Lexus LS 500 Contends for Automobile All-Stars Awards

Posted by Kevin on March 12th, 2019

The Lexus LS 500 was a contender for an Automobile All-Stars award, earning a healthy amount of respect from the reviewers involved:

“I think everyone has realized by now that the S-class is pretty much unbeatable when taken as a whole package,” contributor Jethro Bovingdon said. “Well, the LS is a world away from the S-class, and it couldn’t be anything but a Japanese take on luxury. We should celebrate any car that does the unexpected, and I really admire the wacky styling and unique interior. And the LS drives pretty well, too.”

He’s right. There’s a fresh, coupelike seating position along with quick steering and newfound agility at the expense of isolation compared to previous LS models. Gone is the V-8, replaced by a twin-turbo V-6 with more power and “an almost sporty engine note,” Bovingdon remarked. We applaud Lexus for taking risks with the LS, even if those risks end up being polarizing.

Lexus LS: Fourth Generation
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Comments
bogglo
B
@Ian Schmidt Thanks Sir!! I'm think I'm going to go this route and just lease it and buy it at the end. It will be my weekend car Friday-Sun as I have a car to get me back and forth to work now so miles won't be a issue and yes your are right it would be a great car to take out on a long drive. it will be :)

R,
Markus
B
@Gecko your most right as always! :)
B
All I know is in December I will have my Manganese 5LS with the Executive Package but I'm still weighting out with the Base Executive or Executive with Kiriko Glass
mikeavelli
I think the LS not having a V-8 just kills the vibe when you bring up the ES which also has a V-6.

Lexus, you know I love you guys/gals... bring a V-8 fast to the LS....
B
@mikeavelli it will get the 4.0 V8 soon sir!! I'm torn right now... I spoke to the dealer today about my purchase and I think I'm going to reconfigure my car. So the Executive with Kiriko is going to be around 120k... thats after taxes.. even with my money down i would still owe around 108-109k. I know my mom wants me to have this car but she doesn't want me to be stupid about it so I'm thinking i'm going to get the luxury package..fully equipped for around 104... I can handle that. I know she wouldnt want to to overspend.
M
Buy/Drive/Burn: Large Luxury Sedans of Compromise in 2018
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2018/12/buy-drive-burn-large-luxury-sedans-of-compromise-in-2018/
Three large and luxurious sedans compete for around $70,000 of your hard-earned and imaginary Internet dollars. Surely this is a segment where compromise will not be a concern, right?

Nope.

Today we proceed in order of engine displacement, largest to smallest:

Genesis G90
The Genesis brand’s largest vehicle debuted as the G90 for the 2017 model year, when the new sedan replaced the prior, unloved Hyundai Equus offering. At 204.7 inches in length, the G90 resides right between the smaller Cadillac CT6 and larger Lexus LS 500 in size, but it contains the largest engine. Entry-level Premium trims start with the turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine you’ll find in other Hyundai and Kia cars. But stepping up to the Ultimate trim nets the full-fat 5.0-liter V8. 420 naturally aspirated horses shift this 4,905-pound sedan. Power travels to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic. The ask is $75,350, and the compromise is the badge.

Lexus LS 500
The LS model has always been the flagship sedan for the Lexus brand. A brand new fifth generation debuted for the 2018 model year, when Lexus decided it was time to shed the model’s conservative and quiet image. More in-your-face than ever before, the gigantic grille takes up nearly the entire frontage of this 206.1-inch sedan. Beneath the hood, the people at Lexus moved with the times and culled some cylinders. A 3.5-liter V6 powers the LS 500 in twin-turbo or hybrid arrangements. Today’s selection is the twin-turbo all-wheel drive version. The 4,905-pound LS is motivated by 416 horsepower and a 10-speed automatic. You’ll pay $78,420, and the compromise is the new cylinder count and some unfortunate styling decisions.

