Hit the road Testing the new Lexus LS 500

for a car that looks as good as it drives, the lexus ls 500 is our new favourite.

STYLE IS EVERYTHING Japanese craftsmanship is tantamount to curated masterpieces that cannot be thrown together overnight. The passion of masters at work takes years of an obsession to build the perfect masterpiece. This Japanese marque prides itself on the philosophy of takumi, a skilled worker who practices trades or handcraft with invisible powers that makes one deeply moved.

This is the essence of the Lexus LS 500. Design that is inspired by timeless, Japanese art forms. Precision, culture, and a philosophy of comfort and hospitality are reimagined through the entire design language of this vehicle.

TURBO BOOST What makes the LS 500 stand apart from the rest? The twin turbo engine paired up with a brand new 10-speed automatic transmission. So if you’re in the mood for a performance-orientated car, you’ve hit the jackpot.

Creature Comforts Many of the design elements in the interior are inspired by Japanese art forms. The interior embraces the medium of origami in the creation of exclusive ornamentation and hand-pleated door panels. Additionally, the new front and rear seat designs even offer spa-level massage functions. Comfort right at the touch of a button.

PEACE OF MIND No need to stress about those long drives anymore. The in-cabin technology includes a 12.3-inch multimedia screen with rear-seat DVD entertainment, as well as Mark Levinson 23-speaker QLI Reference Surround Sound Audio System.

THE SPECS Economy Fuel efficiency is 9.5l/100km. Safety features Safety is tantamount in the LS 500 and includes a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS); airbags in the driver, passenger, side, knee and curtain areas with rear cushioning; and a Pre-crash System which detects the risk of an impact. Price From R2 141 400 with a sevenyear/10 500km warranty and a full maintenance plan.