19 MPG combined is the headline for the 2016 Lexus LS 460, a figure that might raise eyebrows today. To truly understand this number, you must first understand the LS 460 itself. It delivers a supremely comfortable and effortlessly powerful driving experience with Lexus’s legendary reliability. This is a car for those who prioritize a smooth, quiet ride and a sense of understated luxury over outright fuel savings, and they’re willing to accept the consequences at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Lexus LS 460 are 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city rating reflects the realities of stop-and-go traffic, where the 4.6L V8 is working harder and less efficiently. The highway number showcases the engine’s relaxed nature at cruising speeds, aided by the smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. The LS buyer is less concerned with maximizing every last drop of fuel, and more focused driving experience itself, a comfortable and reassuring highway ride. Expect to see numbers closer to that 16 MPG figure if your commute is largely urban. The 24 MPG is realistic if you do mostly highway driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Lexus LS 460 is $3,050. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a specific percentage split between city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price for premium gasoline (which the LS 460 requires). This is a significant yearly expense, but for the target demographic, it’s often viewed as the cost of doing business, the price of entry into the world of flagship Lexus luxury. It is essential to recognize that fuel efficiency is only one facet of an ownership experience that prioritizes quiet luxury, reliability and comfort.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary depending on driving habits, traffic conditions, and even the type of fuel used. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and prolonged idling will all negatively impact fuel efficiency. Smooth, deliberate driving and consistent highway speeds will likely yield results closer to, or even slightly better than, the EPA estimates. Premium fuel is recommended for the LS 460, so using lower-octane fuel will, under most road conditions, lower fuel consumption. See LS MPG across all years.

How it compares

Against its competitors, the 2016 Lexus LS 460 lands in the middle of the pack. The BMW 740i from the same year, with its turbocharged inline-six engine, achieves around 21 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz S550, with its twin-turbo V8, comes in slightly lower, around 20 MPG combined. The Audi A8, depending on the engine configuration, offers similar or slightly better efficiency. What many LS shoppers overlook, though, is that the Lexus Hybrid Drive in the LS 600h variant ups the combined MPG to 20, with a slight bump of 1 MPG in the city. Price, reliability ratings, and driving experience tend to rank higher in the minds of this buyer, for someone committed to full-size luxury, the incremental MPG improvements of competitive models may simply not matter.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the LS 460 isn’t designed to be a fuel-sipping machine, there are still steps you can take to improve its fuel efficiency. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as these actions put unnecessary strain on the engine and consume more fuel. Maintain a steady speed on the highway and use cruise control whenever possible to minimize fluctuations in fuel consumption.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and reduces fuel economy. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, can also help improve efficiency by keeping the engine running smoothly. See all Lexus fuel economy data.

Minimize idling time, as it wastes fuel without moving the vehicle. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two, it’s best to turn off the engine. Reduce the weight in your car by removing unnecessary items from the trunk and interior. Extra weight places additional stress on the engine, leading to increased fuel consumption.

Consider using the car’s “Eco” mode if equipped, which adjusts throttle response and other settings to prioritize fuel efficiency. Plan your trips carefully to avoid rush hour traffic and congested areas, where stop-and-go driving can significantly reduce fuel economy.