Lexus LS460 F Sport Review: Performance and Luxury Combined

With the release of the Lexus LF-A, Lexus demonstrated its capability in creating performance cars that rival the best in the world. Despite the astronomical price tag, the LF-A sold out and is regarded as one of the best driver’s cars globally. Lexus is now leveraging this success by introducing the ‘F-Sport’ designation for its more aggressive models. This began with the Lexus IS-F, which was a 414bhp competitor to the BMW M3, and most recently with the Lexus GS350 F Sport, which is essentially the standard GS350 but with a more aggressive appearance and enhanced features.

Unfortunately, the LS460 F Sport follows a similar approach as the GS, with minimal changes, limited to some shiny alloys, a slight increase in horsepower (which is hardly noticeable), and subtle interior modifications to create a more performance-oriented feel, distancing it from its luxury origins.

On the Outside

The undeniable fact is that the LS460 F Sport, especially in our test car’s striking black exterior, stands out significantly more than previous LS models. The dark paint contrasts beautifully with the chrome spindle grille, and from a head-on view, the gaping front end is both aggressive and commanding.

The F Sport is exclusively available in the short wheelbase (SWB) version, making it noticeably shorter than the long wheelbase (LWB) version we previously tested, thus enhancing maneuverability. This design choice aims to improve the car’s agility, which we will explore further.

Additionally, the vehicle appears lower on its 19-inch alloys, contributing to a hunkered-down stance. However, Lexus could benefit from upgrading to lightweight 20-inch wheels. Despite being a SWB model, the car still has a substantial size, making the alloys seem somewhat undersized. Another concern, similar to the LWB model, is that the alloys appear quite recessed in the wheel wells, reminiscent of the Toyota Camry, a model the LS should not be compared to.

Overall, the F Sport looks fantastic from nearly every angle, generating excitement about its underlying capabilities.

On the Inside

Despite some exterior disappointments, entering the LS460 F Sport reaffirms its Lexus heritage. While Audi is often hailed as the leader in quality interiors, the Lexus rivals this with exceptional quality, fit, and finish. The interiors are visually stunning, featuring surfaces covered in black or white leather, elegantly complemented by aluminum trim.

However, maintaining the white leather may prove challenging, as it can easily become discolored, particularly from denim, requiring professional leather care to retain its original color.

The steering wheel, originally partly wooden in the standard model, is fully leather-wrapped for improved grip—an acknowledgment of its sporting intentions. The F Sport variant also includes paddle shifters, not available in the standard model, along with aluminum pedals.

While the interiors are equipped with numerous features, compared to the LWB model, where luxury reigned in the back seat, this model focuses on the driver. The rear seats remain spacious, but instead of airline-style recliners, there is a simple bench seat for three.

Some notable features include:

• Mark Levinson sound system, renowned for its exceptional quality
• Heated and cooled memory seats for the driver and front passenger
• Park assist with reverse camera
• Blind spot indicators
• Daytime running lights
• Navigation system (though it feels less updated compared to systems in Infiniti and newer Chevrolet models)
• Sunroof (albeit a smaller one—time for a panoramic upgrade, Lexus)
• Radar-guided cruise control
• Automated features including lights, wipers, climate control, parking brake, brake hold, and high beams

To Drive

So far, so Lexus. Aside from additional gadgets in the back of the LWB model, this review could mirror that of its taller counterpart. Upon pressing the start button, I anticipated an exhilarating experience, or at least something to set it apart from the standard model.

The F Sport operates with the same 4.6 V8 as the standard model, though with a few additional imperceptible horsepower, and it utilizes the same air suspension system. The car features a five-way drive mode selector, offering Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ options.

The F Sport’s V8 engine produces approximately 388bhp, and while acceleration is substantial, it lacks a thrilling punch. The vehicle quietly glides into high-speed territory, making it ideal for highway cruising. The brakes perform excellently, managing to halt nearly two tons of metal in impressively short distances. Although the brake pedal feels soft and requires acclimatization, it can outperform many modern sports cars.

The steering is slightly heavier than the standard version but still lacks the feedback necessary for confident cornering. Driving in Comfort mode provides a smooth, magic-carpet-like ride, while Normal mode prevents excessive body roll in corners. Switching to Sport+ still offers a comfortable ride, but body roll remains noticeable. This is not a car designed for aggressive cornering; while it’s a bit more agile due to the shorter wheelbase, it doesn't compete with true performance sedans like the BMW M5. Brands like Audi’s Quattro GmbH, Mercedes’ AMG, and BMW’s M divisions can rest assured—the F Sport doesn’t present a significant threat.

In conclusion, there isn't a dramatic difference from the standard car. The additional horsepower offers little in terms of acceleration, and while it is slightly more vocal at idle, this isn't necessarily an improvement (this is merely nit-picking, as the car operates almost silently while driving). Lexus claims to enhance exhaust noise, but the LWB model we tested sounds better when revved, producing a more natural muted growl compared to the F Sport's whine.

By the end of our test drive, we averaged around 15L/100kms, which is higher than the 13-14L/100kms we achieved with the LWB, likely due to a more spirited driving style in search of its sporting credentials.

Conclusion

So, what is the Lexus LS460 F Sport? Priced at AED 395,000, it is AED 70,000 more than the standard SWB model, with the only noticeable upgrades being the F Sport-specific alloys and the Mark Levinson sound system (the standard model features a basic audio system). For AED 375,000, you can opt for the base spec LWB version, which offers more interior space and a smoother ride due to the longer wheelbase while still providing almost all the options available in the F Sport.

Ultimately, the LS460 F Sport feels like a marketing tactic, attempting to capitalize on the LF-A's prestige without offering anything truly special on its own. Perhaps if Lexus were to equip it with the 414bhp 5-liter V8 from the IS-F and refine the handling, it could become a noteworthy contender.

If you desire a Lexus, consider purchasing the standard SWB model to save significant money. Alternatively, invest in the LS460L Platinum for a more luxurious experience. However, if you seek a performance-oriented large sedan, Lexus has yet to offer a compelling solution.