I currently have a 2004 LS430 and am in the market for a 2008-2010 LS460. One of the most important things to me is ride comfort and interior cabin noise. I have read several threads about the differences in RWD vs. AWD, as well as the wind noise in the 4th generation LS. From that perspective, do you think there is enough of a difference in ride comfort to warrant the extra cost of the 2010?

 

I would imagine that an 08 and 2010 would both ride the same.

 

My 07 has no wind noise. I have the upgraded thicker front windows though. The ride comfort is stellar also. I would stay away from AWD if you don't need it. Less power, more problems and 1 mpg less. If you need the traction its well worth it though. I don't drive mine in snow. Had a LS400 for 15 years I didn't use in the snow also.

 

I live in the Boston area and would definitely get good use out of the AWD version, but I have driven my '04 LS430 RWD for many winters now with 4 Blizzaks on it and it does great. I will be going for another RWD.

 

In your area it will be a,most impossible to find an 09 or newer without AWD.

 

If you live in an area with many days of snowfall then an AWD unit is a wonderful companion.

 

My AWD is excellent in the snow. My RWD 400 and 430 were horrific so it's a nice trade off lol