LEXUS LS500 F SPORT
Europe’s ‘large luxury’ was the first segment fired at by Lexus back in 1990. So, 31 years on, how’s Japan’s aim?
THE LATEST Lexus LS limousine has quite a unique character depending on the choice of engines and two trim levels available. The most driver-focused example, the LS500 F Sport, is fitted with the 310kW, 600Nm 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 rather than the 264kW 3.5-litre V6 hybrid, as well as a raft of mechanical inclusions aimed at making it sharper to drive.
For their substantial near-$200K outlay, LS owners benefit from a fairly absurd level of standard equipment, including soft-close doors, 28-way adjustable and heated seats, heated steering wheel and an electronically controlled rear sunshade and sunroof; while the infotainment has been upgraded to a 12.3-inch widescreen and 23-speaker Mark Levinson stereo with subwoofer. Historically, Lexus infotainment systems have been controlled by the brand’s clunky, awkward trackpad but it now has touchscreen functionality, which is infinitely preferable. A digital rearview mirror appears for the first time, ensuring vision even with the rear sunshades up, while a 600 by 150mm colour head-up display contains speed and navigation.
The list of safety equipment is even longer, and debuts Intersection Turning Assist, which warns if the driver is about to turn across the path of an oncoming vehicle. Radar Cruise Control can recognise speed signs, trace road markings of its own accord and be programmed to slow by itself for curves, while new adaptive LED headlights enable the light to be controlled in 0.1-degree increments.
The new LS also debuts Lexus Connected Services with automated collision notification, stolen vehicle tracking and the ability to SOS call via a button in the overhead console.
As you would expect from a twinturbo V6 producing 310kW and
600Nm, there is ample power to shrug off the burden of 2230kg with ease, assisted by a 10-speed auto that is incredibly clever in its shift logic when Sport Plus mode is selected.
The broad spread of power makes for effortless progress – 0-100km/h is claimed to take 5.0sec – but comes with an equal thirst, the official combined claim of 10.0L/100km quickly becoming irrelevant in heavy use. The claimed urban consumption of 14.2L/100km is a better indicator,
but if fuel consumption matters then the Hybrid’s claim of 7.8L/100km (urban) will be more palatable.
Oddly, it’s when the road turns twisty that this enormous machine begins to shine. The F Sport models include variable-ratio steering, rear-wheel steering, monster brakes (400mm discs with six-piston calipers at the front and 359mm discs with four-piston calipers at the rear), 30mm-wider rear tyres and, on this twin-turbo variant, active anti-roll bars front and rear.
For such a big, heavy car, the LS is remarkably athletic. It has great balance, plenty of grip, accurate steering, strong brakes and can be hustled remarkably quickly.
The experience in the back is just as important as that behind the steering wheel in a car like this, and the LS scores plenty of points in this area. Its vast 5.24m length gives it incredible levels of legroom and the seats (also heated in the rear) have been revised, with deeper stitch points and softer urethane padding.
Speaking of seating, the front seats are a little short on under-thigh support and, despite their 28-way adjustment, lack the ability to extend the cushion, which seems an oversight.
Returning to the rear, the Sports Luxury includes a lot of equipment the F Sport misses out on, including quad-zone climate control, rear entertainment screens, powered rear seats with massage, cooling and recline function for the passenger side, two more airbags, side sunshades, a cooler box (twin-turbo model only) and a touchscreen in the centre armrest to control all these functions.
To say the Lexus LS is not a volume player is an understatement – just
145 were sold in the past three years combined, compared to 656 S-Class Benzes – but these are important customers, Lexus boss Scott Thompson stating many LS customers are on their third or fourth consecutive examples. These customers clearly rate the car’s combination of interior quality, whisper-quiet operation, aftersales experience and unique design.
Given that scenario, it’s probably a case of which LS to buy, and it’s difficult to recommend the F Sport. It is remarkable to drive, but the greater interior personalisation, improved ride comfort and extra equipment (for relatively little extra outlay) swings the pendulum in favour of the Sports Luxury variant.