May 2011

Vehicle Profile: The 2011 Lexus LS

How does genuine luxury feel? If that seems like an unusual question, a close look at the 2011 Lexus LS sedans reveals why anyone might ask it. In a market where some luxury brands seem confused about what level of performance comfort and convenience a flagship sedan should offer, one drive in the Lexus LS 460 provides a definitive answer.
 
The Lexus LS 460, in standard and long-wheelbase LS 460 L body styles, delivers a rush of smooth, seamless power from a 4.6-liter V8 teamed with the world’s first eight-speed automatic transmission. The V8, which features both port and direct fuel injection, provides 380 hp in rear-wheel drive models and 357 hp with all-wheel drive. The LS 460 rips zero-to-60 in 5.4 seconds, an impressive number for a flagship luxury sedan; in fact, it’s better than the 5.8 seconds of the BMW 740i sedan, and better even than the 5.6 seconds of the smaller, lighter high-performance BMW Z4 sDrive 30i sports car.  
 
In addition to high performance, luxury in the Lexus LS 460 means smoothing out the bumps in the road, not accentuating them, and it means silencing the noises of the outside world, not inviting them in.
 
You can further sharpen the handling reflexes of an LS 460 with the available Sport Package, which includes a specially tuned air suspension, Brembo brakes and 19-inch forged alloy wheels. However, even with that package, you’ll still enjoy the ride smoothness and quiet that has made Lexus the benchmark in those areas for over 20 years. The idea here is that the Lexus LS 460 is so comfortable to drive (or ride in as a passenger), that it makes a compelling alternative to taking the air shuttle or train on business trips between major cities.
 
For such a trip, you’ll look forward to the comfort of the Lexus LS 460’s standard 16-way power driver’s seat and 12-way power front passenger’s seat, along with its dual-zone automatic climate control with smog sensor and standard power tilt/slide moonroof. All-wheel drive models also include a standard heated steering wheel and heated rear seats.
 
Think about your passengers. When transporting clients to lunch or friends to dinner, imagine how everyone will feel when they experience Lexus LS luxury. If you’re driving the long-wheelbase version, they’ll feel like it’s a limousine ride thanks to the nearly five inches of additional rear legroom it provides. You can add luxury upgrades to the long-wheelbase model that truly make the rear seats the best in the house. Such amenities as rear-seat heating/cooling and massage, dual-zone rear air conditioning with air purifier and additional air ducts, power-adjustable headrests, a cool box and audio controls give rear-seat passengers the feeling of stepping into a four-star luxury experience.
 
You can take that to an even higher level with the Executive Class Seating Package, which equips the LS 460 L with, among other things, a passenger’s side rear-seat recliner with massage and ottoman leg rest, rear-door power sunshades, a rear console and foldout wood table. The driver’s side passenger seat also reclines, and the package includes a rear-seat entertainment system with a nine-inch LCD screen that lowers from the headliner.
 
The available Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound Audio System would seem a must with its 450 watts playing through 19 speakers. Finally, you can even get concierge service in the Lexus LS. The standard Safety Connect™ telematics system can call for help in the event of an emergency. And, on models with the available navigation system, Lexus Enform™ (part of Safety Connect) offers a choice of concierge services by subscription.
 
Remember, too, proven Lexus attention to quality and reliability and unmatched customer service. Come see the 2011 Lexus LS (MSRP $67,130) sedans up close. Get in, relax and then test-drive how true luxury feels.

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Hendrick Lexus Charlotte
6025 East Independence Charlotte, NC 28212

 

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Hendrick Lexus Northlake
10830 Northlake Auto Plaza Blvd Charlotte, NC 28269