2025 Lexus LS evaluate | CarExpert

That is the automotive that began all of it for Lexus – properly, it’s the direct descendent of stated automotive.

Rewind all the best way again to 1989 (earlier than I used to be even born), and lots of will keep in mind when Toyota shocked the world with the unique LS400, a mannequin that then-Toyota Motor Company president Eiji Toyoda stated was to be “a automotive that’s higher than the perfect on the earth”.

The unique LS debuted the Lexus model, and spearheaded Toyota’s first foray into the premium auto area dominated by established German corporations BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and in North America by Cadillac and Lincoln. Certainly, the Lexus identify is a mixture of luxurious, export and US.

Greater than three many years and a litany of extra mannequin traces later, and the LS stays the jewel in Lexus’ passenger automotive crown. The LS mannequin designation denotes its flagship Luxurious Sedan standing alongside the LC coupe/convertible and the LX full-size SUV.

Whereas the Lexus LS doesn’t fairly command the highlight within the model’s steady it as soon as did – that’s reserved for the corporate’s SUV vary lately – it nonetheless represents the top of what the carmaker has to supply.

Does Japan’s authentic flagship limousine nonetheless have what it takes to compete with the likes of the BMW 7 Collection and Mercedes-Benz S-Class? Learn on to search out out.

Word: Our check automobile was an MY23 mannequin. Some operating modifications have been utilized for 2024 – see article for particulars.

How does the Lexus LS examine?

View an in depth breakdown of the Lexus LS towards equally sized autos.

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LS

How a lot does the Lexus LS value?

The LS vary in Australia kicks off at $195,279 earlier than on-road prices, although the LS500 Sports activities Luxurious on check here’s a little dearer at $201,305 plus on-roads.

To see how the Lexus LS traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument

What’s the Lexus LS like on the within?

The all-black inside of our check automotive was moderately uninspiring and demure, however the craftsmanship and a spotlight to element is top-notch, simply as you’d count on.

There’s leather-based and wooden nearly in all places, and as you’d count on from a flagship product the design, construct and supplies high quality is first-class, however the consideration to element and craftsmanship right here actually is excellent, as evidenced by the meticulously constant stitching, panel gaps and the like.

Consolation up entrance is superb, due to the semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats which supply an enormous array of adjustment – 28 methods up entrance and 22 methods within the rear! – in addition to reminiscence, heating and air flow capabilities.

You’re properly supported by the supple cushions and bolsters, and there’s so greater than sufficient adjustment together with within the electrically-adjustable steering column to search out the right driving place no matter your form or measurement.

The LS additionally retains the tried and examined Lexus steering wheel with exhausting buttons, moderately than the newer unit out of the likes of the NX and RX, which has fiddly touch-sensitive ones. It’s refreshingly old-school however has new tech.

It’s value noting our older MY23 press automobile had the older 8.0-inch instrument cluster moderately than the bigger 12.3-inch panel that has been proliferating throughout the Lexus and Toyota lineups.

The color show features a digital singular dial that provides just a few completely different themes and configurations with adjustable widgets and readouts, however the newer and bigger show provides higher decision and much more configurability.

Transferring throughout, the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment show that got here as a part of the mid-life LS refresh is identical as you’ll discover in most Lexus and Toyota fashions lately,

Whereas pretty fundamental in design and format, it’s far more user-friendly than the outdated Lexus in-house interface and provides a full suite of options and linked companies.

Highlights embrace wi-fi Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, DAB digital and native satellite tv for pc navigation.

You get a complimentary three-year subscription to Lexus Related Companies, which incorporates entry to options like SOS emergency name and auto collision notification.

My time with the LS500 yielded no points with the wi-fi Apple CarPlay, which may’t all the time be stated for different multimedia programs which supply this function.

Nonetheless, I’m certain Android customers – together with colleague William Stopford – will likely be very annoyed on the lack of wi-fi Google smartphone connectivity.

The LS inside hasn’t gone the best way of its German rivals in eradicating bodily buttons, which for a lot of will likely be a refreshing change in right now’s luxurious market.

Matte completed and with a stunning smoothness and heft to their motion, the assorted exhausting buttons and dials for all the things from the local weather management to audio quantity and the sunshades all work seamlessly.

There’s additionally minimal piano black trim scattered all through the cabin, not like in some newer Lexus merchandise, which suggests your LS gained’t rapidly fall sufferer to yucky fingerprints and smudges.

Storage is first rate, with two cupholders residing below a folding lid beside the shifter, whereas the under-armrest storage and door bins supply ample area for free gadgets.

Even the decrease sections of the cabin are completed in gentle plastics or padded leatherette surfaces with contrasting topstitching.

It’s additionally value noting that from MY24 onwards the LS added a wi-fi smartphone charger with built-in holder, so you possibly can preserve your cellphone juiced whereas it stays linked wirelessly to the infotainment system.

