Does the Lexus LS have air suspension?
The current Lexus LS lineup generally uses an air-suspension system with adaptive damping, offering ride-height adjustment and improved ride quality. Availability varies by year and market.
What is air suspension in the LS?
How the system works
Air suspension replaces traditional coil springs with air springs (compressible bags) that can be inflated or deflated to change ride height. This setup is paired with electronically controlled dampers (often part of Lexus' Adaptive Variable Suspension, or AVS) and height sensors to maintain level ride height regardless of load. The combination provides a smoother ride on uneven pavement and can improve stability during cornering or heavy braking.
Key components typically include the air springs, an on-board air compressor, height sensors, electronic dampers, and a control module that blends height adjustment with ride-damping settings. When paired with driving-mode selections, the system can prioritize comfort, performance, or a balance of both.
- Air springs to adjust ride height and support weight transfer
- Adaptive dampers to vary stiffness in real time
- Automatic height control for leveling with varying loads
- Integration with vehicle drive modes and stability systems
In short, the LS uses air springs plus adaptive damping to improve comfort, load handling, and ride stability across different driving conditions.
Availability by year and trim
How to verify if a specific LS has air suspension
In recent generations (roughly 2018 onward), air suspension has been a common feature on many LS models and is often included as part of the Adaptive Suspension package or higher-trim equipment. Availability can vary by market, trim level, and option packages, so the exact configuration may differ between regions and model years.
To confirm for a particular vehicle, check the original window sticker or the feature list in the owner’s manual, or ask a Lexus dealer for a VIN-specific build sheet. If you’re shopping used, request documentation that confirms the presence of air suspension and AVS.
- Window sticker or original specifications
- VIN-based build sheet or dealer confirmation
- Owner’s manual under suspension or ride-height features
These steps help determine whether a specific Lexus LS is equipped with air suspension in your region and for that model year.
Pros, cons, and maintenance considerations
Why it matters for owners and shoppers
Pros of air suspension on the LS include a smoother ride over varying road surfaces, the ability to level the car with heavy cargo, and improved handling at higher speeds or during cornering. It can also help reduce bottoming out on rough roads with a lowered ride height in certain drive modes.
- Enhanced ride comfort on uneven pavement
- Load leveling for passenger comfort and cargo stability
- Variable ride height for aero efficiency and clearance
- Integrated with LS’ driving modes for tailored handling
Maintenance considerations include potential compressor or sensor failures and air-leak checks. Like any advanced suspension system, occasional servicing may be required to maintain optimal performance, especially with high mileage or in regions with extreme climates.
Summary
Yes. The Lexus LS commonly uses air suspension with adaptive damping in modern iterations, offering height adjustment and improved ride quality. Availability varies by model year and market, so verify the specific configuration when shopping for a particular LS model.
Does the 2008 Lexus LS 460 have an air suspension system?
While the 2007-'12 Lexus LS460 is neither one of the best selling nor most problematic air suspensions of all time, it is probably one of the most difficult systems to diagnose. If you are not familiar with the system operation, you can throw a lot of parts at it without achieving any results.
Which Lexus models have air suspension?
Lexus models that have featured air suspension include the LS sedan, the RX crossover, the LX large SUV, and the GX SUV. While the LS has a full four-corner system, the GX 460's air suspension is typically located on the rear axle only and is available on certain trims. The RX is also available with an air suspension system on some configurations, like the F Sport model.
Full air suspension (four corners)
- Lexus LS: This model has offered a more complex system that includes air suspension on all four wheels, with features like height adjustment and "Access Mode" for easier entry and exit.
- Lexus LX: The LX 700h comes standard with an adaptive air suspension with height control.
Rear air suspension only
- Lexus GX: The GX 460 has available rear air suspension (Active Height Control) on premium and luxury trims, which replaces the coil springs with airbags on the rear axle.
Other models with air suspension options
- Lexus RX: Some configurations, including certain F Sport models, offer air suspension.
- Previous models: Some previous models like the GS sedan (GS300/350/430/450h/460) and IS sedan (IS250/350) had air suspension options available.
Does the LS400 have air suspension?
From the factory, Lexus did not offer air suspension on the LS400. Instead, you got a comfy coil spring, strut, and shock setup that made for a very comfortable ride at that time.
Does the 2014 Lexus LS460 have air suspension?
2014 Lexus LS460. And then there was one more. For $2,120 on top of that, this LS had the optional adaptive air suspension and variable gear ratio steering, with Normal, Comfort, Sport and SportS+ drive modes. It's transformative.
