Lexus LS: 4th Generation

When it comes to the release of the Lexus LS 460 AWD version, this picture says it all:

As expected, the LS 460 AWD was introduced at the Moscow International Auto Show today, and the folks at Autoblog have a full photo gallery of the model. The only thing? That AWD badge in the photo above is the only discernible difference from regular version.

That said, here are the more technical particulars:

The LS 460’s outstanding performance, sure-footed dynamic abilities and advanced active safety systems have been further strengthened by the addition of permanent all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive system is a three differential configuration featuring a highly compact TORSEN® Limited Slip Differential (LSD) – shared with the LS 600h - which distributes drive torque between the front and rear axles with a 40:60 rear axle bias in torque distribution.

The LS 460 AWD will be on sale as from November.

Motor Trend has wrapped up their year-long stay with the Lexus LS 460L, which had its share of ups and downs:

...our staffers lauded the interior's rich ambiance and excellent ergonomics, the buttery V-8's power and acceleration, and the first-rate bumper-to-bumper build quality. And with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it didn't force us to visit the gas pump that frequently. Over its year stay, the LS delivered an impressive 18.7 mpg, highlighted by a best tank average of 30.2 mpg.

As we spent more time behind the LS's wheel, however, our admiration shifted to dissatisfaction...Complaints ranged from minor grumbles ("Side mirrors are too small") to major grievances ("If you're a driver, you'll just find the whole experience numb and uninvolving. There is no emotion to this car. None"), all of which made us wish Lexus had produced more of a driver's car than a curtailed limousine. "Too soft" and "floaty" were common notebook entries, as was, "more wind noise than I expected."

I always find myself bristling when I read complaints about "numb steering" and "uninvolved driving", but then I remember that I'm reading a car magazine and that's what they do. Nothing's perfect, after all. (But seriously, new tires and brake pads at 20K? The car's a limousine, not a track-star.)

When the new BMW 7-series was introduced last week, there was certainly some criticism of the exterior, particularly in its likeness to the Lexus LS. When comparing the direct side profiles, I saw a passing resemblance, but couldn't understand the big fuss. Then I saw this action montage:

That's just unfortunate.

[Images assembled by chonnes04]

There's a nice little editorial/review of the Lexus LS 460 in the latest issue of Esquire that revolves around writer David Raab's son:

We try the Lexus LS 460L because my son's entire experience of cars is based on sitting in the backseat, and because one of his car guides rates the 460's backseat a perfect 10 -- the only 10 in the book.

"I like the smell of this car," my kid says.

Yeah, I say. Smells like money. Mon-ay. Big money.

"Are we in a base or an LX?" He studies trimlines. He uses the word trimlines, which is a little scary.

I don't think this is a base, I say.

"I don't, either," he says. "This is a dream."

Being a youngster, we can forgive the trim level confusion, especially when his father didn't try to pass off the standard stats rehashing usually seen in this type of article.

(Even more important though, is the discovery that Automobile Magazine's Ezra Dyer also writes for Esquire.)

[Image from Miraruido]

Here's story that slipped through as I was finishing up the new version of this site: Lexus won two awards in the 2008 Fleet World Honours, taking home the Security award and the Best Luxury Car award for the LS:

The Security Award reflects Lexus's high levels of protection against theft of or from its vehicles. George Emmerson, chairman of the judging panel, said Lexus "does more than anyone else in the market" in terms of effective anti-theft provisions.

Retaining its Best Luxury Car title has endorsed the Lexus LS's status as a flagship limousine that delivers exceptional comfort, refinement and technical sophistication, particularly of the hybrid power LS 600h.

Ken Rogers, Fleet World editor said: "The Lexus LS stands above its worthy competitors simply because it is such a quality product, manufactured to the highest standards. No longer the new kid on the block, Lexus has nothing more to prove."

This is the second year in a row that the Lexus LS has been awarded the Best Luxury Car title by Fleet World, a UK magazine for business owners who, well, manage a fleet of cars.

[Source: New Car Net]

I remember hearing about it last year, but this is the first time I've seen this Lexus commercial detailing the life of a US Open tennis ball after its day in the spotlight:

Quirky and cute, it's a neat take on the standard sponsorship advertisement, and makes you think, what really does happen to all those tennis balls?