Lexus LS Saloon
New from £79,800
Is the Lexus LS Saloon a good car?
Read our expert review
Words by: Autotrader
"The Lexus LS500h is a very impressive looking car with distinctive style inside and out. The hybrid powertrain is similarly unique and able to switch seamlessly between petrol and electric power (or a combination of both) but the engine can sound strained and the plug-in hybrid rivals have more usable pure electric range."
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Running costs for a Lexus LS 500h
For all the raised eco expectations of the hybrid branding the official combined figures are 35.7mpg and 175g/km for the rear-wheel drive versions and 30.7mpg and 208g/km for the all-wheel drive models. This is on a par (or marginally better) than the diesel powered options in rivals like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series or Audi A8 but way behind their full plug-in hybrid versions, which will cost heavily in Benefit In Kind if you were going to run it as a company car. Until October 2021 these plug-in rivals also score a ‘cleaner vehicle discount’ in the London Congestion Charge zone, which will make a massive difference if you need a luxury limo for purring about the capital or are running it as a chauffeur car. It’s an expensive car to buy too, the base model comparing reasonably against rivals from Mercedes, BMW and Audi but the higher spec quickly increasing the upfront costs.
Reliability of a Lexus LS 500h
Lexus as a brand has an excellent reputation for both reliability and customer care. Saying that, our test car encountered a glitch with its navigation system while connected to Apple devices and discussion with Lexus highlighted an interesting case-study in how a customer would have been treated in such a situation. Much like phones and computers, modern cars require frequent software updates and these are typically added as part of the regular service regime. If, as in this case, a problem occurs that impacts on the car’s operation Lexus told us they’d offer to collect the vehicle or invite the owner into the dealership for the upgrade. A spokesperson told us that dealers’ “individual, flexible approach to needs” is one reason the brand performs well in customer satisfaction surveys.
Safety for a Lexus LS 500h
Flagship cars in this class are typically showcases for the latest in safety and driver assistance technology and the LS is no exception. As standard it comes with the Lexus Safety System+, comprising Pre-Collision System, radar activated Adaptive Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, Lane Keep Assist and the anti-tiredness Sway Warning. Automatic High Beam is standard for the triple LED headlights, a more sophisticated Adaptive High-Beam System featuring on pricier models. The expanded Lexus Safety System+A is reserved for the top trim level and adds Pedestrian Alert and semi-autonomous functions like Active Steering Assist and Lane Tracing Assist. Impressive on paper, but we found the latter two systems easily confused, sometimes requiring unexpected manual override and less confidence inspiring than similar packages from rival manufacturers.
How comfortable is the Lexus LS 500h
The LS’s exterior styling makes a powerful statement but Lexus correctly lavishes its real attention on its occupants, as befits a luxury limo. While many in the sector offer standard and long-wheelbase versions the LS comes purely as the latter, with a generously appointed rear cabin geared to owners who like to be driven as well as drive themselves. While technically a five-seater the backrest of the rear seat is more typically folded down and used as an armrest and touchscreen control centre for seats, climate and media while the hybrid battery system restricts boot space compared with rivals. The LS is packed with chassis technology intended to improve comfort, handling and performance. All versions get variable damper control adjusted via six driver modes while higher trim grades gain more sophisticated air suspension. This is a must-have for a car of this class and can adapt firmness and ride height, even adopting a raised ‘Access Mode’ when you unlock the doors to aid entry and exit. In its Comfort mode the LS rides with an imperious calm, if perhaps not the magic carpet smoothness of an equivalently specified Mercedes S-Class.
Features of the Lexus LS 500h
The equipment list is generous and, in keeping with brand traditions, most kit is included in the base price for each grade. Lexus Premium Navigation with a 12.3-inch display is standard on all models, as is the full-colour head-up display projecting key information onto the windscreen. Soft-close doors are standard, likewise the old-school addition of a tilt/slide sunroof. All get two-zone climate control while top models get a more sophisticated four-zone system with a clever Lexus Climate Concierge system that automatically adjusts heating and ventilation according to your body temperature and environmental conditions. The 23-speaker Mark Levinson stereo is standard on the top model and pretty much worth the price of the optional Premium Pack it’s included in on other models. Clearly the LS is designed around its rear-seat occupants, the more so as you progress up the range. Leather is standard, becoming progressively more luxurious while all but the entry-level car get 28-way power-adjustable front seats. On the top model this goes as far as reclining rear seats with leg rest and Shiatsu-inspired massage functions. The nearside rear passenger can even control the front passenger seat and effectively fold it forward to fully stretch out as you might in a first-class airline seat. Stylistic flourishes designed to showcase traditional Japanese craftsmanship include intricate origami-inspired quilting on top spec models and optional Kiriko glass trim. It’s a more expressive cabin than many in the sector but the LS lags behind Mercedes, BMW and Audi in terms of integrated technology and the more traditional binnacle and separate infotainment screen are somewhat outdated, ditto the fiddly touchpad interface.
Power for a Lexus LS 500h
While diesel engines are widespread in rivals and popular with the chauffeur market the LS is hybrid only. At its heart is a petrol 3.5-litre V6, assisted by two electric motors. The Lexus can also operate in pure electric mode, albeit for very short distances and at low speeds. You can just about purr around town on pure electric power for a mile or so but any gradients or assertive throttle inputs quickly wake the petrol engine, relegating EV mode to little more than novelty. The Lexus also has a very complicated transmission. It claims to have eliminated the ‘rubber band’ sensation (Lexus’s words) of the CVT component but if you need to accelerate smartly the engine can rev wildly in search of a ‘ratio’ and the noise is harsh and intrusive for a car of this stature.
