Is Lexus ls460 front or rear wheel drive?
The Lexus LS460 is designed primarily as a rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan, with all-wheel drive available as an option on select markets and model years. It is not a front-wheel-drive vehicle.
In practice, the standard drivetrain is rear-wheel drive, delivering the traditional balance associated with full-size luxury sedans, while AWD variants were offered to improve traction in adverse weather or challenging road conditions. Availability varied by year and market, so the exact configuration depends on the specific vehicle you’re considering.
Drive configurations by generation and market
Below is a concise overview of how the LS460's drivetrain was offered across model years and regions.
- LS460 and LS460L (roughly 2007–2013 in most markets): standard rear-wheel drive; all-wheel drive was offered as an option, typically labeled AWD in dealers’ materials and on the trunk badge for AWD versions.
- Post-facelift updates and market variations (roughly 2013–2016): AWD remained available where Lexus offered it, continuing alongside the rear-drive option.
- Notes for buyers: Availability of AWD varies by market and year; some configurations or trims may have been offered only in certain regions.
In short, across its lifespan the LS460 primarily came with rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option; it was not designed as a front-wheel-drive vehicle.
How to identify whether a specific LS460 is AWD
To confirm a particular car’s drivetrain, check the rear badge (AWD often appears as a designation on the trunk), review the window sticker or original dealership documentation, or verify via the vehicle identification number (VIN) with a Lexus dealer or reputable VIN lookup service. If the car has AWD, it will typically show a combined powertrain setup that distributes torque to both axles when needed.
Summary
The LS460’s baseline configuration is rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive was offered as an option on many markets and model years, providing enhanced traction, while front-wheel drive was never a standard configuration for the LS460. Buyers should verify the drivetrain on the specific vehicle, particularly when shopping used models.
What is the LS 460 AWD system?
The AWD versions of the LS 460 and LS 460 L will utilize a drivetrain almost identical to their hybrid counterpart, the LS 600h L. The AWD system features a highly compact center TORSEN Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) that distributes drive torque between the front and rear wheels.
Is the Lexus LS FWD or RWD?
Rear-wheel drive
The 2025 Lexus LS is available with two powertrains. The entry-level LS 500 packs a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine (416 horsepower, 442 lb-ft of torque) paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available.
Is the Lexus LS 460 front wheel drive?
Lexus' flagship LS 460 full-size sedan is available in standard form and as a limousinelike long-wheelbase LS 460 L model that stretches 205 inches from bumper to bumper — 5 inches more than the standard model. The LS can seat up to five people, and both sizes are available with rear- or all-wheel drive.
What is the life expectancy of a Lexus LS 460?
Diagram: Lexus Longevity by Model Type
| Lexus Model | Estimated Longevity |
|---|---|
| LS 430 / LS 460 | 300,000+ miles |
| GX 460 | 300,000+ miles |
| LX 570 | 300,000+ miles |
| ES 350 | 250,000–300,000 miles |
