Car Review: 2014 Lexus LS 460 F Sport (2024)

A touch of luxury; daily chores were never so inviting

Author of the article:

Rob Rothwell

Published Jul 24, 2014Last updated Nov 13, 20203 minute read

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Car Review: 2014 Lexus LS 460 F Sport (1)

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It’s a smoking-hot summer’s day, yet I sit in the lap of air-conditioned comfort listening to a 19-speaker audio system capable of rivalling the best home audiophile setup. I’m in the 2014 Lexus LS 460 F Sport, and at this moment I’m utterly content despite coping with slow-moving traffic infused with even slower-functioning drivers.

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F Sport adds a little spice

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The Lexus LS series has been around since 1990. Now in its fourth generation, the flagship of the Lexus lineup remains large, luxurious, and extraordinarily refined. With the addition of the F Sport version, which arrived last year as part of the 2013 LS makeover, it can also add “roadworthy” to its list of credentials. This doesn’t mean that it now runs in the same circles as a BMW M product or Mercedes-Benz AMG merchandise, but that’s not a bad thing.

Those exotic sleds tend to favour tire-searing performance over sublime indulgence, which is still the essence of the LS. With the F Sport package though, indulgence is now accompanied by moxie, both visually and on the road. Milquetoast to macho — almost

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From a visual perspective, the LS 460 has always exhibited politeness that suited its operational civility — maybe too much so. Enter F Sport. Immediately apparent to the eye is a more aggressive mesh-style spindle grill, 19-inch LFA-inspired aluminum wheels, and full body skirting. Less apparent is the big sedan’s sophisticated air-suspension setup, which optimizes the balance between handling dynamics and ride comfort regardless of the chassis setting selected — Comfort to Sport Plus.

Not benefiting from the F Sport badge, or the $7,500 to acquire it, is the engine. Its output remains unchanged with or without the F Sport mantle. Output does, however, drop when all-wheel drive (AWD) is selected over rear-wheel drive (RWD).

Learn more about the cars

  1. 2014 Lexus LS 460 MSRP $84,650

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Car Review: 2014 Lexus LS 460 F Sport (3)

Velvety V8

The LS 460 may well have the market cornered when it comes to engine polish. Its 4.6-litre DOHC V8 powerplant leaves one wondering how a mechanical contrivance capable of generating enormous power through rapid explosions in eight combustion chambers can be so smooth and quiet. The example beneath the long Lexus hood sends 386 horsepower and 367 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels through the auspices of an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Ticking the AWD box on the order form costs an extra $3,300, but that’s not the only price to pay. The benefit of AWD traction carries with it a penalty in horsepower, which drops from 386 to 360. Torque also takes a beating, dropping from 367 lb.-ft. to 347. These aren’t big losses but curious nonetheless. Fortunately, performance doesn’t seem to suffer despite the mechanical liposuction.

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Bliss with passion

I admit to greatly enjoying the comfort and serenity found behind the wheel of a premium-level luxury vehicle, and this week’s tester reinforced just how pleasurable that can be. The LS 460 F Sport has a way of insulating its occupants from an external environment riddled with irritation, be it a noisy motorcycle in the adjacent lane or road degradation so typical in a city besieged by construction. The state of bliss within the LS 460’s cabin is seldom challenged by external calamity, and that’s largely why — in my humble opinion — one buys this sort of vehicle.

Car Review: 2014 Lexus LS 460 F Sport (4)

Yet, seeking solace by way of the automobile doesn’t have to include a sacrifice in performance and driving dynamics, and that explains the second half of the LS 460’s dual mission when cloaked in F Sport tech. Whether noodling around in Comfort-mode or ratcheting-up the underpinnings and sharpening throttle and steering through the F Sport’s Sport-Plus mode, the big sled by Lexus grips its way through corners with surprising tenacity and notably little body roll.

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Frankly, I didn’t find a need to embrace anything other than the comfort setting around town, which in my view correctly optimized the chassis. Yes, occasions will arise when more aggressive handling dynamics will enhance the driving experience, yet those are relatively rare events in my diary of motoring journeys.

Like most of us, the “daily grind” dominates my automotive requisite. Yet, as I confront mundane from the splendour of the LS 460’s executive cabin, I find myself embracing this oft-loathed chore. It becomes a time to enjoy the spoils of an air-conditioned seat while playing Bach to Bachman with rivet-popping intensity. And when the open road does emerge, the F Sport will hone its tools to make that experience something special too.