Cadillac CT6
The aluminum Cadillac CT6 has wowed North America’s relatively sparse large sedan crowd since the 2016 model year. Cadillac wanted a flagship sedan at its dealers, having been without one since the demise of the DTS at the end of 2011. CT6 rides on a unique Omega platform shared only with the Buick Avenir concept. Unfortunately, GM’s recent plant closure announcement included Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly, where the CT6 is built. But CT6 will still be around for 2018 and 2019, at least. Base versions of the CT6 previously received a sad 2.0-liter Ecotec engine, but we’re not interested in that today. We’re shopping the 3.0-liter twin-turbo Sport version, which motivates a lightweight 4,217-pound CT6 with 404 horsepower. All four wheels get power, delivered via an eight-speed automatic. CT6 is a bargain at $66,595, and the compromise is a little bit of badge and a lot of discontinued car.

Even luxury sedan buyers have to compromise. Which of these three gets the Buy?
I'd buy and drive the LS, and burn the rest.
Ian Schmidt
I did buy and do drive the LS, but I'd like to check out the G90 sometime if they ever get their act together on dealerships.
maiaramdan
Honestly I still don't know why they put LS with CT6 & G90 ?
Gecko
^CT6 Platinum is probably the best competitor for the LS, IMO. Similar strategy in execution, although it's about 500lbs lighter and has standard AWD.
C
I'm surprised how the majority of the comments in the article had bad things to say about the LS' styling. Is it really that unliked? Personally, I like the 5LS' unique styling but that's because I don't like to blend in.
W
corradoMR2
I'm surprised how the majority of the comments in the article had bad things to say about the LS' styling. Is it really that unliked? Personally, I like the 5LS' unique styling but that's because I don't like to blend in.
I like reading the more casual and opinionated articles at TTAC but the comments are full of contrarians who glorify driving old vehicles and who enjoy vilifying safety technology, Tesla, and radically styled cars. I notice that Lexus cars get a pretty hard time there for their controversial looks. I seriously doubt the reader demographic there in any way reflects potential realistic buyers for large luxury sedans.
Ian Schmidt
corradoMR2
I'm surprised how the majority of the comments in the article had bad things to say about the LS' styling. Is it really that unliked? Personally, I like the 5LS' unique styling but that's because I don't like to blend in.
It's actually pretty well liked in the real world; I get compliments on a regular basis still, and if you look up @mikeavelli 's recent Vossen video with the JDM AWD 500h the YouTube comments are almost universally about how great the car looks.
M


A very positive review.
Gecko
I don't know how you can nitpick about the appearance of the LS. It really is a great design overall.

'scuse the crappy overlays but DAYUMMMM


M
Americans Don't Want Sedans, Right? Then Why Have Lexus LS Sales More Than Doubled?

Though beats me why the LS remains a rare car here in the UAE where I have sighted much rarer cars more frequently. At one of the service centers the Service Manager counted only 5 LS he services. I have personally only seen 3 on the roads in a year. I am told the family of the dealership owner have replaced all their LS'es but where is the common man?!

You would not be surprised to find 1990 era LS'es here in abundance still being driven around.

Probably fault Lexus UAE a bit, harldy any advertising seen for the LS. The new ES is hot cakes (with Uber and Careem the local rival) as well as already a trickle of the UX'es.

But where is the LS!
ILoveLexus
momers
Americans Don't Want Sedans, Right? Then Why Have Lexus LS Sales More Than Doubled?

Though beats me why the LS remains a rare car here in the UAE where I have sighted much rarer cars more frequently. At one of the service centers the Service Manager counted only 5 LS he services. I have personally only seen 3 on the roads in a year. I am told the family of the dealership owner have replaced all their LS'es but where is the common man?!

You would not be surprised to find 1990 era LS'es here in abundance still being driven around.

Probably fault Lexus UAE a bit, harldy any advertising seen for the LS. The new ES is hot cakes (with Uber and Careem the local rival) as well as already a trickle of the UX'es.

But where is the LS!
You are absolutely correct, LS500 is hidden gem here in the UAE, sometimes me and my friend only hang out to find this gem on the roads and appreciate how amazing it looks and designed. I think the main reason is AlFuttaim, they have a bad service and over priced cars that people will say I can’t spend that much on a “Lexus”!
mikeavelli
The article fails to mention that the LS had better explode in sales as it was an all new model vs an outgoing model with production ending. The fact of the matter is, the LS here in the USA is not meeting sales targets, even if it was second behind the S-class.

