In its ever-evolving product line, Lexus offers hatchbacks, hybrids, SUVs, sports coupes and a super car. But, there are still Lexus models that focus exclusively on what the automaker began building when it emerged from Toyota’s shadow in 1989 – luxury sedans.
The LS, whatever the trim level, is just such a pure Lexus – a big, smooth, sophisticated, comfortable luxury car. It’s unapologetically posh. Its driver and passengers cruise along in superior comfort — moving with more class than a vast majority of other cars on the road.
It packs a big, powerful engine. It doesn’t try to cushion the blow by running on a mix of leaves and angel tears. It takes that modern power to push aside traffic composed of lesser vehicles — as though the very comfy folks inside the LS might be saddened by the sight of commoners cursed with mere four wheels and an engine. It’s best to speed away from and forget they exist.
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I had a week to try that luxurious driving life with the 2015 Lexus LS 460. I assumed I’d go on at length in a review as though I assumed the mantle of big luxury car drivers and describe its V6 engine and sophisticated horsepower (338) or its polished suspension settings. I would wrap up with some gushing about the endless in-car technology, including power everything, heated adjustable seats, dual zone climate control, in-dash, infotainment system, voice activation and Bluetooth connectivity.
But, I’ve written that review before about other Lexus models and some of the Japanese automaker’s rivals. Instead, I’ve decided to employ another voice to evaluate this luxury ride — my six year old nephew. I admit that it’s a potentially controversial move as car reviews are supposed to be composed by and for potential buyers — and a six year old is not likely to drop $69, 845 on even the base model LS 460.
Still, the boy in question rode along in many of my test drive vehicles in recent years — and this 2015 Lexus LS 460 is the first car he decided I should keep. Sadly, those fiends at Lexus expect reporters to return their luxury automobiles after the review period.
The child was amazed by the quality of the leatherwork and the feel of the doors and seats (which I took as a thumbs up for the car’s build quality). He seemed to like the Sport driving mode best, though he worried we’d get arrested for speeding. I assured him that the California Highway Patrol rarely incarcerated first graders for excessive speed. Bottom line, he found the engine adequate.
But, engines and performance aside, the test of any true luxury car rests in the creature comforts and my fellow reporter was most impressed by the fold out rear arrest with extra cup holders, rear climate control, rear roof lighting, etc. You get the idea.
In the end, he didn’t want to give the LS 460 up, and I can only assume the luxury buyer with deep enough pockets to bring one home will feel much the same way.
