2021 Lexus LS 500

The LS is the sedan that launched the Lexus brand, but the 2021 model wears a much sharper suit than the 1990 original. Going up against established luxury four-doors such as the Audi A8, BMW 7-series, and Mercedes-Benz S-class is just as much of a challenge today as it was when the LS first rolled onto the scene, but the Lexus charms with its Japanese aesthetic and standout design. A twin-turbo V-6 is standard, but those concerned with fuel efficiency can upgrade to a hybrid powertrain—although its lumpy power delivery isn't particularly luxurious. The same could be said of the LS's driving experience: It lacks the athleticism we've come to appreciate in several of its competitors. But the LS's interior is every bit as quiet and nearly as comfortable as those of its German rivals, and you'll still look like a boss when you pull up to the valet stand.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The standard engine in the LS is a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 that delivers a silky-smooth 416 horsepower. It sounds refined and powerful while under heavy throttle but hushed when cruising. A 10-speed automatic handles gearchanges. Performance is more than enough for this car's luxury mission, but V-8-powered variants of the BMW 7-series and the Mercedes-Benz S-class proved to be quicker at the test track. Models badged LS500h feature a hybrid powertrain that uses a 3.5-liter V-6 and two electric motors to make 354 horsepower. While the standard twin-turbo V-6 operates smoothly, the hybrid arrangement feels unrefined and altogether not luxurious. The engine sounds raspy and coarse, and the transmission—a mashup of a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and a regular four-speed automatic—steps through preset gear ratios with all the crispness of a soggy cornflake.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Fuel-economy estimates for the hybrid are indeed better than the nonhybrid LS500's figures, so if you're looking to save a buck at the pump, we suppose that's the one redeeming quality of the LS500h's powertrain. Whereas the rear-wheel-drive LS500 claims 30/19 mpg highway/city, the rear-wheel-drive LS500h earns 33/25 mpg ratings from the EPA. In our real-world testing, an all-wheel-drive LS500h managed a 30-mpg result on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test. An all-wheel-drive LS500 F Sport managed 26 mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Flowing lines, intricately patterned fabrics, and rich leather upholstery fills the cabin of the LS. If you really want to go all out, spec the real wood trim, artful glass inserts, and cleverly pleated door panel fabric. Passenger space is generous for four adults. Adding a fifth person in the standard three-across rear bench would deny passengers a true luxury experience, so we recommend selecting the optional bucket seats. The rear seatbacks are fixed, so bulky cargo items may not easily fit in the LS. The trunk, however, for the LS500 and hybrid model is generously sized, each holding six carry-on suitcases. Both the Audi A8 and the Genesis G90 accommodated the same amount of luggage.

Infotainment and Connectivity
All LS models come with Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay capability, navigation, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, all controlled through a new 12.3-inch touchscreen. That means the fussy touchpad on the center console is no longer the only way to adjust vehicle settings, switch audio sources, or set a destination in the navigation menu. The system also recognizes some voice commands. That said, is it too much to ask for physical buttons for things like seat heating? Lexus apparently thinks so. In order to activate this feature, users must turn to the screen.

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