2020 Lexus LS 500

The Lexus LS 500 is aptly the flagship luxury sedan from the automaker whose re-entry in 2019 created the required ripples in the large luxury sedan segment. The LS 500 is a symbol of comfort, composure, stability, and undoubted reliability. The handcrafted interiors and attention to detail exterior are the crests of luxury and appeal. The fluidic driving control added with plentiful standard features is something to look out for. The 2020 model year LS 500 is priced at $75,450. 

Somethings are too perfect to be true. The other side of the LS 500 indicates the same. With complex infotainment controls, no Android Auto and cramped rear in comparison to its German rivals, LS 500 still have reasons delimiting it rank higher in the segment. This affordable large luxury sedan still holds a high head-turning-quotient. 

The Lexus has embarked upon a vehicle that offers an experience that only it could create. The flagship LS 500 redefines what a flagship can be. Making an entry in 2019, the LS 500 has been a game-changer for Lexus and also for the segment which was stagnant. The LS 500 comes with a twin-turbo V6, equally powerful as it is efficient. The LS 500h offers a hybrid powertrain maximizing the fuel efficiency in similar skin. Though the transcendence of LS 500 through every standard is just the beginning. The default rear-wheel-drive driven by 10-speed automatic transmission accomplishes the purpose as intended.

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The presence of relentless standard features and revolutionary craftmanship grants the LS 500 a unique stature in the luxury sedan segment. The sharp looks complemented by plush interiors provide the prestigious LS 500 a rippling effect. It is amazing to see the value package priced considerably lower than the other luxury sedans in the segment. However, the outdated infotainment system and a relatively small rear give further opportunity for LS 500 to improve upon.

The Lexus LS 500 for the 2020 model year offered at an MSRP of $75,450 is a hidden gem. The value, composure, comfort, and reliability is unquestionable. The only powertrain is adequately powered and efficient at the same time. The Lexus LS 500 proves to be a good choice for value on offer.

The Lexus LS 500 feels deceptively muscular with a twin-turbo V6 delivering 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The renewed commitment of Lexus to performance flashes strong with the luxury sedan showing guts in this rarified class. To be on par with its German rivals who mechanize their cars outstandingly for a neck-snapping ride, the Lexus is pushing for performance upgrades to its luxury sedans.

The new twin-turbo V6 engine churns out a lot of power, you won't miss the V8’s valor of the previous variant. However, there is a sense able lag between jabbing the pedal and the car’s response. Though, still, the Lexus LS 500 with its 3.5L engine is the fastest car in its lot to do 60 mph test. It crosses the 60mph mark in about 4.6 sec The LS 500 engine is mated with 10-speed automatic transmission beautifully tuned to complement the luxurious essence of the drive with its smooth and peaceful shifts.

The Lexus LS 500 cruises with intent and much more vigor. The devilish looking Lexus LS 500 now seems to find its magic. Though the likes of BMW and Mercedes offer a V8 option which mesmerizes every time one pushes the accelerator.

Acceleration

Surely, a question to ask as it has never been a strong point for Lexus. The exceedingly plush Lexus LS stands out for its craftsmanship and attention to detail. For the 2020 model year, LS 500 comes equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, quiet and quick. The 4.6 sec for 0-60 MPH and top track speed of 136 MPH in a rear-wheel-drive is impressive but isn’t topnotch in the segment.

Also, the transmission in Lexus LS 500 is electronically controlled with the availability of paddle shifters. 

The rear-wheel-drive configuration adds more punch and Lexus LS 500 charges almost immediately. The standing-start performance with an RWD stands out but in wet-conditions or on an undulating track an AWD is advisable. The RWD also lowers down the torque steer.

Ride and Handling

Rather than being athletic, the LS’s cosmetics are calibrated for comfort. The cabin is practically insulated by any road noise, and the long wheelbase takes bumps with ease. Though the chassis controls body roll to a certain level, it hoists a white flag on high speeds. The steering morphs from being light on the Normal mode and gets heavier with the transition to Sport and Sport Plus modes. To an occasional driver, the LS might seem like a quick to act car but give it time you will feel the gap in acceleration.

