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2008 Lexus LS Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
2008 Lexus LS Review
The 2008 Lexus LS is largely unchanged. Three models are offered. There is the regular-length 460, and the 460 L and hybrid 600h L that add 4.8 inches of wheelbase and overall length. 460 models have a 380-hp 4.6-liter V8 and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 600h has a 438-hp 5.0-liter V8 and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, rear side airbags, curtain airbags, and front knee airbags. Air suspension with driver-selectable firmness is optional on 460 L, standard on 600h. A keyless entry and starting system with a pocket transmitter and steering-linked headlights are standard.

Option groups include the base model's Comfort Package with heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, and rear power sunshade. The base model's Comfort Plus Package adds power rear seats and rear side airbags. Available for 460 L and standard on 600h is a Rear Seat Upgrade Package that includes a cooled rear console and four-zone climate control that reacts to occupants' body temperature. Also offered on 460 L and 600h is an Executive Class Seating Package that changes the seating configuration to four passengers and adds a retractable table, DVD entertainment, and a reclining, massaging right-rear seat.

Optional on base, and standard on 460 L and 600h is a navigation system with a rearview camera and a wireless cell phone link. Available for 460 models and standard on 600h is Lexus's Pre-Collision Safety System. Packaged with adaptive cruise control, it automatically tightens the seatbelts and readies full braking power when sensors detect an imminent collision. Also available is Lexus's Advanced Parking Guidance System, which provides hands-free parallel parking.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have six-figure price tags.

Our Best Buys are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.

News
Details remain scant, but sources now believe the long-expected Lexus high-performance sports coupe will use a front-mounted V8 to drive the rear wheels to the tune of 500 hp. Styling should be patterned on the recent LF-A concept, with a two-seat or tight 2+2 interior package. Minimum price will likely be $100,000 for Lexus's answer to BMW's M6 models and the AMG versions of Mercedes' redesigned 2007 CL coupe.
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2008 Lexus LS Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Trunk space (w/rear air conditioning)
Ride
Interior materials
Quietness
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

460 460 L Executive Package 460 L Touring Package 600h L Class Average
8 8 8 8 7.3

Smooth and ample power at any speed. In Consumer Guide testing, an LS 460 did 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The silky automatic transmission is generally responsive, but a deep stab of the throttle is required to coax a downshift for maximum acceleration. Hybrid 600h models are heavier than conventional LS models, so they are only slightly quicker 0-60 mph.
Fuel Economy

460 460 L Executive Package 460 L Touring Package 600h L Class Average
3 2 2 4 3.3

In Consumer Guide testing, an LS 460 averaged 22.7 mpg in mostly highway driving, 15.1 in test that included gas-eating performance runs. A 460 L averaged a thirsty 13.7 mpg in mostly city driving. A 600h averaged 18.7 mpg in mostly highway driving. LS requires premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality

460 460 L Executive Package 460 L Touring Package 600h L Class Average
9 9 9 9 8.2

The base suspension is pillowy on most surfaces with noticeable highway float. The available air suspension's Sport setting induces some body jiggle.
Steering/Handling/Braking

460 460 L Executive Package 460 L Touring Package 600h L Class Average
6 6 6 6 6.9

The steering is light though direct, and the turning circle is impressively tight. LS is no sport sedan, however. The base suspension permits marked body lean, as does the air suspension's Comfort setting. Its Sport mode is slightly sharper overall. The Advanced Parking Guidance System is a marvel for parallel parking and works as advertised. It will also back the car into a parking-lot space, but that function takes too long to program.
Quietness

460 460 L Executive Package 460 L Touring Package 600h L Class Average
10 10 10 10 8.4

One of the quietest cars on the market. The engine is nearly silent at idle and emits a subdued growl under aggressive acceleration. There is virtually no tire, road, or wind noise.
Controls

460 460 L Executive Package 460 L Touring Package 600h L Class Average
9 9 9 9 5.9

LS models feature mostly handy and logical controls. Kudos to Lexus for foregoing a complicated central control system and for keeping basic audio and climate controls separate from the navigation screen.
Details

460 460 L Executive Package 460 L Touring Package 600h L Class Average
10 10 10 10 8.4

Test cars exhibited top-quality materials with numerous soft-touch surfaces. Note that the premium audio system's hard drive can download music files from CDs, though a USB port would make loading the hard drive a faster process.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

460 460 L Executive Package 460 L Touring Package 600h L Class Average
9 9 9 9 8.8

