Experienced by Adrian McQueen
Photography by Adrenaline Lifestyles
Lexus always has a wide array of vehicles that seem to have a mix of luxury and sport wrapped up into one and the Lexus LS 500 is no different. The Lexus LS is the series of full-size luxury cars that are sold by Lexus. The LS name stands for “Luxury Sedan”, but some call it the “Luxury Saloon”. Lexus has positioned the LS as a sedan in the comfort luxury segment, highlighting interior amenities, quietness and ride quality.
Lexus works overtime to create a visually appealing, yet comfortable vehicle. Upon first look the standard spindle grille has become a bit more linear with slimmer headlights and taillights, as well as sharper window trim. The model LS 500 that we tested came in a Manganese Luster hue and sat on 20-inch, multi-spoke alloy wheels in a vapor chrome finish.
The interior of the LS 500 is equally as nice as the exterior. Lexus has equipped the LS 500 with ultrasuede headline and sun visors, premium wood, semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats and armrests. The seats are comfortable and offer a unique and luxurious design. The cabin truly feels refined along with other soft interior elements.
The infotainment system in the 2021 Lexus LS 500 is nothing to scoff at. A 10.2-inch Head-Up display and 12.3-inch center screen, touchpad, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals and red stitching add more flare to the ride. Music is crisp with the 23-speaker, 2,400-watt Mark Levinson Quantum Logic Immersion Reference surround sound system. There is also Lexus Enform App Suite 2.0 that offers Wifi, Dynamic Navigation, Remote, Safety Connect, Service Connect and Destination Assist.
The LS 500 comes with a Twin-turbo V6 – 24 valve with Variable Valve Timing-intelligent motor producing 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque all connected to a 10 speed automatic transmission. I wouldn’t be in a hurry to go line it up for a dig or roll on race but it has enough power in it to make driving pleasurable. The 10-speed transmission offers smooth shifts under all conditions. The LS 500 has a firm ride and quick acceleration on the highway. The throttle response is as peppy as you would expect, especially when you switch it into Sport+ mode . Sport+ mode also makes a difference in drive handling as well. The LS 500 also has the usual Eco, Normal and Sport settings, for more-aggressive engine, transmission and suspension responses. In terms of gas mileage, the LS 500 comes in with an EPA rating of 18 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg combined.
Lexus maintains safety as a high priority. The Lexus Safety System+ A Package includes the Pre-Collision system (PCS) with Intersection Turning Assist, Front Lateral Side Pre-Collision System (PCS), Pedestrian Alert, Active Steering Assist. There is also Front Cross-Traffic Alert (FCTA), All-speed dynamic radar cruiser control (DRCC) with curve speed reduction and Lane-Tracing Assist (LTA) with Lane Change Assist.
The LS 500 sits in a highly competitive class, going up against the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, Genesis G90, Mercedes-Benz S Class and the Tesla Model S. The model that we tested came in at $98,080.00 .The 2021 Lexus LS 500 is roomy, comfortable, luxurious, handles well and built for speed. Driving is a pleasure when behind the wheel of this gem. Please enjoy the photo gallery.
