Used 2013 Lexus LS

Lexus says that of the 6,000 parts that make up the flagship LS sedan, 3,000 have been changed for the 2013 model update. Of those many new parts arguably the most important is the spindle-shaped grille; a simple but profound addition that trumpets a newfound sense of style for the traditionally conservative LS. It may look edgier but in terms of luxury, ride and amenities the 2013 Lexus LS continues to deliver the dignified indulgence expected in an exclusive class that includes the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Even though the suddenly-sexy LS sedan uses the same suspension, powertrain and chassis found in the previous-generation LS, numerous structural enhancements and suspension tweaks have been incorporated to improve ride and handling. The payoff is a tastefully enhanced rendition of a familiar driving experience. Lexus’ full-size sedan glides lightly over bumps and steers with a casual feel, all the while isolating those inside from the world outside. Meanwhile, a new feature called "Drive Mode Select" lets the driver customize steering, powertrain and suspension settings to personal preference across the sport/comfort spectrum. For a slightly more thrilling ride consider the LS 460 F Sport, which uses a sport-tuned air suspension and Brembo brakes to deliver confident deceleration and noticeably sharper handling. It’s a nice effort but, with no increase in horsepower versus the standard LS 460, we doubt the F Sport package will dazzle real performance enthusiasts.

With a cleanly-arranged dash, attractive interior accent lighting and a big 12.3-inch screen controlled by Lexus’ easy-to-use second-generation Remote Touch interface, the interior of the Lexus LS strikes a smart balance between style and functionality. Occupants are treated to comfortably-contoured seats and, especially in the long-wheel base LS 460 L, more than adequate head- and leg room. Buyers of the standard LS 460 have their choice of five unique interior themes. Attractive bamboo trim is reserved for the LS 600h Hybrid while a sporty steering wheel, aluminum interior trim and extra-bolstered seats are found exclusively in the LS 460 F Sport.

A bulging hood, menacing face and a contemporary rear-end treatment make the 2013 Lexus LS sedan the most radical-looking LS to date. Variations from the basic LS 460 body style include the roomier, extended wheel base LS 460 L and the LS 460 F Sport featuring aggressive front and rear fascias and a 10-millimeter-reduced ride height. Standard wheels are 18-inch alloys while the F Sport wears 19-inchers. Available as an option are special wheels featuring a hollow section that reduces tire noise through the technical wonders of science.

MARK LEVINSON SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM
Never underestimate the power of music to brighten one’s day. The optional Mark Levinson audio system uses 450 watts of power to drive 19 speakers in a 7.1 arrangement beautifully reproducing sounds from 20 to 20,000 Hertz. For absorbing the brilliance of Yes’ "Owner of a Lonely Heart" we’ve found few better solutions.

EXECUTIVE CLASS REAR SEATING PACKAGE
Vibrating and shiatsu massage, a Blu-Ray entertainment system, wood-trimmed tables and a power recliner in the right-rear position make this a must-have package for high rollers who demand posh transportation between business dealings.

No flagship would be complete without an impressive standard-equipment list. In that theme all LS trims include HID headlights, a 16-way power driver seat, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone front climate control, navigation, parking sensors, a backup camera and a 10-speaker audio system. As for safety, active front headrests, eight airbags and stability control also make the standard-equipment list.

For those unmoved by the Lexus LS’s standard features there are numerous high-end options from which to choose. Highlights include: Heated and cooled seats front and rear, four-zone climate control, an upgraded leather and Alcantara package, rear audio controls and rear side airbags. Among the higher-tech add-ons are automatic high beams, dynamic radar-based cruise control, lane-departure mitigation and a pre-collision detection system that warns of impending crashes, applying the brakes if necessary to minimize impact severity.

Other than a modest bump in horsepower for the standard 4.6-liter V8 very little has changed under the hood of the Lexus LS for the 2013 model year. Conventional gasoline-powered models are available with rear or all-wheel drive and shifting duties are still handled by an 8-speed automatic transmission. In the LS 600h L, propulsion is generated by the combined efforts of a 5.0-liter V8, a pair of electric motor/generators, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a continuously-variable transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system. All that technology allows the hybrid LS to accelerate as quickly as its non-hybrid counterparts while giving it a 3-mpg advantage in city driving.

4.6-liter V8 (rear-wheel drive)
386 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
367 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24 mpg

4.6-liter V8 (all-wheel drive)
360 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
347 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg

5.0-liter V8 Hybrid
389 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
385 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
Total power: 438 horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/23 mpg