The Lexus LS500 is classic luxury
Land yacht, you say. I think of it as more like a floating couch
I am not sure how many times I can explain the market today and its need for upscale luxury, but when we discuss this topic, we always tip our hat to Lexus. In the Lexus market, although similar to Toyota, the LS is that upscale Avalon that everyone loves and has become very familiar with.
For over 30 years, we have witnessed the LS and its long existence in the luxury market. Although always a looker with its excellent recognition in the market and consumer enjoyment, the LS certainly has a place in today’s market as well. Most consumers seem to be past owners who enjoy them so much that getting a newer version is all the norm.
Coming in with an interesting twin-turbo, 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 416 horsepower, we recognize its efficiency and utilization.
In this market, we historically have noticed an eight-cylinder engine, which lacks fuel mileage and sometimes is overpowered. It’s a nice touch for Lexus with the six-cylinder, and, in the LS500, it aligned it with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission that was unnoticeable.
“Lexus redefined the luxury sedan three decades ago when it introduced the LS, and the newest model continues the original’s tradition of unmatched refinement and comfort at a high-value price,” said Karl Brauer, executive analyst for iseecars.com. “Lexus needed to step up its connected game in recent years, but with full Android Auto integration, along with Amazon Alexa compatibility and a new Lexus mobile app, the brand’s topline sedan has matched the competition.”
The classic LS500 rides on 19-inch run-flat tires and we noticed the ride to be stiffer than usual, but runflats will do that for sure. With multiple-drive modes, such as eco, comfort, sport and Sport +, there are many ways to enjoy the LS. With a base price of just under $80k, the competition has a lot of work to do to match it.
Our weeklong tester came with an executive package, which focused on comfort. It came with seat massagers, heated seats, 28-way front row seats, power buckles and fourzone climate concierge, all for $23,580. The Mark Levinson audio system was also exceptional as concert living was the first thing that comes to mind. Lexus really does a good job in this department and has for years.
For Toyota Motor Co., its upscale brand Lexus is full of individuality. Although it has some basic features similar to that of its sister model the Avalon, it offers a high value and is full of comfort, all for a great price.