For those who go for the Sports activities Luxurious variant you’ll need to be within the again seats extra so than up entrance, as a result of they provide the cool high-end limousine appointments you don’t actually see exterior this class of auto.

You get powered rear seats which might be virtually like cinema chairs, with the passenger-side rear pew even getting an ottoman in case you regulate the entrance seat ahead, providing enterprise class journey. That stated, there’s not the palatial type of legroom you may count on within the rear.

Fold down the centre armrest and you’ve got contact controls for the rear seat heating and air flow, in addition to some therapeutic massage and adjustment toggles, along with controls for the rear sunshades and rear leisure system.

There’s four-zone local weather management accessible by way of stated touchscreen as properly, and you’ll hook up gadgets to the unbiased rear screens by way of Bluetooth or HDMI. There’s even a Blu-ray participant (keep in mind these) and an SD card slot.

Different enjoyable highlights embrace ceiling-mounted self-importance mirrors with lights, and the aforementioned retractable sunshades can block out each the rear windshield in addition to each rear-side home windows.

Maybe one gripe is the very fact the small moonroof doesn’t let as a lot mild in as a panoramic unit, however if you wish to go incognito this blacked-out inside with shades and minimal roof glass is probably going preferable.

Additional again, there’s a wholesome 440 litres of cargo capability beneath the electrically-operated bootlid, with a form that mysteriously seems to be purpose-shaped to swallow a set of golf golf equipment.

The LS does with out a spare wheel, and as a substitute rides on runflat tyres.

To see how the Lexus LS traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument

What’s below the bonnet?

Each the LS500 and LS500h get a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, although the five hundred straps on two turbochargers whereas the 500h tacks on a hybrid drive system together with a lithium-ion battery and electrical motor.

To see how the Lexus LS traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument

How does the Lexus LS drive?

For those who’re turning into more and more bored with legacy manufacturers attempting to alter their formulation an excessive amount of, the Lexus LS500 Sports activities Luxurious tends to remain true to the corporate’s roots.

It could put on ‘500’ and ‘Sports activities’ badging in its identify, however the flagship LS is refreshingly targeted on consolation and refinement, whereas additionally nonetheless being pleasing to steer in case you occur to be the driving force.

Energy supply from the twin-turbo V6 is buttery easy, as is the silky engine word, with the 10-speed automated seamlessly shifting by means of its many ratios. It’s acquired some punch too, quoting a brisk 0-100km/h time of simply 5.0 seconds.

Bury your proper foot and it’s definitely fast, however such is the insulation from engine noise in addition to the graceful linearity of acceleration that you possibly can be fooled into pondering it’s just a little lazy – till you have a look at the speedo.

The LS claims a faster 0-100km/h sprint than the BMW 740i (5.4s) regardless of costing over $70,000 much less, whereas the straight-six powered S450 4Matic quotes an an identical 5.0s dash, helped by its all-paw traction.

As you’d count on, refinement and sound insulation on the whole is superb, with minimal street and wind noise permeating the cabin even on coarser blacktop. Flip up that thumping 23-speaker Mark Levinson encompass sound system and the surface world ceases to exist.

Steering really feel is superbly fluid and linear as properly, with response fast sufficient to make this 5.2m Japanese limo really feel keen and nimble, whereas additionally speaking what’s taking place below the entrance tyres moderately properly.

It rides superbly too, no matter whether or not you’re wafting by means of the internal metropolis or cruising alongside an undulating nation freeway.

The LS’ normal air suspension and adaptive damping do an ideal job of protecting the cabin remoted from lumps and bumps of all sizes and intensities, regardless of rolling on large 20-inch alloy wheels and low-profile 245/45 R20 tyres.

In Sports activities Luxurious trim, the LS is clearly geared in direction of consolation extra so than outright sportiness and dynamics – get the F Sport in case you’re a eager limo driver – however there’s nonetheless a pleasant steadiness between consolation and engagement.

The bent six seems like a Toyota V6, in that it has a easy word however is pretty uninspiring, and the LS cabin is so properly insulated that you just barely hear it except you’ve buried the loud pedal to the firewall.

Lexus’ driver help programs have additionally been properly honed over time, with the Lane Tracing Help and adaptive cruise management programs combining to facilitate intuitive semi-autonomous help for freeway stints, and there’s principally each different function you possibly can consider included as normal.

The nifty tri-beam adaptive LED headlights supply a matrix-style excessive beam and wonderful front-facing illumination, whereas the array of cameras and sensors alongside the surrounds means parking this Japanese limo isn’t too exhausting.

To see how the Lexus LS traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument

What do you get?

The LS is on the market in additional driver-focused F Sport trim or the extra chauffeur-style Sports activities Luxurious trim – the latter is on check right here.

