The Lexus 460L has high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps that aren’t just beautiful to look at, but are brighter than conventional halogen headlamps, use less energy, and last significantly longer.
The thing that I noticed right off was how quiet the Lexus is. A little research told me that Lexus engineers had studied how engine fuel is burned in order to reduce combustion fluctuations and vibration.
The Lexus looked like a grand villa on the outside, but inside it looked like a modern Taj Mahal. The interior was fitted with semi-aniline leather trim. It is minimally treated so it remains glove-soft and is dyed completely through so it resists discoloration from scratches or wear. The sewing was slow stitched as opposed to fast stitching, which holds the leather together for a smooth feel. Genuine wood trim helps match color and pattern. Interior paneling, including the rear seating area, is hand polished and the steering wheel is crafted out of a solid piece of wood by a high-end furniture design studio, and then polished and matched by the cabin’s other wood. When I first got behind that wheel, all I could do was just sit there and marvel at how beautiful and comfortable my black sapphire Lexus was.
The navigation system is the best guidance system I have found anywhere. Road closure information, slow traffic speeds, and data from accidents and construction are beamed by satellite from several different traffic sources. Once you have all the info you can decide the route you want to go, or the route guide can make up to three alternate route suggestions to bypass congestion.
EPA Fuel Economy estimates 16-city mpg and 24-highway mpg. I got nearly 26 on a short day excursion, and about 19 in the city. The base cost is $73, 585. This vehicle is expensive, but not when you consider the numerous amenities and great feelings a driver or passenger experiences.
There is an old saying about selecting a lady. There are two kinds: The kind you date and the kind you take home to meet your mother. Well, the Lexus 460L is the kind you drive to the family reunion.
LS 460L
Available full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) with TORSEN limited-slip center differential
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management
Eight-speed sequential-shift automatic Electronically
Controlled Transmission with Intelligence
380 horsepower (RWD)
0-to-60 mph acceleration in 5.4 seconds
Certified Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle
Durhl Caussey writes a car column that is read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or at dcaussey@sbcblobal.net .
