The full-size fourth-generation Lexus LS premium sedan was officially unveiled to the world public in January 2006 at the North American International Auto Show (taking place in Detroit).
Three years later, the "flagship" underwent a "planned facelift" (which is remarkable - not all modifications of the sedan were affected by the update of the exterior).
But at the end of July 2012, when “everyone was waiting for a new generation phenomenon”, the premiere of the 2013 model year car took place in San Francisco (and in all three versions at once: “regular LS 460”, “extended LS 460 L” and “ hybrid LS 600h L ") ... Yes - the generation change did not take place, but the changes have taken place, without exaggeration, radical. By the way, the Russian premiere of the updated sedan took place at the end of August (it was held as part of the MIAS in Moscow).
The front of the refreshed Lexus LS is adorned with a new signature false radiator grille, reminiscent of the contours of an hourglass and framed in a chrome frame. Optionally, the image of the car is complemented by not only headlights, headlights, completely consisting of LEDs, but also direction indicators. For the first time such a solution of the radiator lines was applied for the Lexus GS, after which the successful idea migrated to the entire Lexus range.
The streamlined bumper has sculptural features that are complemented by three expressive air vents and an aerodynamic lip.
The exterior of the “LS” sedan with the “F Sport” package, as it should be, differs from the main series with “more predatory notes” in the design of the front fairing with air ducts covered with a fine-grained mesh. The entire line received modified front fenders, got ribs on the hood, a ledge in the upper part of the fenders, like a line connecting the headlights to the rear-view mirrors. In addition, the "F Sport" version has some technical features - the suspension is lowered by 1 cm, the brake system from "Brembo", stabilizers with adjustable stiffness, exclusive alloy wheels.
When looking at the Lexus LS sedan from the side, the proportions and lines familiar from the previous model are striking: a long-shaped hood, the sidewalls of the body that swell over large wheels, a flat roof that turns into massive rear pillars, a powerful stern. The contours of the profile evoke thoughts not so much about sportiness, but about the respectability and solidity of the car.
At the rear, the body of the restyled fourth generation Lexus LS is decorated with impressively beautiful LED lights, as if stretching across the entire width of the rear of the car. The bumper integrates a trapezoid of the exhaust system with clearly traced aerodynamic elements, which contributes to the stylish image of the novelty. The overall assessment of the design improvements of the updated Lexus LS, of course, "pulls the highest score."
By the way, the new "aerodynamic elements" made it possible to reduce the coefficient of resistance to the oncoming air flow, which now fits into the figure of 0.26 Cx.
The cargo compartment of the sedan has a volume of 440 liters (the trunk of the hybrid version is, of course, more modest, due to the placed equipment, and can accommodate only 370 liters), the trunk lid is opened using an electric drive.
The external dimensions of the model, both in the "basic" and in the "extended" version, remained the same after restyling. They are (in brackets are the dimensions for the Lexus LS Long): length - 5060 mm (5180 mm), width - 1875 mm, height - 1465 mm, wheelbase length - 2970 mm (3090 mm), ground clearance - 150 mm.
The car rests on the ground with tires measuring 235/50 R18 or 245/45 R19, "shod" on light-alloy wheels.
One of the most important parts of any executive car upgrade is the interior changes. The interior of the Lexus LS 2013 model year is filled with "luxury" finishing materials, including: natural wood, aluminum and leather ... and it is also equipped with a variety of useful electronic assistants "according to the latest modern automotive fashion" and offers its passengers a more than decent level of comfort ...
The new steering wheel is "decorated" with a scattering of heating control buttons and other auxiliary functions, an electric drive is attached to the steering column. The center console has undergone changes, it houses a 12.3-inch touchscreen that controls navigation and an entertainment and information system, under it is an aristocratic-looking analog clock, and even below it is a climate control panel. The new optitronic instrument panel is topped with a 5.8-inch color display. The central tunnel has been updated, it is the basis for the new design of the gearbox control knob and the Remote Touch adjustment joystick.
For the seats of the first row, an electric drive, ventilation, heating and memory of settings are provided, thanks to more pronounced lateral support rollers, the chairs are more comfortable. There will be enough space for the driver and front passenger in any direction.
In the back row it is also at ease, both in the standard and in the "long" version. For the rear seats, the manufacturer has also prepared heating, electric drive, ventilation, separate climate control and such a useful thing as an electric sun blind on the rear window. The sofa in the basic version is designed for three seats, as an option, you can order the layout in two separate armchairs, and for the right one - the Ottoman system, with massage, adjustable footrest and backrest tilting back up to 45 °. In the second row, passengers will be entertained with 19-speaker Mark Levinson music and / or a 9-inch overhead monitor (options). In fact, this is far from a complete list of the proposed comfort features for the 2013 Lexus LS. It is better to fully familiarize yourself with them, and immediately with their cost, in the showrooms of dealers.
About the technical characteristics. As a result of the 2012 modernization, the suspension and steering settings were changed, according to Lexus representatives, the car became truly driver-oriented.
The engines installed on the Lexus LS have also been reconfigured, here are the data for the 2013 model year motors:
- Petrol V8 4.6-liter (392 hp) with 8 automatic transmissions for rear-wheel drive Lexus LS460.
- Petrol V8 4.6-liter (367 hp) with 8 automatic transmissions for all-wheel drive versions of the new Lexus LS460.
- A hybrid system consisting of a 5.0-liter V8 (394 hp) and an electric motor, the total power of the power plant is 445 hp. for Lexus LS600hL. Traction to the wheels is transmitted by an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, a hybrid executive sedan is content with 11-11.5 liters of fuel in urban driving.
As electronic assistants and systems responsible for safety, even in the basic configuration, almost all of those available from Toyota are installed.
Prices. In 2014, for 4,416,000 rubles, you can purchase a rear-wheel drive Lexus LS460 in the basic configuration. At a price of 4,839,000 rubles, a "sports" (with blackened R19 wheels, black interior with aluminum inserts, original body kit) Lexus LS460 F Sport is offered. And for the Lexus LS Long version (with a long base), you will have to pay at least 5,405,000 rubles.
