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2011 Lexus LS

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Overview

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2011 Lexus LS Review

By KBB.com Editors

Lexus continues to defend its territory as a purveyor of technologically-advanced luxury cars with the 2011 LS 460 and LS 460 L. The company's flagship sedan is the embodiment of the best in build quality, advanced features and craftsmanship - characteristics for which Lexus has come to be known. With the additional option of air-ride suspension, the 2011 LS 460 builds on an already-impressive level of comfort and sophistication.

You'll Like This Car If...

While some luxury offerings, such as the Audi A8 and BMW 760i, tilt more toward the sport end of the luxury spectrum, the LS 460 and LS 460 L are built with your comfort in mind first. If you're looking for a slightly softer ride that still offers plenty of power, this is the car.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If precision handling and world-beating acceleration are on your must-have list, you may be better served with something from Germany or Britain. Additionally, the conservative styling may be too bland for some buyers.

What's Significant About This Car?

Lexus has kept the revisions to the 2011 LS 460 and the LS 460 L fairly minimal. Buyers may now choose an optional an air-ride suspension in place of the standard coil springs. In addition, 19-inch forged alloy wheels are now available with the Sport Package.

Driving the LS

Driving Impressions Both LS 460 variants possess all of the character traits you'd expect in a Lexus luxury sedan. Each excels in smooth, quiet and effortless cruising with little meaningful performance variation...

to differentiate between standard and stretched models. We noted an occasional bout of tire thump over rough pavement and slight wind whisper at freeway speeds, but overall cabin isolation is outstanding. The drivetrain also merits high operational marks for responsiveness and the confident feeling that there's always plenty in reserve for freeway passing or emergency maneuvers. Predictably, the suspension is far better suited to long-distance cruising than to attacking twisty back roads. The focus is on keeping things under control, thanks in part to the LS 460's well-sorted Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system. Those seeking a more responsive drive should definitely consider the Sport Package, which not only returns a firmer ride but delivers better braking and handling.

Favorite Features

Eight-speed Automatic Transmission
Both versions of the LS 460 are fitted with an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission. With a superb ratio spread, the transmission delivers both excellent performance and solid fuel economy. Shifts are nearly seamless and the logic behind the gear changes is perfectly intuitive.

Outstanding Seating
Lexus has bestowed its banner sedans with a cabin that lands the vehicles in hot contention with some of the best cars in the segment. Excellent seats, high-quality materials and a host of technology features make the interior of the LS 460 a complete winner.

2011 Lexus LS Details

Interior

Buyers can expect to find the cabin of the LS 460 providing the same level of refinement and quality materials as its predecessors. Those include the judicious application of brushed aluminum and polished wood inlays along the dash and doors, while the vehicle's seats are clad in supple perforated leather. A comprehensive array of power assists, 10-speaker premium audio system with six-disc CD-changer, signature Optitron electroluminescent gauges, legible displays and intuitive control layouts make for a uniquely enjoyable driving experience. Rear passengers will find ample space, even in the short-wheelbase vehicle, though the additional 4.8 inches of the long-wheel base version deliver an added level of comfort. Buyers may also choose additional niceties, such as power reclining rear seats with a massage function.

Exterior

The 2011 Lexus LS 460 won't quicken too many pulses with its design. The artists behind the vehicle's bodywork purposefully opted for a more conservative look compared to bolder designs like, for example, the Jaguar XJ. Nevertheless, the big Lexus carries itself confidently with the tried and true design elements of a luxury sedan, including a long hood and short trunk deck, and large wheels and chromed exhaust tips do much to add spice to an otherwise demure exterior.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2011 Lexus LS 460 boasts an extensive standard-equipment list that includes power front seats with 16-way driver and 12-way passenger adjustability, an integrated memory function, dual-zone climate control, power moonroof, keyless remote entry, eight airbags, a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system that includes traction and stability control, anti-lock disc brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Controlled Braking functions and high-intensity discharge headlamps with a corner-following adaptive feature. The LS 460 L adds a host of items that are LS 460 extras, including power door closers, rear-view backup camera, one-touch power trunk open/close, climate-controlled front and heated rear seats and a power rear sunshade.

Optional Equipment

Buyers may option the LS 460 with a 450-watt/19-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Intuitive Park Assist and an Advanced Parking Guidance System. For the non-L versions, Comfort and Comfort Plus Packages include a host of luxury features. A Sport Package includes Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned air suspension and additional sporty items. The L version is available with a Luxury Package that includes semi-aniline leather with Alcantara headliner. The Rear-Seat Upgrade adds power rear seats with lumbar massage, four-zone automatic climate control, a rear-seat cool box and rear-seat side airbags. And a four-seat Executive Class Seating Package includes right-rear-seat power recliner with multifunction massager, rear-seat wood-trimmed table, DVD rear-seat entertainment with nine-inch screen, rear-seat audio controls and numerous other rear-seat luxury features.

