JLAWS

I need to hold on to my 2008 for a few more years but videos like this make me itch for a 2013+
A good and honest review. The LS460 in the video has a rare rear seat package. I wish Lexus had one with all the features except air shocks similar to my 2008 Comfort plus package with rear recline seats.

JLAWS

It's actually leather I believe. All 2013+ have it. BTW if you have a fully loaded 2007-2012 LS460 you get door leather armrests. It has held up very well for me.
Believe it or not I see more 2007-2009 with leather armrest over 2010-2012.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

It's pleather. Even the "semi aniline" package has the pleather door pulls. The 2007 through 2012 models with the upgraded interior had leather door pulls but none of the 2013+ cars do.

To the OP, unless your 2008 has issues, I wouldn't be in any rush to trade it in on a 2013+ car. I noticed very little difference between my 2007 and my 2014: The ride on the 2014 19" wheels in not as smooth as the 2007 18s. The ML sound system is definitely a step down from the 2007. And (personal preference here) I don't like the little bits of aluminum trim on the dash and doors - much prefer the 2007 door and dash design.

So why did I trade my 2007 in on the 2014? Well, my hands kept sticking to the door pulls and Lexus just left me high and dry on that one. Two years after I traded the car in, I got a letter from Lexus advising me of their "enhanced warranty" on my old car's doors and dask panels! Too little, too late, Lexus.

SW17LS

Yeah its not leather in anything but the cars with the executive package or the LS600hl, then its leather.

JLAWS

Thanks fellas. Yeah my 2008 has been wonderful. I've got everything squared away thanks to this amazing forum. Only think I am bracing for is the $3k brake actuator repair. If that goes then I might as well keep it and drive it forever like the folks that drive their ls400s and LS430s. I need it to tide me over for hopefully the next 5 years so l can focus on maximizing financial growth for my family.

UDel

I think that guy is just a bit over enthusiastic about the 2013 compared to the pre 2013. It is not that different. When I test drove one I did not notice much difference and did not feel I was missing much, I actually preferred the design of the interior/exterior on the pre 2013 even though there are some areas that are higher quality on the 2013 like the metal volume/tuning control and metal seat heaters/coolers. It sounds like his 2008 still has some bugs or some issues that need to be worked out, likely stuff that was addressed in the 2010-2012 updates so that is why he may think the 2013 is so much nicer. He is also driving a extremely rare absolutely loaded regular wheelbase with the rear seat package, a needle in a haystack with the rear seat package so it is a bit unrealistic to think all or even many of the 2013+ are going to have the kind of features that LS460 has, it is extremely rare. Most people also don't share the same enthusiasm about the spindle grill either, many say it makes the cars look worse that it gets put on including me but to each his own. If I already have a pre 2013 especially a 2010-2012 I would be in no rush to upgrade though I will likely end up getting a 2013+ LS if I chose for my next car because the 2010-2012's will be kind of old by then.

SW17LS

The difference he feels in the drive is likely the air suspension in that 2013 vs the coil suspension he has in the 2008. Having had the 13-17 in air and coil suspension the air suspension accounts for his feeling of it being so much smoother and more refined. Watch his video of his 2008, he's very effusive with praise about it as well. Steering feel is better in the 13+ car, the steering wheel is also smaller diameter which helps with on center feel.

As for the grill, its his review and his opinions...so what "most people" (in my experience, people with pre-2013 cars) prefer isn't at issue. Personally, I think the 13-17 car is much better looking. The previous 460s are very plain IMHO.