Lease deals
These deals are based on terms of 8,000 miles, for a 36 month lease with a 6 months initial payment.
Standard equipment
Expect the following equipment on your Lexus LS Saloon. This may vary between trim levels.
- 2 Coat Hooks in Rear of the Cabin
- 2 Cup Holders in Front Centre Console
- 3 Spoke Heated Leather Steering Wheel with Paddle Shift
- 4-Zone Climate Control Air Conditioning System
- Auto-Dimming Interior Rear View Mirror
- Automatic Boot Close - Soft Shut
- Automatic and Easy Door Closer
- Climate Concierge
- Coin Tray Near the Steering Column
- Driver and Passenger Door Pocket
- Electric Fuel Cap and Boot Release
- Electrically Adjustable Steering Column with Memory and Lock Protect
- Front Centre Armrest with Storage - Two-way Opening Left and Right
- Hands Free Boot Release
- Headrests - Font and Rear with Butterfly Protect
- Headrests - Front Power with Memory
- Instrument Panel and Door Trim Illumination
- LED Door Illumination
- LED Interior Illuminated - Touch Sensor Map Lights
- Leather Gearlever
- Memory Function for Driver and Passenger
- Motor Driven Seat Belt Retraction - Front Only
- Power Boot Lid Release with Kick Function
- Push Button Start
- Rain Sensitive Windscreen Wipers
- Rear Armrest with Cup Holders
- Rear Armrest with Storage
- Seats - 28-Way Driver and Passenger Electrically Adjustable with a Pneumatic System
- Seats - Front 4-Way Electric Lumbar Support
- Seats - Front Heated and Ventilated
- Seats - Front Massaging
- Seats - Rear 18-Way Electric Adjustment
- Seats - Rear 4-Way Electric Lumbar Support
- Seats - Rear Heated
- Seats - Rear Ventilated
- Suede Roof Headlining
- Sun Shade - Power Back and Rear Sides
- Sun Visors for Driver and Passenger with Vanity Mirror and LED Light
- Sunglasses Holder
- Textile Carpet Mats
- 2-Point ISOFIX Child Restraint System on Rear Outer Seats
- ABS - Anti-Lock Braking System
- ASC - Active Sound Control
- Airbags - Curtain Shield
- Airbags - Front Passenger Cut Off Switch
- Anti Theft System Alarm
- Audible and Visual Seatbelts Reminder
- BAS - Brake Assist System
- Double Locking Door Lock
- Driver and Front Passenger 2-Stage Airbags
- Driver and Front Passenger Knee Airbags
- Driver and Front Passenger Side Airbags
- ECB - Electronically Controlled Braking
- EPB - Electronic Parking Brake
- HAC - Hill Assist Control with Hold Switch
- Lexus Safety System Plus
- PUH - Pop Up Hood
- Rear Outer Passenger Side Airbag
- Rear Seat Cushion Airbags
- Seat Belts with Pre-Tensioners - 3-Point
- Smart - Key Card
- Smart and Easy Entry
- Speed Sensitive Auto Door Lock
- TRC - Traction Control System
- VDIM - Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management
- VSC - Vehicle Stability Control
- Window Etching
- 20in Alloy Wheels
- Acoustic Side Door Glass
- Black Outside Mirror Covers
- Boot Scuff Plates
- Door Handle Puddle Light
- Door Mirrors - Heated - Auto-Dimming - Auto-Folding with Memory Function - Reverse Tilt Function and Turn Indicators
- Front Electric Windows with Auto Up and Down Function with Jam Protect
- Locking Wheel Nuts
- Rear Fog Light
- Scuff Plates - Aluminium Front and Rear
- Sequential LED Indicators
- Sunroof - Tilt and Slide
- Water Repellent Front Door Glass
- Windshield De-Icer
- 23 Speaker Mark Levinson Sound System with DVD
- 3 x 12V Power Outlet Sockets
- 4 USB Ports - 2 Front - 2 Rear
- AUX Connection
- Bluetooth Mobile Phone Connectivity
- DAB Radio
- Instrument Panel Multi Information Display 8in TFT
- Lexus Premium Navigation System
- 3-Eye Shaped LED Headlights with Adaptive High Beam System
- Auto Levelling Headlights
- Cornering Lights
- Daytime Running Lights - LED
- Headlight Cleaners
- LED Rear Combination Lights with Emergency Brake Signal
- Roof Mounted LED Brake Light
- 360 Panoramic View Monitor with Pedestrian Alert
- 6 Driving Modes - Eco - Normal - Comfort - Custom - Sport S - Sport +
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Full Stop Function
- Analogue Clock with GPS Function
- Auto Locate Tyre Pressure Warning System
- BSM - Blind Spot Monitor System with RCTA - Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Drive Mode Select - Snow
- EV Mode
- Intelligent Parking Sensors - Front and Rear
- Large Colour Head Up Display
- Rear Multi Operational Panel
- Adaptive Variable Suspension - AVS
- Air Suspension with Access Mode Control
- Power Steering - Electric
Your questions answered
Monthly rentals ('payments') are not an offer of credit. Payments are based on offers available today which may be withdrawn or varied at any time in the future without notice.
Contract Hire ('Leasing') is subject to status and approval and is only available to UK residents aged 18 and over. Vehicle must be returned with no more than fair wear and tear to avoid further charges. You will not own the vehicle. Excess mileage charges and return conditions apply.
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