The 2017 Lexus LS 460 L AWD gets 18 MPG combined. You’re buying this Japanese luxury car for its comfortable ride, quiet interior, and the confidence provided by its all-wheel drive system. Fuel efficiency is a factor, but secondary to passenger comfort.

City and highway performance

The LS 460 L AWD’s fuel economy breaks down to an EPA-estimated 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects hauling a heavy vehicle through stop-and-go traffic, a typical scenario for those using the LS 460 L with a driver. The highway number, while not the best in its class, is good enough for long trips, allowing reasonable time between fill-ups. These figures are tied to the of the 4.6L V8 and its eight-speed automatic transmission, which prioritizes smooth power delivery over maximum efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Lexus LS 460 L AWD at $3,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. This expense puts the LS 460 L among vehicles where fuel costs are less important than overall ownership. Expect to pay this price for luxury and V8 power.

Real-world expectations

EPA figures provide a standard, but real-world fuel economy will change based on driving style, traffic, and even tire pressure. Expect the 16 MPG city figure to be accurate, possibly dropping slightly during heavy traffic. You can reach the 23 MPG highway figure on long trips at consistent speeds, but acceleration or sustained high speeds will lower it. Drivers who favor gentle habits will likely see numbers closer to the EPA estimates, while more aggressive drivers should expect lower fuel economy. Those who want to LS MPG across all years can compare different model years.

How it compares

The 2017 Lexus LS 460 L AWD’s fuel economy places it in a competitive set. A comparable 2017 BMW 750i xDrive offers similar performance and luxury, but gets around 16 MPG combined. The Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC is similar, around 19 MPG combined. Even a newer Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, with its hybrid powertrain, achieves about 29 MPG combined; that is better gas mileage, but it’s not in the same vehicle class. These comparisons show choosing a large, powerful, all-wheel-drive luxury sedan means trading fuel efficiency for performance and all-weather capability. For those interested in all Lexus fuel economy data, the LS 460 L’s numbers show the brand’s balance of performance and luxury over efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The LS 460 L AWD isn’t very fuel-efficient, but owners can improve their mileage. Gentle acceleration is key to using less fuel; avoid sudden starts and keep a steady speed. The V8 engine responds well to a light touch, preventing the transmission from downshifting unnecessarily.

Correct tire inflation is critical for the best fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended level, found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel.

Reduce extra weight in the car. Extra cargo in the trunk or backseat increases the vehicle’s weight, which affects fuel efficiency. Remove anything not needed to reduce the load on the engine.

Keep idling time to a minimum. Letting the engine idle wastes gas. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine and restart it when ready. Avoid long warm-up periods in cold weather; the engine warms up faster while driving.

Plan routes to avoid traffic when possible. Stop-and-go traffic lowers fuel economy. Use navigation apps to find routes that minimize idling and allow for consistent speeds.