Although it has the power and agility of a sports car, it doesn’t really fit in the sporty class. The initial lag of acceleration is there in every drive mode, the Sport and Sports Plus improves it a little but it's still traceable.

Braking 

The brakes aren’t just for stopping, especially for performance cars. The Lexus luxury sedan is equipped with 14-inch ventilated discs in front and 13.1-inches ventilated discs in the rear. The brakes feel confident without showing a selfish desire.

The BRAKING SYSTEM of Lexus LS 500 comprises of following:

• Four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with Electronic Controlled Braking (ECB)
• Four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist

The Lexus LS makes use of forced induction and hybrid technology to be fuel-efficient. The LS 500 luxury-sedan scores 19 cities, 30 highway, and 23 combined mpg for rear-wheel-drive models, while opting for all-wheel drive drops those numbers to 18/27/22.5 mpg.

The 10-speed automatic transmission creates a right balance between the power and efficiency of the mighty engine. Despite the engine producing 416 hp, the gear ratios make way for a fuel-efficient Lexus LS 500.

Before you look at the future, you analyze the past. The previous generation Lexus LS stood true to its Luxury Sedan nomenclature, enjoyed a well-crafted and plush cabin. The Lexus has redefined what luxury stands for. The amalgamation of the traditional native principle of “Omotenashi” with modern technology results in a beautiful fusion that Lexus LS 500 is.

The delicately handcrafted Kiriko glass interior door trim and art wood organic trim created by a traditional Takumi craftsman enhances the vibrancy of the LS cabin. The driver-centric interior of Lexus LS has been exemplified by the precision-crafted steering wheel along with adaptive variable air suspension allowing for easy entry-exit and low center-of-gravity.

Key Interior Features

• Four-zone climate concierge
• Responsive Seating
• Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
• Semi-aniline perforated leather-trimmed interior
• Executive-class seating
• 28-way power front seats with multifunction massage
• Wood and leather-trimmed rear-center console
• Power open/close trunk with kick sensor
• Lexus memory system
• Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)

Infotainment-

Every coin has two sides. The Lexus LS 500 comes with a car-load of technology features but the finicky infotainment controls aren’t engaging. The good part about LS 500 technology and infotainment includes a standard navigation system with a 12.3-inch high-definition display. The high-resolution split-screen multimedia display provides simultaneous access to audio or climate controls and various systems. The voice-activated navigation system and language options of English, French, and Spanish complement it.

The irking behavior of the infotainment touchpad diverts the driver’s attention while on the road. Also, the complexity to learn “how to use the multimedia” may take some time. The Lexus LS brings in more features but lacks the precise usability where it allows its rivals to take the lead.

Key Infotainment Features

• 23-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound Audio System
• Lexus Enform app suite 2.0
• Apple car play and Amazon Alexa integration
• 12.3-inch infotainment screen
• Drive mode select
• Remote Touchpad

Cargo Capacity

The flagship LS 500 prioritizes the passenger comfort over utility, the average cargo size signifies the same. The trunk opens wide with hands-free trunk access activated by waving your foot under the bumper apart from a button on the key fob, on the trunk lid and next to the steering wheel. The convenience is amplified by the low lift-height which enables easy trunk access for a bulkier load.

However, the trunk goes narrow towards the rear seat and the back seat doesn’t fold down to offer extra space.

The Japanese built LS is built on the same platform as the high-performance LC coupe. The striking features create a balance between sophistication and safety highlighted by a triple-beam LED headlamps and “spindle” shape grille. With sleek-coupe like profile and available Art-Wood trim showcases the unconventional engineering taking LS to the pinnacle of distinctive design

The Lexus LS F Sport features a distinguished appearance with exclusive sport design elements and F sport badging. Though the Lexus LS 500h is not much separated from its non-hybrid counterpart aside from the badge on the trunk.

