Lexus Manila launched the new LS 460L ultra-luxury sedan, a heavily reworked version of the flagship car that first bowed in 2007. The most obvious exterior change is the brand’s new “spindle grille,” while under the skin are more than 3000 improvements to the top-of-the-line Lexus.
The new grille is flanked by available all-LED lighting units, from the headlamps all the way to the vertical foglamps. The headlamp units include seamless light tubes that spell out the letter “L”—how’s that for branding?
The LS chassis is now more rigid, thanks to new assembly techniques such as laser screw welding and adhesive body bonding. Adaptive dampers or adaptive air suspension help to ensure a more plush ride, while also improving handling by controlling roll, pitch, and bounce. Steering is now quicker and brakes reportedly offer better feel. The suspension and steering can be adjusted via a console knob to several driving modes, from Eco, Comfort, Normal to Sport or Sport S+.
The trademark Lexus quietness is also enhanced by additional sound-deadening materials. The alloy wheels carry a hollow chamber specially designed to cut road noise to the front of the cabin. Climate control is achieved via 13 sensors and 20 air outlets, as well as seat coolers in the front chairs. Lexus claims that the system allows rapid cooling of the cabin to quickly attain a comfortable temperature. Nano-e ions eliminate odors and prevent overly dry air within the cabin.
The interior is a sumptuous feast of wood and leather. The three-spoke steering wheel and dashboard wood panels can be covered in a special wood called Shimamoku. The finishing comes from a Japanese technique of layering and cutting of wood veeners to achieve a distinctive “striped wood” finish. The analog clock can synchronize its time via GPS. The 12.3-inch LCD screen is capable of split-display to monitor map/audio, or other system combinations. Input is via a haptic joystick, a mouse-like pointer on the center console.
The Mark Levision audio system is specially calibrated to the LS interior, with 19 loudspeakers, 12 of which are unique to the car. The 450-watt system uses amplifiers with less than 0.1% Total Harmonic Distortion. The rear seats face 9” VGA screens that accept SD card or available Blu-ray. A retractable table, seat massagers, in-car refrigerator are additional conveniences. The four-seat variant features power-operated recliners for rear seats, complete with ottoman footrest.
By twisting the center-console knob from Comfort or Eco to Sport or Sport S, one transforms the LS’ response. The Sport modes make the throttle more responsive, while the Sport S+ mode reduces body roll via programming of the adaptive dampers. Steering response quickens as well.
The LS is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 capable of 387 hp and 493 Nm. The engine mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission. 0-100 km/h zips by in 5.7 seconds, and top speed is an electronically-controlled 250 km/h.
Key to the Lexus experience is quality, and the company reportedly outdoes itself here. Laser welding reduces vibration of the body shell. Panel gaps are checked thoroughly, and all assembled parts are measured during final inspection. Paint undergoes polishing after each coat, and hand-polishing of the entire foundation coat before the final clear coat process. The paint robots’ program was based on the hand-spraying techniques of a master craftsman. Each vehicle undergoes a vibration test, as well as a full driving test to check all systems before release.
This perfectionist approach leads to the brand’s mantra of “satisfaction guaranteed.” Daniel Isla, President of Lexus Philippines said, “While our goal is to become the most desired premium brand in the market, we know that we must first guarantee your complete satisfaction.”
Hideki Watanabe, chief engineer of the LS, said, “At the start of the LS development program, I had to consciously broaden my horizons, focusing on the finer things in life from the worlds of art, design and technology—a first step towards creating the most sophisticated LS yet to satisfy the world’s most discerning customers.”
The LS 460L five-seater retails for P7,388,000; while the four-seater version goes for P8,378,000.
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