Type of vehicle

Full-size high-performance luxury sedan configured with RWD or AWD

Engine

4.6L DOHC V8

Power

386/360 hp. RWD/AWD

Transmission

8-speed automatic

Fuel economy rating RWD

12.9L/8.1L/100km city & highway

Fuel economy rating AWD

13.5L/8.7L/100km city & highway

Price

$97,528.45 including Freight PDI and surcharges

Car Review: 2014 Lexus LS 460 F Sport (5)

Rob Rothwell

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Car Review: 2014 Lexus LS 460 F Sport (24)

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Car Review: 2014 Lexus LS 460 F Sport (2024)

FAQs

Is 2014 Lexus LS 460 reliable? ›

How Reliable Is the 2014 Lexus LS? J.D. Power gives the 2014 Lexus LS 460 a reliability rating of 4.5 out of five. That mark is among the best given to any vehicle on the market.

What year of LS460 is the best? ›

Consumer Reports found the 2007 to 2012 model years to be the best in terms of reliability and overall quality, and some reviewers found the 2007 and 2011 model years to be particularly pleasing and a great value for a used luxury sedan.

How many miles can you get out of a Lexus LS460? ›

According to reliable sources, customer and owner reports, the Lexus LS 460 models will easily last for over 300,000 miles, which translates to roughly 20 years of reliable service.

Is a Lexus LS460 expensive to maintain? ›

The annual maintenance cost of a Lexus LS460 is $767.

What years of Lexus are most reliable? ›

Buy: 2013-2018 Lexus ES

All models from this generation have received the coveted “CR Recommended” badge from Consumer Reports, with every model receiving a perfect reliability verdict of 5.0 out of 5.0.

Does Lexus LS hold its value? ›

“New-car shoppers who buy from Toyota or its luxury-brand sibling Lexus — our 2022 Best Resale Value Brand winners — can rest assured that their vehicle should retain its value quite well over time,” said Janice Yoell, senior manager of valuations for Kelley Blue Book, in a news release.

What is best year for used Lexus? ›

On this note, here are the best Lexus models to buy used and two we'd stay away from.
  • 8 Best: 2011-2017 Lexus CT.
  • 7 Best: 2009-2013 Lexus IS.
  • 6 Best: 2009-2017 Lexus LX.
  • 5 Best: 2013-2017 Lexus GS​​​​
  • 4 Best: 2009-2015 Lexus RX.
  • 3 Best: 2009-2012 Lexus ES.
  • 2 Worst: 2007-2011 Lexus LS.
  • 1 Worst: 2007-2011 Lexus HS.
May 25, 2023

Is the ls460 a good used car? ›

Reliable Lexus LS 460 Model Years

From 2013 on, most Lexus LS 460 models have high ratings and are considered high performers, even among other luxury vehicles. That's fantastic news since the Lexus LS 460 has fixed many of the problems.

Which Lexus LS is the most reliable? ›

The LS400 was so reliable that consumers writing reviews on Edmunds say this is the most reliable vehicle that they ever owned, without even any minor issues. Even Matt Farah has a million-mile Lexus LS400 that is still going strong.

What is considered high mileage for a Lexus? ›

Lexuses can last anywhere between 250,000 and 300,000 miles!

Of course, your Lexus's exact longevity will depend on its age, mileage, and model.

How long do Lexus engines last? ›

With proper maintenance, a Lexus car last around 250,000-300,000 miles. So, it indicates that the car can easily last for around 17-20 years. The normal lifespan of a car is around 150,000-200,000 miles.

Can you drive a Lexus everyday? ›

Lexus is a premium brand that manages to bring technology, luxury, and performance together in a single package. The IS line of vehicles from Lexus comes with a sleek new design but also features powerful engine options that gearheads will love driving every day.

Which is cheaper to maintain Lexus or Mercedes? ›

Looking at Mercedes and Lexus car maintenance, Lexus is a little bit cheaper. However, Lexus repair costs are much cheaper than Mercedes.

Is Lexus cheaper to maintain than BMW? ›

Cost of Lexus and BMW Auto Repair and Maintenance

The Lexus model will generally cost you less in terms of total cost of ownership, including Lexus auto repair and maintenance. BMW auto repair is one of the more expensive auto repairs of any luxury car on the road (not including high end luxury sports cars.)

Is Lexus LS 460 fuel efficient? ›

A 2009 Lexus LS 460 gets up to 16 miles per gallon in the city, and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.

What is the most reliable 2014 Lexus? ›

While it may have a flawed design that imposes on its cargo space, the 2014 Lexus NX 300h is considered one of the most reliable cars. Getting it second-hand would mean that you get to enjoy all these features at a lower cost.

Are 2014 Lexus reliable? ›

The 2014 Lexus IS is a solid used luxury car. It balances cornering agility with a pleasant ride. It also has a high-quality cabin, above-average reliability, and advanced safety features. It's a good pick in this class, but it faces strong competition from sportier rivals.

Does the Lexus LS460 have a timing belt or chain? ›

The 1UR V8 engine series used in the LS since 2006 uses a timing chain.

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