This review of the Lexus LS 500 from Lawrence Ulrich of The Drive is the perfect tonic after his withering review of the LS 500h hybrid:
Lexus’s hourglass-shaped “spindle grille” remains a debatable design element, though it works well on the LC Coupe. Controversial schnoz aside, this Lexus brings the distinctive design and extroverted attitude that the oft-generic LS has cried out for. As with the hybrid version, I was surprised at how often people strolled up to the Lexus, or rolled down their own car windows, to rave about the styling. At least three or four people said, flat-out, “That’s a beautiful car.”
Honestly, while the LS’s performance is much improved, the striking new body will probably do even more to put the Lexus back on people’s shopping lists.
And I’ll tell you right now, too many auto reviews of this all-new LS are seriously underplaying its performance and handling gains. It’s by no means a sport sedan, but this LS500 F Sport definitely felt more engaging than a typical (non-AMG) Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8, or Genesis G90; I suspect it would acquit itself quite well against a BMW 7 Series.
Discussion