The Eldest Brother of the Lexus Family Undergoes a Major Minor Change

Unveiled at an event in San Francisco called "Lexus Laws of Attraction" the 2013 model "Lexus LS" revealed at the event, though a minor change, features substantial modifications to both the interior and exterior, making its design vastly different from the previous model, almost to the point of a full model change. Starting with the adoption of the spindle grille, the L-shaped rear taillights, the horizontal interior theme, and the 12.3-inch wide display, it has been re-styled with the new generation Lexus design pioneered by the recently redesigned "GS" and reborn as the head of the family.



As reported in OPENERS' test drive reviews, this LS has also enhanced its completeness and refinement as a driver's car. While there are no major changes to the powertrain, it continues to be offered with the "LS460" equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine, and the "LS 600h" combining a 5.0-liter V8 engine with a hybrid system. However, due to minor detailed improvements, the engine has achieved slight gains in both output and CO2 emissions (i.e., fuel efficiency). Furthermore, the body and dedicated chassis are said to express the LS's potential at a higher level through the adoption of new technologies and meticulous finishing.



The new F SPORT variant, also newly established, emphasizes the new LS's image of refined driving. With the F SPORT configuration, the LS gains a more aggressive atmosphere through sports-oriented interior and spindle grille modifications, and is equipped with F SPORT-exclusive features such as low-down air suspension, a Torsen LSD for the LS460 F SPORT, and an active stabilizer for the LS600h.




Additionally, advanced safety features are incorporated, including the "Pre-Collision Safety System," which supports collision avoidance and night detection performance for pedestrians using millimeter-wave radar, a stereo camera, and an infrared projector; the "AHS (Adaptive High-beam System)," which uses a camera to detect preceding and oncoming vehicles and illuminates the driver's field of vision without dazzling other drivers by selectively shading only the area of the other vehicle while maintaining high beams elsewhere; and the "BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)," which detects vehicles running parallel to the car using radar and alerts the driver by flashing an indicator when a vehicle enters the side mirror's blind spot, aiding in side-view confirmation.

The sales prices in Japan are 8.3 million yen for the LS460 and 10.5 million yen for the LS600h. The LS460 F SPORT is available only in 2WD for 9.8 million yen, and the LS600h F SPORT is 12.3 million yen. Adding the "version L" package increases the price by 2 million yen.

Lexus LS460 | Lexus LS460

Body Size | Overall Length 5,090 x Overall Width 1,875 x Overall Height 1,465 [1,475] mm

Wheelbase | 2,970mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,615 / 1,620 [1,615 / 1,615] mm

Vehicle Weight | 1,940 [2,080] kg

Engine | 4.6-liter V8 gasoline engine

Maximum Output | 288kW (392ps) / 6,400rpm [272kW (370ps) / 6,400rpm]

Maximum Torque | 500Nm (51.0kgm) / 4,100rpm [477Nm (48.6kgm) / 4,100rpm]

Transmission | 8-speed automatic (Super ECT)

Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive [4-wheel drive]

Fuel Economy | 8.4 [7.9] km/ℓ (JC08 mode)

Price | 8.3 [8.8] million yen

Values in [] are for AWD (4-wheel drive)




Lexus LS460 L | Lexus LS460 L

Body Size | Overall Length 5,210 x Overall Width 1,875 x Overall Height 1,465 [1,475] mm

Wheelbase | 3,090mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,615 / 1,620 [1,615 / 1,615] mm

Vehicle Weight | 2,040 [2,180] kg

Engine | 4.6-liter V8 gasoline engine

Maximum Output | 288kW (392ps) / 6,400rpm [272kW (370ps) / 6,400rpm]

Maximum Torque | 500Nm (51.0kgm) / 4,100rpm [477Nm (48.6kgm) / 4,100rpm]

Transmission | 8-speed automatic (Super ECT)

Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive [4-wheel drive]

Fuel Economy | 8.3 [7.7] km/ℓ (JC08 mode)

Price | 11.3 [11.8] million yen

Values in [] are for AWD (4-wheel drive)




Lexus LS600h | Lexus LS600h

Body Size | Overall Length 5,090 x Overall Width 1,875 x Overall Height 1,475mm

Wheelbase | 2,970mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,615 / 1,615mm

Vehicle Weight | 2,230kg

Engine | 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine

Maximum Output | 290kW (394ps) / 6,400rpm

Maximum Torque | 521Nm / 4,000rpm

Motor Maximum Output | 165kW (224ps)

Motor Maximum Torque | 300Nm (30.6kgm)

Transmission | Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission

Drivetrain | 4-wheel drive

Fuel Economy | 11.6km/ℓ (JC08 mode)

Price | 10.5 million yen




Lexus LS600h L | Lexus LS600h L

Body Size | Overall Length 5,210 x Overall Width 1,875 x Overall Height 1,475mm

Wheelbase | 3,090mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,615 / 1,615mm

Vehicle Weight | 2,320kg

Engine | 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine

Maximum Output | 290kW (394ps) / 6,400rpm

Maximum Torque | 521Nm / 4,000rpm

Motor Maximum Output | 165kW (224ps)

Motor Maximum Torque | 300Nm (30.6kgm)

Transmission | Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission

Drivetrain | 4-wheel drive

Fuel Economy | 11.6km/ℓ (JC08 mode)

Price | 13.7 million yen