2012 LEXUS LS 460 F SPORT 8AT RWD (390 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Lexus introduced the second and final facelift for the fourth generation of its flagship model, the LS series.

Toyota might have run out of money since it didn’t introduce a new generation for the LS, or it tried just to postpone the fifth generation for later, to get more media coverage yearly. In 2011 Lexus launched the fourth generation of the GS and unveiled a near-production concept for the IS in late 2012. But the LS had to wait until 2017 to be completely renewed.

The design team applied the new spindle-face image on the big barge as on its smaller siblings. Even though it was still controversial, it was already a brand image, and Lexus tried to make a bold statement. The carmaker made an LED light package available that included headlights, turn signals, and fog-lights. For the first time, the LS became available with an F-Sport package, with the exclusive white-color on it.

Inside, Toyota heavily improved the LS. Its design concept revealed two distinct areas: the driver’s, and the rest of the car. Lexus installed a 5.8″ TFT display in the instrument cluster for the on-board computer. A new, 12.3″ screen found its place on top of the center console. The carmaker considered introducing heated steering wheels on all AWD models and added a quick warm-up system for the front passengers.

For the technical department, Lexus didn’t consider that there were any necessary upgrades. It offered the same 4.6-liter V8 for the entire lineup, provided with a choice of two power outputs. The hybrid version kept the same 4.9-liter V8 as the non-facelifted model.