Looking for a LS 460 2009-2012 with AWD and wondering how it works? Can you turn it on and off? Is it full-time? I actually haven't been in one to see any of the controls.

 

It is on all the time.

"The all-wheel-drive system in the LS sedans, as in the hybrids, uses a Torsen limited-slip differential to distribute torque to the front and rear wheels. It's set at a 40:60 power split, but can vary from 30:70 to 50:50 depending on traction needs."

https://www.thecarconnection.com/new...ll-wheel-drive

 

Thanks for the link. Very helpful. I just learned that air suspension is standard on AWD. Not happy to hear that.

 

I have had 2 AWD LS's, a 2011 and my 2013. Neither had air suspension.

 

Interesting, sounds like the author is confused.

How is it in the snow?

 

With decent tires it is great. I had MICHELIN PREMIER LTX SL tires on it for a year and they were great in the snow, lasted maybe 30,000 miles. With the Michelin's it drove straight and didn't slide or spin out at all, even with a decent snow fall, maybe 6 inches? With whatever cheap tires the Lexus dealer put on when selling it- Sunnys or something (Walmart bottom barrel trash). It was like a cow on a frozen lake and they may as well have been racing slicks.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I don't live in the snow but snow ski a lot, so I go to the snow.

I attached a pic of the console of the car I'm considering buying with AWD. Does yours, without air suspension, have the button for "Sport/Comfort" and "Height Hight"?

 

Cars without air suspension do not have suspension height and firmness switches.

 

That answers my question. Thank you.

 

Air suspension is not standard on AWD! I would have have passed on mine!

 

Air suspension is not standard on AWD. My 2015 was AWD and no air, my 2017 was RWD and had air.

The AWD system is excellent, really foo.

And FWIW, the air suspension makes the car IMO.