For 2009 the Lexus LS 460 and 460L will be offered with AWD for the first time.  Buyers can either buy the rear-wheel drive setup, which is standard, or AWD beginning in October.

The 2009 models haven’t announced a pricing plan yet, but the 2008 rear-wheel-drive versions of the LS 460 and LS 460 L went for $62,900 and $72,900.  The base prices for the 2009 models will easily be $2,000 more including an auto warranty, if they follow the pricing plan for other Lexus models that are AWD.

However, the AWD models could cost quite a bit more than that because they come with more features that are standard, like 18-inch wheels, all-season tires, an adaptive air suspension, and a heated steering wheel.

Consumers should have new car warranties to protect themselves from unnecessary repairs down the road.  Unfortunately, you never know when new technology will fail.