2012 Lexus LS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Lexus LS was mostly a carryover, with no major lineup-wide mechanical, safety, or technology updates. The main change was a limited-production Sport Special Edition for the rear-wheel-drive LS 460.
About the 2012 Lexus LS
4th gen LS (XF40, 2007-2017), final pre-refresh year before the major 2013 update.
Lexus positioned the LS as its full-size flagship sedan for buyers who cared more about quiet comfort, craftsmanship, and smooth power than flashy styling or aggressive handling. In this era, the LS stood out for a hushed cabin, rich materials, a strong V8 or V8 hybrid drivetrain, and an especially calm ride. Compared with German rivals, Lexus sold the LS as a more serene, less intimidating luxury sedan with strong long-term dependability and excellent rear-seat comfort.
The LS 460 is the calm, comfort-focused standard-wheelbase sedan, with a 380-hp V8, a leather-and-wood cabin, and power front seats. The longer LS 460 L adds rear-seat room and comfort, while the LS 600h L pairs a 438-hp V8 hybrid system with standard AWD, navigation, and Mark Levinson audio. The Sport Special Edition is the sharper-looking, more responsive version, with sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, and a distinctive interior.
What changed, by category
2012 Lexus LS specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 4.6 Liter | V8, 4.6 Liter | V8, Hybrid, 5.0 Liter | V8, 4.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd w/Seq Mde | Auto, 8-Spd w/Seq Mde | Auto, CVT w/Seq Mde | Auto, 8-Spd w/Seq Mde |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Gas |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 19 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 23 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 380 hp | 380 hp | 438 hp | 380 hp |
| Torque | 367 lb-ft | 367 lb-ft | 385 lb-ft | 367 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 18 cu-ft | 18 cu-ft | 10.1 cu-ft | |
| Rear Legroom | 35.8 in | 35.8 in | ||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Cooled Rear Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Executive Rear Seating | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Massage Rear Seat | ||||
| Memory Rear Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Reclining Rear Seats | ||||
| Refrigerator/Cooler | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Lexus LS compared with the 2011 model?
The main change for 2012 was the addition of a limited-production Sport Special Edition for the rear-wheel-drive LS 460. The rest of the LS range carried over without major lineup-wide updates.
What equipment does the 2012 Lexus LS Sport Special Edition have?
The 2012 Sport Special Edition combines sport-tuned air suspension, Brembo brakes, paddle shifters, climate-controlled sport seats, navigation, parking assist, and power door closers. It also has a distinctive sport-focused interior.
Was the 2012 Lexus LS Sport Special Edition offered with AWD?
No. The 2012 Sport Special Edition was based on the rear-wheel-drive LS 460, not the AWD version.
Did the 2012 Lexus LS 460 receive a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2012 LS 460 kept its 4.6-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission, so this was not a major mechanical update year.
Was the 2012 Lexus LS redesigned?
No. The 2012 LS was the final model year before the substantially updated 2013 version, so it retained the existing body, cabin design, and core mechanical package.