PatsSoxfan

I was visiting my dealer today and a very knowledgeable salesman told me that it has been confirmed that the LS will have the AWD option for 2009. If this has already been verified here, I apologize. I sure wish that it was available for 2008 so that I don't have to mess around with snow tires in the winter, but that's the breaks.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

ok, we will see in another 6 months

would be good if they finally come out of it (kinda of make sense after the 600hl)

encore888

It will also be very interesting to see the comparisons between the LS 600h L and LS 460 L AWD.

Lexmex

I know a few people who have been looking to switch brands to a Lexus LS if the AWD were an option, so it will be interesting for me, too.

RXSF

lol, lexus is for once giving what the people want.

george1688

Will there be a facelift for the 2009 model year (I hope not) or will it stay the same?

kdubinwa

PatSoxFan,

Did the salesman offer any information on how he had learned this? Was it internal hearsay or did he pick it up in some quasi-official briefing on 2009 products?

Thanks

Johnny

Considering the amount of time and effort, and the relatively low volumes for this type of automobile, I doubt they'll be modifying it anytime soon. Further, past versions have lasted quite a while. The decision can be influenced by the amount of units sold as well.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i would think 2010 is the time for facelift. by then it's 3 yr old model

i am also interested in seeing the comparison between the 600hl and the 460 awd. especially on the gas mileage

XeroK00L

This is certainly good news for many, although we still don't know if AWD is to be offered on BOTH the SWB and the LWB models. I hate how they never offer AWD across the entire model range, e.g. IS250 AWD but no IS350 AWD, GS350 AWD but not GS460 AWD, etc. Hopefully they're really listening.

PatsSoxfan

This guy goes to all the regional conferences and briefings they have. He is really on top of all things concerning Lexus. Thus, I believe you can rest assure that if he says there will be an AWD option, that it will happen.

19psi

you'll still need snow tires if you expect to be able to stop and turn. awd helps you go, not stop and turn. stopping and turning is up to the type of tires.
that being said, sweet! awd LS is a great idea and should help sell more of them.

Gojirra99

Good move if it's true

Mike_TX

AWD is increasingly being touted more as a "handling" tool rather than a "bad weather" tool.

I don't know if it was Acura with its SHAWD (Super-Handling AWD), or maybe Audi with its Quattro system that did the most for it, but we've been slowly moving from the notion that AWD (it used to be called 4WD) is something for trucks and might even help your regular car get around a curve.

Given that the LS isn't the best canyon-carver on the market, a good AWD system (with side-to-side vectoring as well as front-to-back) might be a nice feature to have. Otherwise, they won't sell many of them south of the Mason-Dixon, since we don't have enough snow to make it worthwhile.

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daryll40

Conversely, up here in Pennsylvania (and, I assume thru the entire rust belt), Mercedes and Audi vehicles sold are almost ALL AWD. And LS cars, as well as BMW 7 series are hard sells here because they go crappy in the snow.