Surprisingly good value… for a limo.
Japanese luxury marque Lexus might not know it yet, but we reckon that the latest-generation LS500 and LS500h actually has what it takes to make a proper attempt to the mainstream limousine segment. The LS has long played at the fringes of the full-size limousine game, ceding superiority to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, and Audi A8.
But with a starting price of $190,500, the Lexus LS actually has a pretty strong starting block, offering twin-turbo V6 or V6-electric hybrid motivation for less than its mainstream rivals. Despite looking the most extroverted of the bunch, the Lexus LS is actually cheaper than the S-Class, the 7-Series, and the Audi A8, with the Merc only offering up a paltry diesel-electric powertrain for the sum. Psh.
“The new Lexus flagship is destined to repeat LS history as a car that redefines and advances automotive luxury expectations and customer satisfaction. With multiple world- and Lexus-firsts, it breaks new ground in design, technology, and performance. More than any other model, he LS embodies the history and image of Lexus and serves as a symbol for everything the brand represents - a luxury lifestyle brand that offers amazing experiences.” — Scott Thompson, Chief Executive, Lexus Australia
Rather amazingly, there’s no price difference between the V6 LS500 and the hybrid LS500h, though the $190k sticker price applies only to models in F-Sport trim. Move up to ‘Sports Luxury’ and you’ll have to pay an additional $5000. There are also 8 interior trim “ornamentation” options, with half of those choices prepared to set you back an additional $9880, though you do get beautiful hand-cut Kiriko glass inlays and hand-pleated door trims for your money.
Built on the new GA-L platform, the Lexus LS was able to offer a longer wheelbase which in turn has improved cabin accommodation, offered perfect weight distribution over the two axles, and (allegedly) achieved the lowest centre of gravity of any car in its class. The 90kg weight reduction means the 310kW/600Nm V6 or 264kW hybrid won’t have to work quite as hard to get the car up to speed, hence why the latter powertrain can hit 100km/h in just 5.4-seconds.
‘Standard’ F-Sport models feature unique flourishes like 20-inch alloys, bespoke front and rear bumpers, high-performance brakes, four-wheel steering, active stabiliser bars, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, and air suspension with adaptive variable spring rates.
The new LS will feature safety tech like active cruise control, lane keep assist, and adaptive high beams. No self-driving tech here, with Lexus boss Tokuo Fukuichi saying that the autonomous-tech race we’re seeing from the brands’ competitors means “the customer has been lost in the conversation.” However, the new LS does feature a pedestrian avoidance system, which can recognise a human being in the road and not only brake, but also steer itself away from a collision.
On the luxury end of things, the LS offers 28-way power-adjustable front seats, replete with heating, cooling, and massage functions. The rear pews get the same options, while the captain’s chair (behind the front passenger) boasts a 48-degree reclining angle. It also raises itself by up to 24-degrees, to aid ingress and egress from the big Lexus. The LS now sits 15mm lower to the ground, which has prompted Lexus to offer an “access” functionality to the LS’s air suspension package, raising the car and relaxing the seat bolsters to allow for better movement in and out of the car.
Dimensions-wise, the LS is now 5,235mm long, on a 3,125mm wheelbase. This means it’s not only longer than even the ‘L’ extended-wheelbase version of the outgoing LS, it’s also longer than its chief rival, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The LS will not be offered in a shorter version, though thankfully we know that there isn’t a long-wheelbase version in the works (because we’re pretty sure that would be about the length of a bus).
While we have no doubt that the Lexus has the competition pipped in terms of outright value, we also have little doubt that the competitors will sell in far stronger numbers than the Japanese upstart. That said, the Lexus LS is definitely a gem of a thing and really shouldn’t be discounted simply for not being German. We can’t wait to get one on test.
For more information on Lexus, check out our Showroom.
