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• Lexus refreshed its LS 500 luxury sedan for the next phase of its lifecycle.
• The LS 500 is Lexus' answer to the likes of the Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
• The new LS 500 range comprises two models, both powered by the same engine.
• For more motoring stories, visit Wheels24
Lexus' updated LS 500 luxury sedan made its South African debut in the closing stages of August 2021, reinforcing its position as the top saloon in the Japanese automaker's arsenal. The LS, rival to the likes of the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, is Lexus' interpretation of what a car at the upper end of the echelon should be.
Following a day's driving on roads around the Kruger National Park and Kruger Mpumalanga International airport, it became apparent that Lexus' take on the luxury sedan is not to be scoffed at. The LS, now enhanced for the next phase of its lifecycle, features Adaptive Variable Suspension to improve ride quality, while in-cabin serenity has also been increased. On the whole, the car continues with the impressive Lexus traits we've come to expect.
Locally, two models comprise the LS 500 range: the Luxury and the F Sport. Both derivatives are powered by the same turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that sends power to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. The LS 500 comes standard with a best-in-class seven-year or 105 000km warranty and a comprehensive maintenance plan.
The Lexus LS 500 Luxury retails for R2 204 200, while the LS 500 F Sport has a price tag of R2 397 900.
Cabin comfort
Lexus had both LS 500 models on offer at the launch, with the two cars only differentiated by cosmetic changes and enhancements found only on the F Sport. Our unit, the Luxury, had all the bells and whistles you'd expect from Lexus, leaving only room for one to ponder on how the serene comfort could be improved upon.
Passengers are treated to one of the best-appointed cabins in Lexus' entire stable - second only to perhaps the LC 500 and LC Convertible - with the seats offering ample support from the moment you clamber inside. The fit-and-finish on the materials used is commendable, with Lexus not sparing any detail as it went about enhancing the LS 500. Interior trim colours include Black and Crimson and Black, and the 12.3-inch infotainment screen now features touch technology for the first time.
While Lexus had improved its Lexus Remote Touch Interface, which users can toggle between the various menus with, it does take some getting used to. A slip of the finger while scrolling over the mousepad-like device or taking one's eyes off the road for a moment too long to confirm you're at the right menu/setting is not an uncommon practice. Still, the space oozes class and opulence, with every one of the five passengers treated to the ultimate in luxury driving.
How would you rate the LS 500's chances against reckoned rivals like the A8 and 7 Series? Email us your opinion or use the comment section below.
Features that differentiate the F Sport from the Luxury
- Exclusive mesh-design F Sport spindle grille and design concept
- F Sport 20-inch wheels
- F Sport badge for distinction
- Unique F Sport interior package Steering wheel with F- Sport logo
- F Sport Pedals
- Sports seats with F-Sport logo
- Steering wheel finished in 3-spoke leather with matching gearshift design
- Suede roof headlining
- Fabric Illumi door trim ornamentation
- Smooth leather seat cover material
- Resin side trim
- Aluminium door trim
- Simulated leather door arm rest
Superb comfort
The LS 500's best attribute is undoubtedly its ride quality. Punchy V6 engine aside, how the car glides over road imperfections is commendable beyond words. On the winding roads between Sabie and the airport, the LS 500 got a chance to stretch its legs and show just what it had in the bag. Thanks to the adaptive variable suspension, occupants are not at the mercy of a car that sits too low to the ground or riding on tyres that are too low in profile.
Furthermore, Lexus improved the sound insulation and is there no intrusion from wind, tyre, and engine noises. It's expectedly quiet, but one is perhaps not truly prepared for just how good the ambience and feel is. With the driving mode in Sport or Sport S+, the engine's burble finds its way into the cabin, reminding the driver that there are another one of the car's personalities waiting to be unleashed.
With 310kW and 600Nm to its disposal, the LS 500 will clear 0-100km/h in five seconds, with top speed electronically limited to 250km/h. While Lexus went to great lengths to minimize engine noise and vibration, it says that this reworked engine now offers performance and power figures associated with a V8 motor. The engine-gearbox combination brings the LS 500's best attributes to the fore, with a steering feel that compliments each of the car's personalities (read: driving modes).
In summary
The Lexus LS first made its global debut in 1989, having gone on to cement itself in Lexus' stable as a car to lead the way on what we can expect from this Japanese automaker. The latest derivatives should reward their future owners to no end, with each car bringing something unique to the table. Lexus SA has confirmed that it will expand the LS line-up with a hybrid model later this year, but more details will be made available closer to the time.
