Didn’t know there was a Lexus Crafted Line so it caught my eye. Almost sounds like a joint Lexus-Sears product but that would make no sense. Turns out the Crafted Line is a limited, high-end add on to a Lexus F-Sport package and only 750 LS models (and 1,500 GS) were made. Makes it a unicorn, I believe. The Crafted Line alone does nothing for performance (the F-Sport part does), and instead includes premium accessories, …uh “interesting” two-toned seats (I think they look a little out of place in this luxury car), and even a matching two-piece set of luggage. Not seeing the luggage in the CarMax photos.
The Crafted Line includes a Shimamoku trim, “alternating layers of dark & light wood veneers are layered and shaped in a process involving 67 manufacturing steps over the course of 38 days” according to the Lexus Enthusiast website. (Ashamed I thought in the CarMax pix it just looked damaged!) The Lexus LS 460 F-Sport sports 386hp vs 360hp in a base model, and sadly Car and Driver reports only a 0.1 second reduction in 0-60mph times. Check out the engine bay below – have you ever seen a more buttoned up “stay outta here” cover?
The air-suspensioned F-Sport also corners at .87g’s against .81 for the base model, and also brakes better with upgraded grippers. This model sold for probably more than $90,000 and for $38,998 isn’t a bad deal. Check out the Motor Trend review, and the Top Speed review from 2015. More performance, more style, and exclusivity with only 750 units – along with Lexus reliability means no need for MaxCare.
Despite my whining about the luggage and the seats, I could easily drive this if I hadn’t gone for the Mercedes S600 last year. Also, if the Crafted Line limited edition doesn’t appeal to you, the same performance is available in a run of the mill LS 460 F-Sport for $3,000 less with this nearly identical model. Find this two owner Florida car here in Irving, Texas.