Used 2023 Lexus LS

Silent, silken, sumptuous. The Lexus LS sure doesn’t come across as one of the most affordable large luxury sedans on the market. The build quality in every aspect is nothing short of superb, the attention to detail is fascinating, and the technology is current.

Numbers don’t lie, however. Prices of the 2023 LS, in conjunction with robust resale values, make this a flagship for the sensible.

The Germans have their super-powered models to barrel down the autobahn, but the perfectly adequate muscle of the LS works well enough in the rest of the world. The LS has the right amount of indulgence with its own subtle, understated character.

Welcome to the second-best seat in the house. The first is the back, where heating, massaging, and reclining features beckon. At least all occupants benefit from a gliding ride quality — with the possible exception of the F Sport version, which we’ll get to in a moment.

Life behind the wheel is pretty sweet, nevertheless. There’s the 16-way (at least) power-adjustable/heated/ventilated seats, a comprehensive array of driver assistance features, plus the options of an adaptive air suspension, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control.

The 416-horsepower turbocharged V6 hums and purrs far in the background yet brings its authoritative thrust at a low engine speed for decisive moves.

The F Sport variant has closer-fitting front seats and a sportier edge to its suspension, but no extra power. Asking a large luxury sedan to become an enthusiast machine is a bit like asking a football quarterback to be a synchronized swimmer — it’s possible, but not a natural fit. We prefer the LS in its comfort zone of being, well, a comfort zone.

If the duties of a 2023 LS are based mainly in the city, take a look at the LS 500h hybrid, whose in-town fuel economy is better than its combustion-only counterpart by four or five miles per gallon. It also has self-parking as standard. And for the occasional road trip, the Advanced Driving System is a recent addition. It’s a hands-free/feet-free feature for major highway stretches.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of large luxury sedans, including this Lexus LS.

Comfortable seats, spacious and quiet cabin, high-quality materials, modern tech, etc. Wonderful. But large luxury sedans are expected to have all this stuff. It’s the optional interior treatments that are more remarkable.

Like the cut-glass Kiriko door panel inserts, which come with origami-inspired hand-pleated cloth and a powered ottoman for the right rear seat — a seat that also has shiatsu massage functions. These are all part of a special Executive package. Or there’s the Haku hand-fitted ultra-thin metal pieces for the doors, descended from a 400-year-old tradition.

Although it’s relatively affordable, the 2023 Lexus LS admirably fulfills the role of an exclusive flagship sedan.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Why ruin the calm and collected atmosphere of Lexus LS with an untidy cable? Wireless smartphone integration is now standard.

Infotainment system
Updated for 2023, this system includes a high-res 12.3-inch touchscreen and a digital assistant. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Apple Music streaming.

Executive Package
Yes, it’s expensive (at least $16,855 in the LS 500), but it turns the rear quarters into a sanctuary, with just two seats covered in diamond-stitched semi-aniline leather — both enjoying 22-way power adjustment, plus heating and massaging functions. A 7-inch touchscreen is also included.

Mark Levinson audio
At $1,940, this is relatively cheap for a high-end surround-sound system. And it’s an individual option (no need to splash out on a package). This 23-speaker/2,400-watt setup could bring out details in favorite tunes you may not have heard before. It’s standard in the LS 500h hybrid.

Panoramic View Monitor
Being able to see around the car completely is always a good thing when maneuvering. Optional in the LS 500, standard in the LS 500h.

Power lift-up buckle
This is one of those “how about that?” kind of little features. Open the door, and the seat belt buckle rises up so it’s easier to reach. Again, optional in the regular car, standard in the hybrid.

The 416 horsepower in the regular LS 500 makes this car one of the most muscular at the entry level of large luxury sedans. The Audi A8, for example, starts out with 335 horsepower.

It’s achieved with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, smooth and whisper-quiet, accompanied by an equally respectable 442 lb-ft of torque. This goes to the rear wheels (RWD) or an optional all-wheel drive (AWD) through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The hybrid alternative is a 354-horsepower gasoline/electric drivetrain in the LS 500h, which comes with AWD as standard, as well as a model-specific automatic transmission.

Premium gasoline is required for both drivetrains.

3.4-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 V6 and dual electric motors (LS 500h)
354 total system horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/29 mpg (AWD)

More Lexus LS fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

4-year/50,000-mile warranty

The basic warranty with a new Lexus LS flagship sedan is 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain warranty is for 6 years or 70,000 miles, while hybrid components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles. These provisions are typical for the luxury car sector. The hybrid battery, though, does even better: 10 years or 150,000 miles.

Lexus also includes two complimentary services — one at 5,000 miles, the other at 10,000 miles.