The front is spacious for adults, though taller drivers may need more headroom. A power tilt and telescopic steering wheel and wide, supportive seats with multiple power adjustments make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Visibility is fine all around.
Room/Comfort (rear)

460 460 L Executive Package 460 L Touring Package 600h L Class Average
9 10 10 10 7.9

Adult-roomy here, too, though toe space is tight with the front seats fully back in the standard-wheelbase model. The long-wheelbase model adds its length in rear legroom. The seat blends fine support and soft padding. The available Executive Seating Package combines upgraded leather with indulgent amenities such as a massaging right side seat and body-temperature sensors linked to the climate control. For some passengers, Executive Seating Package's leg rest can lift the occupant's feet into the seat ahead. Also note that with the leg rest extended, the front passenger seat cannot be occupied.
Cargo Room

460 460 L Executive Package 460 L Touring Package 600h L Class Average
4 3 3 2 4.1

The trunk is sufficient for most travel needs, but the rear air conditioning trims the volume by a full 6.0 cu ft. The trunk lid uses hinges that further rob useful space. In-cabin small-item storage is good.
Value within Class

460 460 L Executive Package 460 L Touring Package 600h L Class Average
9 7 8 6 5.5

LS base prices start below those of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8. It is less sporty and more comfort-oriented than those German rivals, but this Best Buy is outstanding in its own right in terms of power, refinement, standard features, and optional gadgets. The hybrid 600h is a technological tour-de-force, but in this price range, most European competitors offer the cachet of a V12 powertrain.
Total Score

