2010 Lexus LS

Overview
The Lexus LS is a full-size premium luxury sedan that serves as the flagship of the Lexus lineup. The 5-passenger sedan is offered in short- or long-wheelbase versions, can be powered by 8-cylinder gasoline or hybrid gasoline-electric powerplants, and features rear- or all-wheel-drive powertrains.

History/Genealogy
The Lexus LS first debuted in North America in 1990 when Toyota launched its all-new Lexus division. The premium luxury brand was developed to battle head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the BMW 7 Series, and the Audi V8 Quattro. The LS was an all-new model, specifically designed to be the flagship of the brand. Like the European offerings, the original Lexus LS400 featured a traditional front-engine/rear-wheel-drive platform with a powerful V-8 engine. The newcomer Lexus matched the competition in features and performance, but undercut them significantly in price.

Now in its fourth generation, the Lexus LS remains the flagship of the automaker's much-expanded premium lineup. Last updated for the 2007 model year, the current LS 460 retains the same powertrain configuration, but adds an all-wheel-drive model as well as a hybrid variant. It is also offered in both short- and long-wheelbase models.Lexus updated the LS model for 2010 with a mild exterior refresh, a new optional Sport package, a new driver monitoring system, and updates to the audio and navigation systems.

Dimensions and Interior Room

Model	4-Door	4-Door LWB
Length	199.2	203.9 inches
Width	73.8 inches	73.8 inches
Height	58.1 inches	58.1 inches
Weight	4,332 pounds	4,332 pounds
Passenger Volume	103 cubic feet	103 cubic feet
Cargo Volume	11 cubic feet	11 cubic feet

Features and Options
The 2010 Lexus LS is offered in five different models: LS 460, LS 460 AWD, LS 460 L, LS 460 L AWD, and LS 600h L. All models share the same basic platform, but the "L" models are long-wheelbase versions whereby rear-seat passengers benefit from an additional 4.8 inches of leg room.

The flagship Lexus models feature a comprehensive list of standard luxury features. These include dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt-and-slide moonroof, leather upholstery, auto-dimming mirrors, UV-reducing glass, wood trim, HomeLink, a premium sound system, and more. Major options include a navigation system, the Mark Levinson 450-watt audio package, the Comfort package, the Comfort Plus package, and the new Sport package (Brembo brakes, forged alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, sport seats, and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters).

The non-hybrid 2010 Lexus LS models feature a 4.6-liter 8-cylinder engine rated at 380 horsepower and 367 lb.-ft. of torque (RWD models) or 357 horsepower and 344 lb.-ft. of torque (AWD models). In both cases, the engine is mated to a standard 8-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. Standard models feature rear-wheel drive, while the "AWD" models (including the LS 600h L) are fitted with a full-time all-wheel-drive system with a TORSEN limited-slip differential.

The hybrid gasoline-electric LS 600h L features a unique version of the 4.6-liter V-8 rated at 394 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque mated to two electric motors with nickel-metal hydride battery packs. The first smaller motor is tasked with starting the engine (thus replacing a traditional starter) and generating electricity. The second motor is larger (and capable of generating 221 horsepower by itself). According to Lexus, the combined total system power is 438 horsepower. The hybrid's power is sent to a two-stage, continuously variable transmission (CVT) with three different operator-selected driving modes (normal, power and snow).

The EPA-rated fuel economy for the 2010 Lexus LS ranges between 16 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Safety and Crash Testing

NHTSA	Model	4-Door
	Front Driver	Not Tested
	Front Passenger	Not Tested
	Side Driver	Not Tested
	Side Rear Passenger	Not Tested
	Rollover 2WD	Not Tested
	Rollover 4WD	Not Tested
IIHS	** TOP SAFETY PICK **
	Frontal Offset	Good
	Side Impact	Not Tested
	Roof Strength	Not Tested

Study Results

2010 IQS	Highest ranked in segment
2010 VDS	Top 3, Large Premium Car segment
2009 APEAL	Top 2, Large Premium Car segment

To learn more visit:
2010 Lexus LS Model Page