Despite the fact that Lexus dropped the night vision system option for 2008, their flagship sedan, the LS460 is still one of the most geeked-out vehicles on the market. The LS460, a redesign of the LS430 sedan, debuted in 2007 and is essentially unchanged for 2008.

The flagship of the Lexus fleet, the LS460 offers a delicate balance of performance, luxury, space and value. The 4.6-liter V8 engine makes a respectable 380 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque, accomplishing a swift 5.8 second 0-60 time while remaining remarkable quiet. Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, traction / stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and knee-protection airbags for front passengers. Side-impact airbags for rear passengers are optional. The LS also boasts higher reliability and safety ratings and lower maintenance costs than its European rivals.

Between the luxury appointments and technical features, sliding behind the wheel of the LS460 feels like boarding a Lear jet. Rich wood trim perfectly compliments the plush leather seating and elegant electroluminescent gauges. Starting at a relatively reasonable $62,000, the LS460 features standard 18” alloy wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, power and heated front seats, keyless ignition, Bluetooth, and a premium audio system with six-CD changer and an auxiliary audio jack. Optional packages offer features such as a hard drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic and a backup camera, cooled front seats, a 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, satellite radio, park assist, the Advanced Parking Guidance System (that cool “car parks itself system”) and adaptive cruise control.
The LS also comes in a long wheel base model, aptly called the 460L, which offers an adaptive air suspension system, variable-ratio steering, 19-inch wheels and upgraded brakes. If you really want to go First Class, you can opt for the “Executive Class Seating Package”. For just under $13,000, this special-order-only package reduces the rear seating capacity from three to two, but adds a middle console with a “cool box” (i.e. beer fridge). Rear seat passengers are further pampered with reclining power seats (with heating, cooling and massage options), a DVD entertainment system, and dual-zone climate control. The total price for this wingless, private jet – around $100,000. If that’s not enough for you, then go for a loaded LS 600h L hybrid for a mere $130,000. After all, it’s only money.