By: Brandon Randall
In the realm of full-sized sedans, it can frequently become a relationship of compromises. Those compromises being a trade of speed for space, luxury for cost and so on. The Lexus LS 460 F-Sport doesn’t demand compromises; it’s everything you could want in a sedan. To purchase a luxury sedan is to provide the ultimate consideration for the passenger, it’s about comfort and a smooth ride, but again and again, the driving-factor gets lost in all the lushness.
At 200 inches long, you wouldn’t expect the unforeseen thrust that the 386HP V8 puts out. 0-60 comes at 5.4 smooth and silent seconds in the LS, but you’re not denied a subtle growl of engine in the midst of it all. It’s a dangerous thing that the LS tops out at 130MPH because it happens effortlessly and without any static road noise, as if you’re in a capsule traveling at light speed.
It’s a five passenger vessel of craftsmanship, full of the kind of details you’d expect in a European luxury ride. The optional Shimamoku wood steering wheel is next level; it takes 38 days to create and is literally a piece of art you can grab onto. The details of the LS aren’t obvious and in your face, rather a preceptive vibe of skillfulness.
Between the four-zone climate control, Mark Levinson surround sound and optional reclining rear seats, there LS isn’t short of the Japanese answer to a Bentley. This is a ride for someone who enjoys the smooth motions of a large sedan and has a eye for details, and ultimately needs to fill five seats.
Price as tested: $80,870
