What year did Lexus stop making the LS 460?
The LS 460 was discontinued after the 2017 model year, with the next-generation LS 500 arriving for the 2018 model year.
Timeline: The evolution of the LS flagship
A concise look at how the LS 460 fit into Lexus’ flagship sedan history and how it gave way to the next generation.
- 1990: The LS family launches with the LS 400, beginning Lexus’ entry into full-size luxury sedans.
- 2000: The LS 430 debuts as the second-generation flagship, replacing the LS 400.
- 2007: Lexus introduces the LS 460 and LS 460 L (long-wheelbase), effectively replacing the LS 430 in the lineup.
- 2010s: The LS 460 lineup receives mid-cycle updates, while a hybrid variant (LS 600h L) appears in limited form.
- 2017: Production of the LS 460/460 L ends; Lexus shifts to the new generation, beginning with the 2018 model year LS 500.
In short, the final LS 460 models were built for the 2017 model year, making way for the LS 500 in 2018.
The transition to the LS 500 generation
The move from LS 460 to LS 500 marks Lexus’ introduction of a new generation, with updated styling, a new platform, and revised powertrain options intended to keep the flagship sedan competitive in the luxury market.
What changed with the new generation
The 2018 shift brought a new naming convention and a redesigned architecture, shifting away from the 460 designation toward the LS 500 (and the LS 500h hybrid), signaling a broader refresh across Lexus’ luxury lineup.
Impact for buyers and the used market
For buyers, the transition meant new styling cues, improved technology, and different powertrain options, while pre-2018 LS 460 models remain a distinct, older-generation option in the used-car market.
Summary
The LS 460 ended production after the 2017 model year, and Lexus introduced the LS 500 as its successor for the 2018 model year, completing a major generational shift for the flagship sedan.
