.4 sec 5.4 sec
VMax 250km/h 250km/h 250km/h 250km/h

SPECIFICATIONS:
Make

Lexus LS460
List Price

R780 000

Engine V8 QOHC 32V
Capacity 4608cc
Bore & Stroke 94.0 x 83.0mm
Compression Ratio 11.8:1
Max Boost n/a
Red Line 6500rpm
Max Power 280kW @ 6400rpm
Specific Power 61kW per litre
Power to Weight

144kW per ton
Max Torque

493Nm @ 4100rpm
Specific Torque 107Nm per litre
Torque to Weight 253Nm per ton
Base Mass 1945kg
Steering Electronically assisted rack & pinion
Lock-to-Lock 3.3 turns
Suspension F Independent, multi-link, stabiliser bar
Suspension R Independent, multi-link, stabiliser bar
Brakes F 4-pot, 334mm, ventilated disc
Brakes R 1-pot, 315mm, ventilated disc
ABS yes
Park Brake Electronic pushbutton
Drivetrain Front engine, RWD
Transmission 8-speed sequential-shift automatic
Gear Ratios 1: 4.596, 2: 2.724, 3: 1.863, 4: 1.464, 5: 1.231, 6: 1.000, 7: 0.824, 8: 0.685, R: 2.176
Final Drive Ratio 2.937:1
Differential Ring and pinion
Wheels Forged aluminium, 7.5 x 18
Tyres Front Dunlop 235/50R18
Tyres Rear Dunlop 235/50R18
Spare Type Full Size Alloy
Warranty 3-year/100 000km
Service Plan 4-year/100 000km maintenance plan
Roadside Assistance 4-year/100 000km
Cars In Action Rating 7

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