Hi guys,

I m looking on getting used LS460 and would like to know more about its AWD system.
How effective is it?
Is it full time like Audi and Subaru or part time and it engages only when it needs like Infinity?

Thank you,

IL

 

Did you try Google at all??? This took me literally 15 seconds to find...along with tons of other links about the system...
http://m.cnet.com/news/lexus-adds-al.../10031955?ds=1

The all-wheel drive (AWD) system of the world's most expensive hybrid, the*Lexus LS 600h L, has finally trickled down to the more conventional drive trains of the LS 460 and LS 460 L luxury sedans.The AWD versions of the LS 460 and LS 460 L will utilize a drive train almost identical to their hybrid counterpart, with the obvious omission of Toyota's hybrid synergy drive. The AWD system features a Torsen Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) that distributes drive torque between the front and rear wheels. In normal driving conditions, the drive train carries a moderate rear-bias, sending 60 percent of available power to the rear wheels and the remaining 40 percent to the front. When conditions get slippery, the system can instantly increase the rear bias to 70 percent or send equal power to front and rear wheels.The AWD LS 460 and LS 460 L will be powered by the same 4.6 liter V-8 and eight-speed automatic transmission that powers the*rear-wheel drive (RWD) versions, but will make less horsepower and torque in this incarnation. The AWD versions will produce 357 horsepower and 344 pound-feet of torque, down from the RWD model's 380 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque.Like the hybrid LS600h, both AWD versions of the LS460 will come standard with Variable Gear-Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Adaptive Variable Air Suspension (AVS), which are optional features on the RWD LS sedans.

 

I do not know about the 2013, but the 2012 LS460 AWD does not come standard with air suspension. I made sure when I was looking that I got one without air suspension, which is somewhat probable in terms of reliability.

 

Valley 101 is a smart man. Air suspension was standard on the 2009 AWD LS. I have it. It failed on all four struts. In 2012 it is an option. Avoid it.

 

Thank you guys for your info.
How do I know that car has an air suspension (without riding it) ?
Does it show from outside? Perhaps, it comes as an option on Long Base models?

IL

 

If your car is so equipped it will have a switch usually on the console that reads (height).

 

My mechanic said to totally avoid the AWD ls460 or the long body. Buy the RWD ls460 NOT THE ls460L.

 

Without any stats to support this, it is merely an opinion and many of us will not agree with that position at all

 

i understand, but im just relaying the message of what a lexus mechanic who works at one the south florida's biggest lexus dealers has to say about those particular vehicles. Hey, if he says it, it is not like he has anything to gain by telling me this.

 

my awd is awesome

 

I agree with (tovu228) so far no problems with my awd system or suspension; just like McDonald's ( I'm lovin it) lol

 

I have a long wheelbase air suspension and it makes riding on 22's bareable. It's not my daily driver but these cars arent Range Rovers. I think they are making a sweeping conclusion on all air suspensions that have had problems like the old lincolns which would sit flat or range rovers and the like. I rarely see major suspension problems on LS460's or 430's

 

Generally speaking, aside from an expense issue, the AWD is fine. I personally won't ever own the LS outside of a warranty period, because I've had the front struts replaced to the tune of something like $5 or 6k I believe.........I wonder what the fell of the LS would be with a standard suspension, but I can't imagine that the 460L inherently worse of a car than the SWB model....