Lexus LS

Lexus LS at a glance

The LS is a rear- or all-wheel-drive luxury saloon with a longitudinal engine. More Lexus models are listed in our Lexus catalogue.

Lexus LS generations

The LS 430 was the first Lexus in the United States with adaptive cruise control, and the LS 460 brought the first production eight-speed automatic. The fifth generation was the first LS without a V8.

Fifth generation (2017 onwards)

Exterior

Many experts consider the LS one of the most striking luxury saloons. The 2020 facelift brought revised headlights without unnecessary zigzags and elongated chrome strips that wrap around the sides of the bumper. The headlights use rotating mirrors and sequentially activated LEDs to shape the light beam, illuminating hard-to-see areas such as crossings and verges without dazzling other road users. The F Sport has larger intakes, a unique grille and exclusive 20-inch wheels. In profile, a long, low silhouette with an almost hatchback-like rear pillar, expressive flanks and a sporty stance stand out; ground clearance is 147–169 mm. Base versions have 19-inch alloys and more expensive ones 20-inch wheels. At the rear, Piano Black trim links the large LED tail lights, which split into two segments towards the sides, replacing the earlier chrome.

Interior

The facelift moved the infotainment screen from the dashboard surface to a free-standing position. The driver's seat has 16-way adjustment with pronounced side and lumbar support. A digital instrument panel with "horn"-like controls at either side sits behind a sculpted multifunction steering wheel. A horizontal dashboard insert inspired by guitar strings, laser-cut real wood, aluminium and high-grade leather create a refined atmosphere. The touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and SmartDeviceLink, alongside an analogue clock and an ergonomic climate panel. New Nishijin & Haku trim with traditional Japanese patterns, a larger digital rear-view mirror and seats with urethane cushions were added. All seats can have heating, massage and ventilation; rear passengers can have an ottoman and backrests adjustable from 24 to 48 degrees. Long-wheelbase versions offer a footrest, a 9-inch roof screen, separate climate control and two individual rear seats with a control armrest, while standard versions have a three-seat bench. The boot holds 480 litres and has a power, hands-free lid; run-flat tyres replace the spare.

Engines and transmissions (fifth generation)

The LS 500's aluminium twin-turbo V6 has electrically controlled variable valve timing, and Lexus says it draws on motorsport know-how. The petrol versions use a ten-speed Aisin Direct-Shift automatic with manual mode. Base versions are rear-wheel drive, and higher trims have permanent all-wheel drive.

Chassis

The fifth LS is built on the GA-L platform for Lexus's premium models, with ultra-high-strength steel and aluminium alloys in the body and fully independent suspension; air suspension is optional. Normal, Sport and Sport+ modes change the engine and transmission responses. Electric power steering with a variable ratio gives light, precise handling, and all four brakes are ventilated discs.

Safety and equipment

The facelift replaced Lexus Safety System+ with the Lexus Teammate suite. Advanced Drive handles lane keeping, distance control, lane changes and overtaking on motorways, while Advanced Park helps park the car, steering, accelerating, braking and changing gear automatically with a surround-view display; the functions can be expanded through over-the-air updates. At least ten airbags are fitted. Base versions have 19-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, surround cameras, leather, soft-close doors, heated, ventilated electric front seats and full-LED lights; higher trims add air suspension, 20-inch wheels, four-zone climate control, a Mark Levinson audio system, front massage seats, heated, ventilated electric rear seats, two rear entertainment screens and Japanese-style trim.

Strengths and weaknesses

Owners praise the LS's distinctive styling, unusual key, strong performance with refined cruising when speed is not needed, spacious interior, excellent sound insulation, rich equipment and many driver assistants, as well as fuel consumption that is reasonable for such a car. Rivals include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ and Porsche Panamera.