2025 Lexus LS F Sport tools highlights:

• 20-inch F Sport alloy wheels
• Run-flat tyres
• Excessive-performance brake package deal
• Moonroof
• F Sport exterior package deal
• Tri-beam bi-LED headlights
• LED daytime operating lights
• Palms-free bootlid
• Auto soft-close doorways
• 12.3-inch TFT driver’s show
• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay – wi-fi
• Android Auto – wired
• DAB+digital radio
• 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio
• Acceleration Sound Management
• Lively Noise Management
• Electrical rear sunshade
• Sensible entry, begin system
• Sensible Key Card
• Head-up show
• Digital rear-view mirror
• Twin-zone local weather management
• 28-way energy regulate entrance seats
• Heated, ventilated entrance seats
• Heated rear seats
• F Sport heated steering wheel
• F Sport leather-accented trim
• F Sport entrance seats, shift lever, clock
• Wi-fi cellphone charger
• Adaptive Variable Suspension – energetic damping
• Air suspension with Entry Mode Management
• Dynamic rear seating

LS Sports activities Luxurious provides:

• Removes F Sport exterior, inside styling
• 20-inch alloy wheels – distinctive design
• Ventilated rear seats
• Rear seat leisure system
• 22-way energy regulate rear seats
  • incl. ottoman – passenger facet
  • incl. therapeutic massage perform
• Electrical rear-side sunshades
• Rear cooler field
• Quick access auto raise entrance seat buckle
• 4-zone local weather management

To see how the Lexus LS traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument

Is the Lexus LS secure?

The Lexus LS hasn’t been crash examined by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.

Normal security options embrace:

• 10 airbags
• Lexus Security System+ 3.0
  • AEB incl. pedestrian detection, flip help
  • All-speed adaptive cruise management
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Cross-traffic alert – entrance, rear
  • Lane Hint Help incl. Curve Velocity Discount
  • Highway signal help – pace indicators solely
  • Sway Warning System
• Adaptive excessive beam
• Superior Park Help
• Parking help brake
• Pedestrian sensing security bonnet
• Protected Exit Help
• Tyre stress monitoring

Sports activities Luxurious provides:

• Extra rear seat cushion airbags (12 airbags whole)

To see how the Lexus LS traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument

How a lot does the Lexus LS value to run?

The LS is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee and can be topic to Lexus’ premier Encore Platinum possession program.

Whereas the LS’ yearly service pricing of $795 appears a bit expensive over 5 years, it’s value noting the Lexus Encore Platinum program offers you entry to very unique provides and advantages that even normal Lexus homeowners don’t get.

Examples embrace the On Demand program, which lets you borrow a Lexus automobile free for as much as eight days from chosen airports whenever you journey, airport lounge passes, and valet parking vouchers at choose procuring malls.

To see how the Lexus LS traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument

CarExpert’s Tackle the Lexus LS

It is probably not the focus of the Lexus vary anymore, however I’m glad the LS nonetheless exists.

Because the world strikes in direction of higher-riding autos, significantly within the premium and luxurious segments, the basic three-box sedan physique fashion now has a extra unique, area of interest attraction – and it seems to be actually horny in elongated full-size limousine kind.

The LS is neglected by not solely many limousine patrons and chauffers, but additionally most top-end Lexus prospects, who extra sometimes go for an LX or LC. Towards its direct rivals it’s very area of interest, with simply 11 models discovering Australian houses in 2024, making its BMW and Mercedes-Benz equivalents about 4 instances as in style.

However that’s on no account an indicator of its functionality or competence, because the LS is each a lot as stunning to drive and reside with. Spec it proper and it ought to flip loads of heads, too.

For me, given its supposed objective, the LS500h V6 hybrid makes extra sense in Sports activities Luxurious spec, because it’ll probably spend extra time in bumper-to-bumper site visitors within the metropolis, or at the least congested suburban/airport freeways throughout peak-hour, the place it may well minimize gasoline consumption in half.

I feel the fantastic thing about the LS is the very fact it’s important to be ‘within the know’ to need one and purchase one. This isn’t only a tarted up Toyota Camry or black cab particular; that is an unique, high-end product that you just order within the again room of the dealership.

The demure specification of our check automotive isn’t actually to my style, however the luscious purple and blue paint choices obtainable, in addition to the tan and crimson inside leather-based choices, could make this automotive really feel very particular.

Even higher, there’s the choice of matching wooden trim and even the beautiful Kiriko Glass ornamentation that’s distinctively Japanese and in contrast to something you’ll see on the choice listing for a 7 Collection or S-Class.

Then there’s the worth. Sure, $200,000 is some huge cash, however you possibly can pocket the $40,000-$70,000 you’ll save from not shopping for an equal German limousine and spend it on designer equipment or a luxurious vacation.

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