Promoting Freedom for Creative Architecture
Lexus LS 500 interior design is luxurious, quiet, and comfortable. Its high-end features include a head-up display, a lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The interior is also awash in soft-touch plastic and plush leather. But there are some flaws.
The LS is a one-trim sedan, so the only available engine is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6. This engine provides plenty of power, yet it's also surprisingly smooth. As a result, the LS500 can reach triple-digit speeds without drama.
Lexus LS offers many standard features, such as a sunroof, a 480L boot, and adjustable air suspension. You can also choose an Executive Package, which includes power-retracting butterfly front seat headrests. Those who want to upgrade their Lexus LS 500 will appreciate the F-Sport Dynamic Handling Package, which adds rear-wheel steering and active sway bars.
Other features included in the Lexus LS 500 are a hands-free power trunk lid, a power moonroof, and a panoramic glass roof. Among the options are automatic emergency braking, a 360-degree camera, and a forward collision warning system.
The LS500 has a long front end, which makes it easy to park. And the interior is spacious, with a hump that gives ample room for two passengers. There's a center console with cup holders, a touchscreen for the seat heaters, and a wood-trimmed steering wheel. Adding more luxury is a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, which provides wireless access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A navigation system is available as well.
With a base price of $32,400, the Lexus LS 500 offers a lot of value. Its price tag is lower than most of its competitors, and it has a host of advanced safety features. Plus, it has an auto door closer, blind-spot monitoring, and a lane-departure alert with steering assist.
In the Lexus LS, art deco flourishes and thick, plush carpets set the tone for an exquisitely-appointed cabin. But while the LS500's interior is very well-equipped, it does have some faults. One notable issue is that the car lacks a close-and-lock button on the boot. Another is a backup camera that's poor quality.
Despite its shortcomings, the Lexus LS500 is a very enjoyable luxury sedan. The ride is surprisingly smooth and quiet, and its handling is surprisingly responsive. Even though the LS has been around for 30 years, it's still a work of art in its current form.
In the new LS for the 2022 model year, there are small changes to the exterior, the interior, and the engine packaging. For the first time, Lexus is offering a trim package for its hybrid LS 500h. Those who opt for the LS 500h will enjoy a 23-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, 15.7-inch front ventilated disc brakes with 6-piston calipers, and a surround-view camera. Also available are 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, a power moonroof, automatic emergency braking, and a lane-departure warning system.
The Lexus LS has been a top seller for more than three decades. It's now available in a new Iridium hue for the 2021 model year.
