Car Review: 2013 Lexus LS 460 F SPORT Sedan

As the renaissance is fully underway at Lexus, the LS 460 F SPORT appears to be beyond top of the line in both luxury and performance. The all-new LS 460 F SPORT combines a more aggressive exterior with a unique sport interior featuring F SPORT seats with larger bolsters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, and genuine aluminum trim. With a sport-tuned air suspension that has been lowered 0.4 inches, a Torsen limited slip rear differential (RWD model), Brembo six-piston caliper brakes, and 19-inch forged wheels with summer or all-season tires, the LS F SPORT is clearly the most engaging LS ever.

EXTERIOR

The first thing that you notice in the 2013 Lexus LS 460 F SPORT is an aggressive look not seen in past Lexus sedans. Our test model looked stunning in liquid platinum paint, high-intensity discharge Bi Xenon headlamps with adaptive front lighting system (AFS), dynamic auto leveling and integrated LED fog lamps and turn signals, LED daytime running lamps, headlamp washers and windshield wiper deicer. The look is large and luxurious, with a sports car heart ready to please.

INTERIOR

The unique sport interior features F SPORT seats with larger bolsters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, and a genuine aluminum trim that lets you know immediately you’re entering a serious “luxury zone.” The redesigned interior integrates modern refinement with intuitive technology. The Advanced Illumination System (AIS), an all-LED interior lighting system, illuminates to greet the approaching occupants and then fades in sequence with the vehicle starting procedure.

The new Lexus Climate Concierge offers maximum comfort for every LS occupant. The customizable system uses multiple sensors to automatically regulate not only the temperature of the cabin, but also the climate control seats and the heated steering wheel, quickly bringing each occupant to their preferred temperature.

The standard navigation system is displayed on a huge and crystal clear 12.3-inch, split-screen, high-resolution multimedia display that is large enough to support simultaneous viewing of a large map display and other vehicle functions.

A next-generation Remote Touch, with one-push confirmation, is standard on all models and enables smooth, intuitive control of many vehicle systems. The Remote Touch allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls, navigation system and more. The screen menus are selected with a controller conveniently located within easy reach on the center console. A number of well-placed buttons on the steering wheel and instrument panel enable the direct control of frequently used functions (e.g. temperature setting, fan speed, preset audio stations, etc.)

Lexus Enform with App Suite leverages the customers’ mobile phone technology to provide a new level of connectivity and information management. Users can conduct local searches through Bing, utilize voice-enabled apps to make restaurant reservations through OpenTable, get movie tickets, tap into internet radio, search business reviews on Yelp and check in on Facebook places. A one-year trial subscription is included for the App Suite.

Craftsmanship is elevated as each of the textures of the interior was thoughtfully put into place in order to bring out an authentic expression of the material. For example, the shape of the leather trim evokes the tension of leather being stretched. Likewise, the aluminum trim design is inspired by metal being carved and polished. Yes, Lexus was very serious in creating an interior space that basically spoils you in every way possible.

PERFORMANCE

The F SPORT is all business when it comes to power, sporting a 4.6 liter 360 horsepower four-cam 32 valve V8 engine with electronically controlled intake valve timing. In addition to its new design, the LS has also increased body rigidity which enhances stability and allows for a more comfortable ride. Pitch and bounce control has been enhanced by adopting new frequency dependent shock absorbers, resulting in an even flatter, road-hugging ride. Revised steering offers improvements in accuracy and turn-in response. The braking system has been adjusted for more immediate power and greater pedal feel.

Safety enhancements include the industry’s most advanced Pre-Collision Safety (A-PCS) system with Collision Avoidance Assist. This available system is designed to assist the driver in avoiding or mitigating collisions with vehicles and pedestrians under a wide range of city and highway speeds. At speeds lower than 24 miles per hour, this technology helps the LS to avoid accidents by automatically bringing the LS to a full stop.

Back to performance, the fulltime all-wheel drive with limited slip center differential worked like a charm, and the 8-speed sequential automatic transmission was smooth as silk. We had some real enjoyment turning the driving dial to Sport and Sport + for more a powerful and rigid driving experience. Fuel efficiency is acceptable coming in at 16mpg in the city and 23 mpg in highway driving.

OVERVIEW

The new 2013 Lexus LS 460 F SPORT Sedan is an incredible automobile that will satisfy those customers that are simply looking for the top of the line in luxury sports sedans. Lexus didn’t pull any punches and loaded up the 2013 Lexus LS 460 F SPORT Sedan with available options not seen before in this segment. At a price point as tested of $88,029, this car was clearly designed and built for a growing numbers of car buyers in search of luxury cars that perform as well as they look!