The LS is a luxury sport sedan that seats 4 or 5 passengers and is offered with a gas and gas/electric hybrid powertrains. It's Lexus largest sedan, its technology flagship and the vehicle that launched the brand back in 1989. For 2021, the LS gets a significant makeover with revisions to the suspension and hybrid powertrain and a new infotainment system with 12.3-inch touchscreen and Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility. Competitors include the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Genesis G90, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Porsche Panamera and Volvo S90.
Rear-wheel-drive is standard with all-wheel-drive being optional. The gas model is designated LS 500 and the hybrid LS 500h. The 500 gets a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that makes 416 horsepower and pairs to a 10-speed automatic transmission. LS 500h utilizes a 3.5-liter V6 paired to two electric motors and an ingenious mashup of a continuously variable automatic transmission and a regular four-speed automatic a total output of 354 horsepower.
Available driver-assist technology includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rearview camera with cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam headlights. Pricing ranges from $77,000 to $95,000.
Though the hybrid powertrain is unique in the class, it's clunky power delivery and ho-hum economy make it a strange offering likely only to lure the most unique shopper. The best choice for most buyers is the torquey twin-scroll V6. Though horsepower ratings don't impress (in this class), 442 lb-ft of torque doesn't lie. The engine can launch the LS 500 from 0 to 60 MPH in about 5 seconds and provides impressive mid-range passing punch.
The new 10-speed automatic has tightly spaced ratios designed to keep the engine in position to provide instant acceleration while still producing good fuel economy. It shifts imperceptibly and downshifts quickly when called upon. It's not a slick shifting as some dual-clutch transmissions in competitors, but responds to paddle input reasonably well.
The rear-drive LS 500 is EPA rated at 18 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. Unimpressive, even in the class. In addition, the LS requires premium-grade gasoline. In routine suburban commuting expect to average close to 20 MPG, throw in a fair amount of gentle highway cruising and you can up that number to 25 MPG overall. The nearly 22-gallon fuel tank does provide an impressive highway range of nearly 500 miles.
When this generation of LS was introduced back in 2018, critics opined that it was too soft, too floaty. Chassis and suspension changes for 2021 were aimed at addressing those concerns, and, for the most part, have succeeded. The LS plows no more, it doesn't complain when the road gets twisty and it doesn't dive forward when you stand on the brakes. Still, it's not as nimble as competitors from Europe. That's OK, because it nicely meets its mission as a comfortable and luxurious cruiser with a penchant for speed. Overall, the LS's updated chassis is better all around.
The refined suspension does a particularly good job at addressing large impacts, where it smothers, no suffocates, the bump into submission. It's a bit less adept at handling sudden jolts like the kind that you might get from bridge expansion joints, but overall is likely has the best ride quality in the class. There's still some body lean in quick maneuvers and the near-5000-pound curb weight is off putting. But the steering has a very linear dynamic and imparts good road feel. Brakes has excellent stopping power and an easy-to-modulate pedal. Of course, you can firm things up with the adjustable suspension, but why would you want to? In normal mode, the ride is serene and athletic enough to handle anything short of race-track action.
Simply put the LS is a decompression chamber. It's whisper quiet when you want it to be and provides a vault-like feel when closing the doors. Interestingly enough, Lexus allows the twin-turbo V6 to emit a visceral growl in hard acceleration. It's a rich and refined sound, and something that's sure to impress passengers.
Interior décor is stunning and materials are top notch. The instrument cluster is a bit behind the times compared to its competition, yet the head-up display, center stack design and infotainment screen are user-friendly and modern. There's a simplicity and coherence of design that's both welcoming and swanky. The art-wood insets are particularly stunning.
Improvements for 2021 include new seats that feature additional padding and support. While there were nice before, they are positively throne-like now. Both front and rear, the seats offer heating, ventilation, massage features and comfort that is beyond reproach. Though the LS is a large car with a long wheelbase, interior space is somewhat tight. There is enough room for four adults, but not the copious amount you'd expect in the class -- especially in back. It's also a bit of a step down to get in and out.
From a tech standpoint, Lexus left nothing on the table. The LS is loaded with all of today's safety and technology features. There's a bit of an old-school feel though thanks so some redundant buttons and knobs and standard CD player. The big change for 2021 was moving the 12.3-inch infotainment screen closer to front-seat occupants and enabling touch control. That solves a lot of functionality issues, though there's still a redundant control pad on the center console. There's also an available touch screen between the rear seats, allowing back-seat riders to control things like the radio and climate control, as well as operate the multifunctional seats.
With 16 cubic feet of storage space, the LS' trunk is one of the largest in the class. Though not unusual in this class, the rear seats do not fold down to increase storage space. There are lots of hidden and open bins throughout the cabin, providing ample interior storage.
Bottom Line -- Lexus has a very tough play here. Competition in this class is insanely intense, there's no margin for error and overall premium luxury sedan sales are minuscule. That said, the LS carves out a very solid niche for itself. It's extremely comfortable, loaded with safety and technology features, fun enough to drive and stands out in a crowd. At the end of the day though, it's a luxury touring car, not a sports sedan like the BMW or Mercedes. Feature-for-feature it's a bit less expensive that its European competitors, but the biggest worry for Lexus might just be the upstart Genesis G90.
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