What’s New?
Lexus’ luxury flagship, the LS 460, is all new for the 2007 model year, and is available for the first time in a long-wheelbase version that provides an even roomier, limousine-like rear seating area. A hybrid version will be available as a 2008 model.

Overview
Toyota rocked the luxury car marketplace in 1989 when it launched its Lexus brand and the full-size LS 400 sedan, along with a new level of customer service. The LS was again all new for its second-generation introduction as a 1995 model, and for 2001 the third-generation model was powered by a larger and more powerful V-8 engine. The launch of the 2007 LS 460 marks the fourth generation of Lexus’ luxury flagship. It comes with a new engine, a new 8-speed automatic transmission, and now comes in two sizes: the standard 4-door sedan and a longer version—the LS 460 L—that is nearly five inches longer, with most of that space being devoted to rear-seat leg room. Both versions are powered by a 380-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 engine linked to an exclusive and smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. The LS 460 accelerates to 60 mph in a sports car-like 5.4 seconds, yet is rated at 27 mpg at highway speeds and has earned ultra-low-emission-vehicle certification.

Features on the latest version include all sorts of advanced dynamic technologies designed to enhance driver control and vehicle safety. The LS also comes with an array of eight air bags. Standard equipment includes keyless starting, a 10-speaker audio system and more. The option list includes radar-guided active cruise control and a self-parking system that backs the LS into a parking place. The LS 460 L has a standard navigation system, climate-controlled front seats, heated rear seats, a power rear sunshade, a power opening and closing trunk, even power door closers. The navigation system includes a hard disk drive that can store music when connected to the optional 450-watt, 19-speaker Mark Levinson Reference surround sound system. An Executive Class rear seating option for the LS 460 L includes a rear-seat entertainment system, a right rear-seat recliner with an ottoman leg rest, four-zone climate controls, rear door power sunshades, and a rear console with a foldout table.

The Competition
The Lexus LS 460 competes in the Large Premium Conventional segment, which consists of eight models. Buyers in this segment look for performance, quality, and comfort, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Cadillac DTS (58,224 units sold), Lincoln Town Car (39,295), and Mercedes-Benz S-Class (30,886). The Lexus LS 460 sold 19,546 units in 2006, a decrease of 24.9 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Large Premium Conventional segment include the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ-Series, and Maserati Quattroporte.