Used 2021 Lexus LS

The 2021 Lexus LS full-size luxury sedan is a prime example of artisanal brilliance on wheels. Japan has a tradition of mind-blowing craftsmanship with astounding attention to detail, and that approach informs virtually every aspect of this flagship sedan.

The LS is also incredibly comfortable, supremely reliable, tremendously safe, and holds its value to a level that makes German companies envious. Yet it’s priced competitively, and even the dealer experience is more pleasurable than usual. There’s also a hybrid version, the LS 500h, for those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint.

This generation of LS (the fifth) debuted as a 2018 model and receives a mid-life revamp for 2021. This includes making the cabin even quieter and the ride quality even smoother and more composed, extra cushioning for the seats and armrests, and a new piston design for greater fuel efficiency before the engine reaches its usual working temperature.

The real deal-maker, however, could be the new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that makes operation far more intuitive and user-friendly than the unloved touchpad.

Granted, the LS doesn’t appeal to driving fans as much as a BMW 7 Series (not even in F Sport form), nor does it have the cachet of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class — traditionally the best-selling flagship sedan. And the Audi A8 does a “technological powerhouse wrapped in cool style” thing which the LS can’t match. But buyers seeking a luxury conveyance that doesn’t depreciate at the same rate as the typical German flagship sedan should definitely have the 2021 LS on their “must consider” list.

Power levels in the 2021 LS 500 and LS 500h hybrid are suitably authoritative for a full-size luxury sedan. Although some rivals offer V8 engines, the LS 500 performs perfectly well with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. Its 10-speed automatic transmission is beautifully refined, with barely perceptible shift actions.

The F Sport treatment in the LS 500 doesn’t add power, but includes a firmer suspension, quicker transmission shifts, and stronger brakes that feel confident without being grabby. Even the regular LS has selectable driving modes that include a Sport Plus setting that sharpens responses of the steering, throttle, transmission, and suspension for extra liveliness while remaining essentially comfortable.

However, such sporty additions seem to take the LS into an area that differs from its essential nature, like asking a ballet dancer to start boxing.

For ultimate comfort, an adjustable air suspension is available. This has also been revised for 2021 and has a useful adjustable height feature, so occupants can enter and exit with greater ease.

The LS 500h hybrid is almost as quick as its regular counterpart, but has the advantage of lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions.

Previous LS generations have always enjoyed well-assembled cabins with quality materials, but this current LS adds a different character. Instead of imitating European marques, there’s a justifiable pride in its nation of origin, fusing traditional values with modern high-tech features.

LS owners may specify Kiriko cut-glass/hand-pleated origami-inspired cloth panels in the doors. Alternatively, the more conventional wood trim is exceptionally classy. In addition to exemplary construction, the cabin also features Active Noise Control (improved for 2021) to keep sound levels well and truly hushed.

All these niceties are applied to excellent fundamentals. This year’s revisions include new seat springs as well as thicker material above them.

The optional digital rearview mirror has grown. Instead of showing a mere reflection like ordinary mirrors, this one can display a wider image from a rear-facing camera that’s free of pillars or other hindrances like passengers’ heads.

All versions of the 2021 Lexus LS have triple-beam LED headlights as standard, which contribute to the striking front end. The other big ingredient here is the “spindle” grille. Let’s assume everyone has seen it by now and has formed an opinion, positive or otherwise.

Changes for this year include a revised front fascia with slightly different air intakes and headlights. The grille has a new dark metallic finish. And last year’s chrome accents in the taillights are now piano black. A new color for 2021, Iridium, is a kind of mid-grey metallic.

The F Sport treatment brings 20-inch alloy wheels. Apart from the badge on the trunk, there isn’t much to separate the 2021 Lexus LS 500h from its non-hybrid counterpart.

SUMPTUOUS INTERIOR
Inside the 2021 LS, the ultra-modern (like an ear-thrilling 23-speaker audio setup) blends with traditional Japanese craftsmanship, while making occupants feel like the most important people in the world. Options include 28-way power-adjustable front seats, Shiatsu-influenced massage functions, and a reclining rear seat with an ottoman.

HYBRID POWERTRAIN
Hybrid cars make sense in stop/go traffic, not just for saving fuel (although the LS 500h can average a respectable 28 mpg), but also in reducing emissions. The other hybrid advantage is that the LS 500h’s total output of 354 horsepower brings a useful turn of speed — standstill to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds.

Lexus makes a point of supplying lots of standard equipment for the price, and the 2021 LS doesn’t deviate from that strategy.

Even at its entry level, the LS comes with a car-load of features. The range begins with rear-wheel drive, 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, leather upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, soft-closing doors, hands-free trunk lid operation, navigation, Wi-Fi, front/rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams.

The infotainment system now includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen.

Both LS 500 and LS 500h versions offer the option of all-wheel drive. And the non-hybrid also offers the F Sport package, which includes 20-inch alloy wheels, 28-way power-adjustable front sport seats, perforated leather upholstery, and a sport-tuned variable suspension.

Delve deeper into the options list to find features such as the air suspension, massaging seats, reclining/heated rear seats, quad-zone automatic climate control, Kiriko glass/folded-cloth door panels, and a Mark Levinson 23-speaker/2,400-watt surround-sound system.

Other options include a panoramic glass roof, 360-degree camera system, 24-inch head-up display, and adaptive LED headlights.

A twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 endows the 2021 LS 500 with a deceptively muscular (because power delivery is so smooth) 416 horsepower. A 10-speed automatic transmission sends that energy to the rear wheels (RWD) by default, or to an optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

The hybrid 2021 LS 500h also has a 3.5-liter V6, which is augmented by two electric motors for a total system output of 354 horsepower (Lexus doesn’t give torque figures for its hybrid vehicles). A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is paired with a 4-speed automatic gear set. It’s been engineered to simulate the feel and response of a conventional 10-speed automatic, but doesn’t quite hit the mark. Once again, RWD is standard, AWD is optional.

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (LS 500)
416 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
442 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/29 mpg (RWD), 17/27 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter Atkinson cycle V6 + 2 electric motors (LS 500h)
354 total system horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/33 mpg (RWD), 23/31 mpg (AWD)