Speaking of the wheelbase, this Lexus gets a wheelbase of 123 inches, which is not the best in its class but fair enough to make the car stable at high speeds. The Audi A8 is the biggest car compared to all the rivals. The A8 has a length of 207.3 inches, a width of 76.7 inches and a height of 57.9 inches, the Beemer has a wheelbase of 126.4 inches and it’s the longest among all its rivals. Overall, the LS is well built and qualifies the luxury sedan market.

Exterior Features-

• Panorama Glass Roof
• LED Headlamps W/Adaptive Front Lighting System
• Alloy Wheel Locks
• Door Edge Guards
• Door Edge Film By 3M
• 20" Split 10-Spoke Alloy Wheels W/Vapor Chrome Finish
• F SPORT Rear Bumper Applique
• Rear Bumper Applique
• 20" Split 5-Spoke Forged Alloy Wheels W/Polished Finish
• 19" Split 10-Spoke Alloy Wheels W/High Gloss Finish
• Premium Paint

The Lexus flagship LS awakens the peace of mind with its Lexus Safety Sense 2.0 system, a class-leading suite that offers standard active-safety equipment. The standard active safety features include a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert with steering assist and road sign assist. An advanced Safety package is available that can steer the car around obstacles automatically at low speeds and is worth considering if you live in an urban environment.

This standard system is highly intelligent and manages the car speed around the curves’ to handle turns with added confidence. The Lexus vision of an accident-free world is complemented with its advanced technology upgrades. Neither the National highway traffic safety authority nor the insurance institute of highway safety has crash-tested the LS 500 and the trend continues for other performance-oriented luxury sedans as well. 

Key Safety Features:

• Lexus Safety Sense 2.0
• A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic braking
• Lexus Safety System+ A
• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Active lane control
• High-beam assist
• Road sign detection

Lexus LS 500 Sedan Vs BMW 7 series

This bout of Lexus LS 500 and BMW 7 series is won by BMW 7-series with a narrow margin but with a financial implication. With the higher price of BMW 7-series comes the car-load of upgrades as compared with Lexus Ls 500. The bimmer offers top-notch performance with more than 500 hp combined with a serene ride and desired handling. The bimmer also surpasses the LS 500 in terms of rear passenger space and added cargo space. Both the luxury sedans are great buys but if the budget isn’t the issue, BMW 7-series will the first choice.

Lexus LS 500 Sedan Vs Audi A8

The Lexus Ls comes neck-and-neck with the A8. With a price advantage for Lexus LS 500, it has a capable handling, handcrafted interiors and plentiful of safety and technological upgrades. The Audi A8 share the availability of plush interiors and agile handling but might feel sluggish with a 335 hp power option. However, the Audi A8 offers roomier rear cabin along with an infotainment system which is easier to control. In terms of reliability, Lexus is un-beatable. So, picking between the vehicles is a matter of preference.

Lexus LS 500 Sedan Vs Mercedes AMG E-class

The Lexus LS 500 offers elegance and exquisite room for added comfort, surely diminishing the Mercedes in terms of space. The AMG E-class offers additional power but isn’t quick from start-stop. With smaller trunk, AMG also lags on the utility. Though, both cars share the driving dynamics, with AMG slightly better at maneuverability through the city or on the highway. Looking at the pricing, The Lexus LS 500 will be the first choice.

The 2020 model year Lexus LS 500 with its affordable pricing for a luxury sedan offers a value package and practicality. For the extraordinary build quality, ample power, top-notch reliability, attention to detail, safety and convenience features, comfort, low depreciation value, and relatively reasonable pricing leads the pros more than the cons. The not-so-good features are the lack of engagement in the drive and frustrating infotainment controls. The pros, however, outweigh the cons. If budget isn’t a matter of concern the LS is a no brainer.