jgamze

I am thinking of getting a new 2009 LS460 or LS460L. The GM at our local lexus dealership suggested that I get the LS460 and not the LS460L, because even though the LS460L looked better, especially in the inside with its extra leg room, it did not handle as well as the LS460. Any thoughts? Thanks.

AlMuhairi

I personally prefer the long wheel base because I can have more options on the car like the side curtains and the overhead screen and the legroom. As far as handling, there is a noticeable difference in driving the long wheel base than the short but its not that much of a difference. I hope that helps. If you are getting one, get it with the optional 19" 5 spoke wheels looks better and if you like get the pearl white w/ ivory beige interior.

Gojirra99

The best handling version of the LS460/460L should be the LS460L Touring package, and it's only available with LWB ...

rominl

iTrader: (4)

imho it's total BS that ls460 (springs/shocks) handles better than ls460l (mostly air suspension). the ls460l is 5 inches longer but the handling is virtually identical, if not better.

like andrew said, if you want the best among ls460 family, it has to be the ls460l touring, it handles noticeably better than ls460l (non touring) and ls460

and to put things into more perspective, for what most people need (in terms of handling) from driving a ls460? lwb or swb they handle just fine. very few people really know how much they can push on the ls460

jgamze

Does the answer differ in the AWD v. RWD version?

encore888

As far as the AWD vs. RWD, the AWD versions of both LS 460 and 460 L weigh more than their RWD counterparts. The 460 L RWD weighs only 100 lb. more than the 460 RWD, and the 0-60 acceleration etc. is unchanged. The AWD system adds some 300 lbs.

http://www.lexus.com/models/LS/detai...fications.html

Most of the reviews I've read have not stated a significant difference in handling between the LWB and SWB, the Touring package likely makes a more significant difference if someone wants a more Euro-like sportier ride. I would suggest test driving the SWB and LWB models back to back if one is particularly concerned about determining handling differences.

Johnny

Having owned both, I can say that the edge goes to the L, by virtue of the active pneumatic suspension and the larger tires. The shorter wheelbase is no slouch however, and makes up some ground by having a smaller turning circle which I miss on the L. So comparing them is somewhat like comparing apples and oranges.

jgamze

Is there the option of buying a touring version in the AWD with either or both the 460 and/or the 460L? I believe the touring version might offer stiffer springs with less lean in cornering, my primary complaint in the LS430 that I have without adaptive suspension.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

http://www.lexus.com/models/LS/features/pricing.html

touring is only available for ls460l NON awd. it's not available on swb at all

jgamze

Why doesn't Lexus make a touring version for the swb as well as for the AWD, both in the swb and the lwb? That way, you can have the best of both worlds, in terms of controllability in snow and less lean in turns.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

well, in japan you can get almost any options independently as you wish. here in the US it's a different story. there have been countless debates on why it's like that here

jgamze

Is there any way around that? I can/t believe that I am the only one who would want a combination of a touring suspension with an AWD, in either a swb or a lwb.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

nop, no way to get around it unfortunately

KILLERGS4

by any chance did this dealership have no LS460L???

G2Lexus

Go with the L model with touring. Lot's of space, better suspension, better brakes, better steering. BIG difference in the touring over the non-touring.