2012 Lexus LS 460 vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 8.4 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

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Feb 22, 2012

The Lexus LS is an exquisitely built throwback—a soft-riding luxobarge in a class of nimbler, more performance-minded four-doors.

The new Audi A8 offers a newly refined body, a marvelous interior with iPhone-like controls, and top-notch powertrains, but its steering and ride rely heavily on electronics.

Meanwhile, the new Jaguar XJ is the avant-garde loner of the group: It's less intent on playing the conservative sedan than ever, and its striking aluminum body now cloaks a glitzy, mod interior with equal doses of metallic bling and wood veneer.

It's offered with a 510-hp V-8 as its top performance model, and an XJL long-wheelbase version is coming, but it's the only sedan in this group to deny buyers an all-wheel-drive option.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series have V-8 thrust in base models, bespoke interiors, high-performance editions, and new hybrid models (as well as diesel models for European drivers).

The S-Class also has a coupe companion (the CL-Class) and is essentially the undergear for the ultra-luxury Maybach sedans.

The 7-Series has a more cohesive look inside and out, while the S-Class has its scalding S65 AMG edition to offer.

2012 Lexus LS 460 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Audi A8 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 BMW 7-Series Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Jaguar XJ Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Mercedes-Benz S Class Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.4 The 2012 Lexus LS sedans combine executive-class interior appointments and long-haul comfort with noteworthy tech features; but driving enjoyment is missing.	8.8 The 2012 Audi A8 models might still be fighting for the most prestige among flagships, but they're in the top tier from inside, thanks to their impeccable cabin, innovative cabin tech, and a lean, athletic driving feel.	9.4 The 2012 BMW 7-Series is the Bavarian automaker's flagship model, and it cleverly wraps vast interior space, industry-leading tech, and the expected BMW fleet-footedness.	8.8 Cutting its ties with its illustrious and not so charmed past, the 2012 Jaguar XJ now rocks a swinging style that really suits its dynamic handling.	9.2 The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a wide range of personalities--all of them superbly comfortably, some of them outrageously powerful.
MSRP From
$67,630	$78,750	$71,000	$73,700	$91,850
Gas Mileage
16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	13 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy	12 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas V8	Gas V8	Turbocharged Gas I6	Gas V8	Gas/Electric V6
EPA Class
Midsize cars	Large	Large	Large Car	Large
Style Name
4dr Sedan RWD	4dr Sedan	4dr Sedan 740i RWD	4dr Sedan	4dr Sedan S400 Hybrid RWD
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
Sedan	Sedan	4-Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Automatic w/manual shift	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic	Automatic w/OD	Automatic