For those considering a luxury sedan, the Lexus LS often stands out as a top contender. Known for its refined craftsmanship, advanced technology, and a legacy of reliability, the Lexus LS offers drivers a blend of performance and comfort that few can match. In this review, we’ll provide a detailed look at its performance, key features, comfort, and overall value to help potential buyers decide whether the Lexus LS is the right choice for their luxury vehicle needs.
Performance: Power Meets Precision
When it comes to performance, the Lexus LS delivers a driving experience that combines power with precision. The sedan is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine in the LS 500 model, delivering an impressive 416 horsepower, and offering smooth acceleration that makes highway driving and overtaking effortless. For those seeking a more eco-friendly option, there’s the Lexus LS 500h hybrid model, which balances power and fuel efficiency.
- Engine Options:
- LS 500: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.
- LS 500h: 3.5-liter V6 hybrid system producing 354 combined horsepower.
- Driving Dynamics:
The Lexus LS offers adaptive variable suspension, which adjusts the ride quality based on road conditions and driving mode. Drivers can switch between modes such as Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ to tailor the driving experience to their preferences.- Pros:
- Excellent balance between comfort and sportiness.
- Smooth and refined ride, even on rough roads.
- The hybrid model provides good fuel economy for its class.
- Cons:
- Not as athletic or nimble as some competitors in the luxury sedan segment, like the BMW 7-Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
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Interior and Features: Luxury in Every Detail
The interior of the Lexus LS is where it truly shines, offering handcrafted materials, cutting-edge technology, and meticulous attention to detail. Every surface exudes luxury, from the plush leather seats to the intricate Kiriko glass trim (available on certain models). The interior is designed to envelop passengers in comfort while providing a serene environment perfect for long journeys.
- Seating and Comfort:
The Lexus LS offers spacious seating for five, with heated, ventilated, and massaging seats available in the front and rear. The seats are designed to provide superior comfort during long drives, while the 22-way power-adjustable driver’s seat ensures the perfect driving position. - Infotainment System:
The sedan comes equipped with the Lexus Enform infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. The system offers navigation, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and a premium 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio system for a concert-like audio experience.- Pros:
- Exceptional craftsmanship with high-quality materials.
- Spacious and luxurious seating with ample legroom, especially in the rear.
- Advanced infotainment system with numerous high-tech features.
- Cons:
- The Remote Touch Interface used to control the infotainment system can be tricky to use while driving and is less intuitive compared to other brands.
- Some may find the tech-focused interior less engaging than its more traditionally styled competitors.
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Comfort and Ride Quality: A Tranquil Experience
If there’s one word to describe the driving experience in the Lexus LS, it’s comfort. Lexus has gone to great lengths to ensure that road noise, vibrations, and engine sound are kept to a minimum, providing an almost silent cabin that promotes relaxation.
- Quietness:
The LS is equipped with acoustic glass, active noise cancellation, and sound-deadening materials, creating one of the quietest cabins in its class. Whether cruising at highway speeds or navigating city streets, the Lexus LS keeps unwanted noise at bay. - Suspension and Ride:
The adaptive variable suspension ensures a smooth ride by adjusting damping forces in real time. Even in Sport+ mode, which stiffens the suspension for more spirited driving, the ride remains comfortable. For those looking for a more engaging experience, the available F SPORT trim adds sport-tuned suspension and more aggressive handling.- Pros:
- Whisper-quiet cabin that’s perfect for long trips or executive transportation.
- Plush ride quality with excellent absorption of road imperfections.
- Cons:
- While comfortable, the suspension prioritizes smoothness over dynamic handling, making it less sporty than competitors like the Audi A8 or BMW 7-Series.
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Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Lexus is known for its commitment to safety, and the LS is no exception. The sedan comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a suite of advanced driver assistance features designed to help prevent accidents and enhance driving confidence.
- Standard Safety Features:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
- Lane departure alert with steering assist.
- Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range.
- Lane tracing assist, which helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Blind spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.
- The LS also offers an available Advanced Park System, which can automatically steer the vehicle into parking spaces with minimal input from the driver.
- Pros:
- Comprehensive suite of driver assistance features included as standard.
- Advanced safety technologies that enhance convenience, such as automatic parking.
- Cons:
- Some rivals offer more cutting-edge features like augmented reality navigation, which isn’t available in the LS.
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Is the Lexus LS Worth the Price?
The Lexus LS starts at around $76,000, which is competitive for a luxury sedan of this caliber. Its strong resale value, reputation for reliability, and affordable maintenance costs make it an appealing choice for those looking for long-term ownership. Additionally, the hybrid model provides excellent fuel efficiency for the segment, helping to offset the higher upfront cost.
- Pros:
- Lower starting price compared to rivals like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series.
- Renowned for long-term reliability, which keeps ownership costs down.
- Strong resale value, making it a smart financial choice in the luxury segment.
- Cons:
- While the Lexus LS offers plenty of luxury, it lacks some of the personalization and customization options offered by European rivals.
- High-end models with extensive options can push the price closer to $100,000, entering territory dominated by more performance-focused luxury sedans.
Customer Satisfaction and Reliability
The Lexus LS has a strong reputation for long-term reliability, which is a key factor for buyers in the luxury sedan market. Lexus consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction and dependability surveys, and the LS is no exception.
- Reliability:
Owners report few issues with the LS, and when problems do arise, Lexus dealerships are known for their excellent service and support. The brand’s four-year/50,000-mile warranty and six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty provide further peace of mind. - Owner Feedback:
Owners frequently praise the LS for its comfort, smooth ride, and overall luxury experience. Common compliments include the whisper-quiet cabin, advanced safety features, and reliability that ensures worry-free driving over many years.- Pros:
- Exceptional long-term reliability, which is a hallmark of the Lexus brand.
- Owners are consistently satisfied with the comfort and refinement of the LS.
- Cons:
- Some owners wish for more sporty handling or a more engaging driving experience, particularly compared to German rivals.
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Is the Lexus LS the Right Luxury Sedan for You?
The Lexus LS is an excellent choice for if you are seeking a luxury sedan that prioritizes comfort, reliability, and advanced technology. With its spacious, ultra-quiet cabin, strong safety features, and refined driving dynamics, it excels as a daily driver or a long-distance cruiser. While it may not be as performance-focused as some competitors, its overall value, especially in terms of long-term ownership and reliability, makes it a standout option in the luxury sedan segment.
If you’re looking for a luxurious, dependable, and well-appointed sedan, the Lexus LS deserves serious consideration.