460 460 L Executive Package 460 L Touring Package 600h L Class Average
86 83 84 83 74.7
Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score
67
Average Score
74
High Score
87
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2008 Lexus LS Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
460 4-door sedan $61,500 $53,505 $765
460 L 4-door sedan $71,500 $62,205 $765
600h L 4-door sedan $104,000 $90,480 $765
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
460
Powertrain
4.6-liter V8 engine, traction control, 8-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front knee airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power tilt/telescopic wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 16-way power driver seat, 12-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, driver-seat belt height, steering wheel, mirrors), center console, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/automatic day/night and tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access and starting, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, front and rear illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights, fog lights, full-size spare tire, 235/50VR18 tires, alloy wheels.
460 L adds to 460:
Comfort and Convenience Features
4.8-inch longer wheelbase, heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, power door and trunklid closers, navigation system w/voice recognition, traffic information, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link, satellite radio, power rear sunshade.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Laminated side glass, headlight washers.
600h L adds to 460 L:
Powertrain
5.0-liter V8 engine, electric drive motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), all-wheel drive, limited-slip center differential.
Safety
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Mark Levinson AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3/DVD Audio changer, hard drive, alcantara headliner.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Automatic and driver-adjustable suspension, 245/45VR19 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Comfort Pkg.
460
$1,290
$1,032
Heated/cooled front seats, heated rear seats, power rear sunshade, headlight washers.
Comfort Plus Pkg.
460
$3,620
$2,896
Comfort Pkg. plus rear side airbags, heated/cooled power rear seats w/memory.
Navigation System and Mark Levinson Premium Audio System Pkg.
460
$5,645
$4,500
Navigation system w/voice recognition, traffic information, wireless cell phone link, rearview camera, satellite radio, Mark Levinson sound system, in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD Audio changer, hard drive.
Navigation System and Advanced Parking Guidance Pkg.
460
$3,815
$3,162
Navigation system w/voice recognition, traffic information, wireless cell phone link, rearview camera, satellite radio, hands-free parallel parking. Requires front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Navigation/Mark Levinson/Advanced parking Guidance Pkg.
460
$6,345
$5,060
Navigation System and Mark Levinson Premium Audio System Pkg. plus hands-free parallel parking. Requires front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Luxury Pkg.
460 L
$2,780
$2,224
Rear side airbags, semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated/cooled power rear seats w/memory.
Rear Seat Upgrade Pkg.
460 L
$1,625
$1,300
Rear dual-zone automatic climate controls w/body-temperature sensors, rear-seat cool box, rear radio controls, power side sunshades. Requires Luxury Pkg.
Executive Class Seating Pkg.
460 L
$12,675
$10,140
600h
$12,570
$10,096
Luxury Pkg. plus rear dual-zone automatic climate controls w/body-temperature sensors, 2-place rear seat w/fixed center console, right-rear seat power recliner and legrest, massaging right-rear seat, right-rear seat fold-down tray, DVD entertainment system, rear radio controls, rear-seat cool box, power side sunshades, alcantara headliner. 460 L requires front- and rear-obstacle-detection system, Mark Levinson Sound System, adaptive variable air suspension.
Touring Pkg.
460 L
$2,985
$2,388
Uprated brakes, variable-ratio power steering, automatic and driver-selectable adaptive variable air suspension, 245/45YR19 tires. NA w/Luxury Pkg., Rear Seat Upgrade Pkg., Executive Class Seating Pkg.
Pre-Collision System
460, 460 L, 600h L
$2,850
$2,280
Precrash system, adaptive cruise control. 460 requires navigation system or pkg. containing navigation system.
Mark Levinson Sound System
460 L
$2,530
$1,898
Mark Levinson sound system, in-dash 6-disc CD/DVD Audio changer, hard drive.
Adaptive Variable Air Suspension
460 L
$2,120
$1,696
Variable-ratio power steering, automatic and driver-selectable adaptive variable air suspension
Active power stabilizer suspension
600h
$3,000
$2,400
Automatic-adjustable stabilizer bars.
Premium Pkg.
600h
$4,000
$3,240
Rear side airbags, hands-free parallel parking, heated/cooled power rear seats w/memory, Lexus link assistance system.
Premium Pkg. II
600h
$7,570
$6,096
Premium Pkg. plus rear dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear interior air filter, DVD entertainment system, rear radio controls, rear-seat cool box, power side sunshades.
Preferred Accessory Pkg.
460, 460 L, 600h L
$227
$137
Cargo mat and net, wheel locks.
Safety
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
460, 460 L
$500
$400
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
460
$3,115
$2,602
Includes voice recognition, traffic information, wireless cell phone link, rearview camera, satellite radio.
Lexus Link assistance system
460, 460 L
$900
$760
Includes one year service.
Hands-free parallel parking
460 L
$700
$560
Requires front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Power door closers
460
$395
$316
Rubber floormats
460, 460 L, 600h L
$99
$59
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Unique 18-inch alloy wheels
460, 460 L, 600h L
$2,375
$1,415
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2008 Lexus LS Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Lexus LS 4-door sedan Lexus LS L 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 116.9 121.7
Overall Length, in. 198.0 202.8
Overall Width, in. 73.8 73.8
Overall Height, in. 58.1 58.1
Curb Weight, lbs. 4245 4330
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 18.0 18.0
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 22.2 22.2
Seating Capacity 5 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.1 38.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 43.7 43.7
Rear Head Room, in. 37.9 37.9
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. -- --
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc V8 dohc V8/electric
Size, liters/cu. in. 4.6 /281 5.0 /303
Horsepower @ rpm. 380 @ 6400 438 @ 5400
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 367 @ 4100 @
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
8-speed automatic 16/24 --/--
CVT automatic --/-- 20/22
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Lexus LS 4-door sedan Lexus LS L 4-door sedan
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in: Japan
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2008 Lexus LS
Trim Level:  600h L
Arrival Date:  12/20/2007
Engine:  dohc V8/electric
Bodystyle:  4-door sedan
Transmission:  CVT automatic
4WD/AWD:  Yes
Base Price:  $104,000
Price as Tested:  $115,677
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  1563
Mileage at End of Test:  2007
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  23.7 gals.
 

Major Options:  Premium Luxury Package II (Rear Power Seats with Memory, Rear Heated/Cooled Seats, Rear Seat Side Airbags, Rear Seat Entertainment System with 9 in. Screen and Wireless Headphones, Rear Audio Control Panel, Power Rear Door Sunshades, Lexus Link, Advanced Parking Guided System), Lexus Pre-Collision System and Dynamic Radar Cruise, Trunk Mat, Cargo Net and Wheel Locks, Premium Floor Mats

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  18.73 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Tom Appel This is tough. This Lexus hybrid works as a political statement, or perhaps as some sort of conscience cleanser for the rich, but not as a car. Money aside, this top-of-the-heap LS makes little sense when compared to lesser models in the line. The additional power is largely offset by the car's added heft, the car's handling is dulled by the increased poundage, and the drivetrain loses some of its silky seemlessness. Though an amazing technical tour de force, I can't say why anyone should consider one. More troubling, we got just 19 mpg in our testing, hardly frugal--or especially green. Like the LS? Buy a 460 L and and spend the $40,000 you saved on carbon offsets.

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