Under the Hood

The 2011 Lexus LS 460 family comes with a 4.6-liter V8 engine that delivers 380 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque in the rear-wheel drive configuration. All-wheel drive models boast a somewhat more modest 357 horsepower and 344 pound-feet of torque. Combined with a well-sorted eight-speed automatic transmission, either model can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in around six seconds. Thanks to electronically-controlled intake valves and hydraulically-manipulated exhaust valves, the LS 460 manages to meet ULEV II emissions standards and return 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway in rear-wheel drive models and 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway in the all-wheel-drive versions.

4.6-liter V8
380 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
357 horsepower @ 6400 rpm (AWD)
367 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4100 rpm
344 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4100 rpm (AWD)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 (RWD), 16/23 (AWD)

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2011 Lexus LS Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 107 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

9.3/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.4/10
Comfort

9.5/10

Styling

9.3/10

LEXUS HAS ACHIEVED "PERFECTION" WITH THE LS460L.

By LARRY T (TX) on Wednesday, April 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 29,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "FAIR PRICE, GREAT ENJOYMENT TO DRIVE"

Cons: "ADD AUTO TRUNK CLOSING."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"MY ONLY CONCERN HAS BEEN SOMEONE PUTTING A SCRATCH ON THE DOOR OR BUMPER. SO FAR ONLY A HAIR SCRATCH. SERVICE IS A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE AT THE DEALERSHIP. LOTS OF POWER, QUIET, SMOOTH ACCELERATION AND BRAKING. FEEL VERY SAFE KNOWING THE ENDLESS NUMBER OF AIR BAGS. LEXUS REALLY IS ON THE EDGE OF CREATING PERFECTION WITH MY LS 460L. THE 5 EXTRA INCHES FOR LEG ROOM IN THE BACK SEAT MAKES IT SUPER EASY FOR FRIENDS."

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LEXUS HAS ACHIEVED "PERFECTION" WITH THE LS460L.

By LARRY T (TX) on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 29,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "FAIR PRICE, GREAT ENJOYMENT TO DRIVE"

Cons: "ADD AUTO TRUNK CLOSING."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

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THE BEST LUXURY SEDAN!

By Streamliner (CA) on Wednesday, August 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Solid, dependable, comfortable,quiet and safe."

Cons: "Styling could be a bit more exciting."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"My 2010 LS460L is my NINTH new LS since 1993. Silky smooth, ultra quiet and supremely comfortable. Navigation & other features are VERY user friendly. Almost nothing ever goes wrong with the car, but should something require attention, the dealers will FALL ALL OVER THEMSELVES trying to fix it quickly and properly. I cannot say enough good things about the Lexus brand. I have also owned NINE new Mercedes-Benz autos. Much more money but not better cars."

15 people out of 15 found this review helpful

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My 400 and 430 made me happier

By CWL (TX) on Monday, August 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Sharp outward design"

Cons: "Boring interior, expensive to maintain"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I do enjoy and love my 460 however the quality seemed to have fallen between the models. I look forward to the next generation."

2 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Best of three LSs

By LeawoodEsq (KS) on Friday, July 13, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 54,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Power, interior room, quality"

Cons: "Noisy idle, slow touchscreen"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my third LS, after a 2001 and 2004. Mine is a 2010 LS460L AWD. First the bad: 1) Engine is noisy at idle, almost diesel-like. Told it is because of high-pressure direct injection. My earlier models were nearly silent at idle. 2) Navigation/phone/music touch screen is very slow to react to touch input. 3) Verbal command of phone/nav/climate control is inaccurate, as always. Now the good: 1) Lots more horsepower and torque without much drop in all-around MPG. (I got 20 MPG on earlier LS430s, and I get 19 MPG on this LS460.) 2) Adjustable suspension really works and makes a huge difference in ride quality from soft to sporty. 3) Hands-free parking really works, but practice is necessary to do it as quickly as required to avoid holding up traffic. Dealer service is fantastic, but all I've ever needed for three cars is one rearview camera replaced, and one driver window gasket replaced, all under warranty in one day. All other service has been scheduled maintenance with a loaner car. Not bad for 250,000 total miles in LSs."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Rides like a dream.

By Jeff (NJ) on Wednesday, June 27, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Smooth, beautiful and comfortable."

Cons: "None."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Solid. Handles exceptionally well. This car loves to travel at 75-80 mph. At those speeds, 30 mpg. Hard to beat large, luxurious and fuel efficient. City is about 21 mpg."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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See all 107 reviews