An upgraded interior in the 2013 Lexus LS460, so very quiet in traversing Colorado’s twisting roads, is a major factor in pitting the Japanese product competitively against those premium luxury sedans from the German builders. Take a peek inside one when visiting the Denver Auto Show, which opens Wednesday and continues through Sunday at the Colorado Convention Center.
Its leather is beautifully stitched, with dark brown walnut trim and alcantra headliner, and on the console a mouse-style controller lends input for audio/navigation/climate. As added comfort, thigh support can be extended almost half a foot on the already sizable front seats.
The full-sized LS retains its 386-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 engine, paired with a near-seamless 8-speed automatic transmission. Its mode of torque, shift pattern and firmness, with the push or turn of a button on the console, can vary from normal to sport to eco to snow. It is of rear-drive configuration; I’d prefer the all-wheel-drive option, for when I accelerated up a short incline covered with slush from blowing snow, the rear of the LS went spinning left as the front end slid right. I quickly got it corrected.
Interestingly, in visiting with Stuart Wright (remember, the auto reviewer from Greeley who several months ago exchanged comments with me regarding the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited), I learned he spent last week in the Phoenix area driving, like me, an LS460.
In a word or two (or three), what were your impressions of the luxury sedan, I asked him.
Stu – Very nice, indeed.
Bud – You might expand a bit on that.
Stu – I drove the F Sport version, with big Brembo brakes, a firmer ride, 19-inch alloy wheels, paddle shifters and a half-inch lower stance. It whizzed around the two-lane roads near Carefree and Pinnacle Peak, and gobbled up the turnpikes throughout the Valley. I enjoyed driving it, and Ruth and I found the bucket seats to be incredibly comfortable. What did you think of the outside mirrors that flopped inward when you locked the car?
Bud – The mirrors, along with the wonderful 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound, blind-spot monitor and power rear sunshade, pushed the sticker price to $76,620. The LS’s 18 cubic-foot trunk must have been sufficient for you and Ruth?
Stu – It sure was, Bud. The LS I drove had an MSRP of $81,900 and did not have that upgraded stereo, which was fine. I enjoyed the inside of the car more than the styling; nearby motorists, though, seemed to like the looks of the vehicle. A Lexus LS really fits the bill in Scottsdale.
Bud – I’m not overly fond of the exterior. To drive it, however, is to like it.
Bud Wells can be reached via e-mail at bwells@denverpost.com.
