True. But it's not the amount of gears in the transmission that determines the mpg. Check this out:
http://research.cars.com/go/crp/spec...x&aff=national
The highest OD gear ratio for the LS460 is .69. Don't know how that translates into RPMs at 70-75mph, but I still can't see how a 2-ton 360+ hp sedan can have 27mpg on the highway.

 

True in a funny way, but nobody would seriously shop the two cars. I think the original point is that for the price, Lexus has covered all bases, include fuel efficiency. Where we got off track was by implying that higher price translates to better mpgs--that is not usually the case. I sat in a M5 on Saturday, and the sticker said 87k and 13/18. According to one of the posters they should merely make it a 12 speed and then they too could have 35 mpg. Not true, at 500 HP the motor is not that efficient. But it's meant to propel the vehicle.

Realistically, 26 mpg is not the end of the world, but there is room for improvement. It wont be done through the tranny, but through motor design.