Sedans are not dead and ironically in cases like the aggressively styled LS, they say the person is an anti-contrarian since everyone is buying SUVs.
Ian Schmidt
I'm starting to see 5LSes that aren't mine out on the road, it did take a while (it took a while for the 4LS also, because older customers hated it).
M
mikeavelli
The article fails to mention that the LS had better explode in sales as it was an all new model vs an outgoing model with production ending. The fact of the matter is, the LS here in the USA is not meeting sales targets, even if it was second behind the S-class.

Sedans are not dead and ironically in cases like the aggressively styled LS, they say the person is an anti-contrarian since everyone is buying SUVs.
I have been wondering what the reasons might be; many already speculated on this forum. Could it be the engine size and the rear leg room only? That Akio Toyoda was not at the launch of this car, does it mean there were already doubts about this vehicles' competitiveness?!! And that in a smaller market like the UAE, those shortcomings become glaringly obvious?
M
ILoveLexus
You are absolutely correct, LS500 is hidden gem here in the UAE, sometimes me and my friend only hang out to find this gem on the roads and appreciate how amazing it looks and designed. I think the main reason is AlFuttaim, they have a bad service and over priced cars that people will say I can’t spend that much on a “Lexus”!
Don't even get me stared on how Lexus could be doing much better here in terms of at least the after sales service and support! None of the legendary Lexus service qualities that I have only heard of from other markets but never seen here in the UAE. (I mean, I have demanded to be let into the service bays to help the technicians figure out what they ought to know how to fix and to tell them to RTFM!!).

But despite that, the cars sell on their own here, high price or not as mentioned by a senior sales exec. at one of the showrooms in Dubai. (Usually the models here are top specced, not the same as in the US and hence higher priced relative to the US, but still great value being a Lexus). Though the current macroeconomic situation has the whole new car sales business suffering for a while.
Ian Schmidt
For me, the major deficit is the headroom with the pano roof. The car is so much more enjoyable to drive than the 460 that I'm willing to put up with that. In fact, it's so much fun that at the 5000 mile service they warned that the front tires were unusually worn, as if I was aggressively carving a lot of corners or something. Uhh, oops.
Tragic Bronson
What kind of discounts are LS buyers getting? I'm pretty sure price is a factor for those sales...
maiaramdan
Honestly the current LS neither bad nor over- styled the only major mistake is the death of the V8 , LS is not LS without V8

I am for example, love the LS and always get every generation, I may dismiss LS forever at all if there's no V8 version
Ian Schmidt
Tragic Bronson
What kind of discounts are LS buyers getting? I'm pretty sure price is a factor for those sales...
The two Baltimore dealers are offering a $750/month lease deal, which is a stupid good price. You could pay more for a GS.

maiaramdan
I am for example, love the LS and always get every generation, I may dismiss LS forever at all if there's no V8 version
Ehhh, there's more to life than straight lines. Drive the LS500 somewhere curvy, it's a lovely car to go too fast around turns in.
James
Ian Schmidt
The two Baltimore dealers are offering a $750/month lease deal, which is a stupid good price. You could pay more for a GS.



Ehhh, there's more to life than straight lines. Drive the LS500 somewhere curvy, it's a lovely car to go too fast around turns in.
Damn if I could get an LS for $750 a month I would totally go for it! Now I'm sure that's probably base model without some of the bells and whistles but still solid deal!
B
I ordered mine and I honestly don’t think the needs a v8! It has v8 level power and it seems it’s doing very well finally in sales and it is competing!!!! It’s about time!! The TTV6 is no joke or slouch!!!
B
That’s why I didn’t get the panoroof @Ian Schmidt !! I didn’t want that to ruin the car.
B
@momers it has plenty of legroom and plenty of power. They V6 is much better than the V8.
S
Tragic Bronson
What kind of discounts are LS buyers getting? I'm pretty sure price is a factor for those sales...
generally speaking on average, Lexus has considerably less incentives as track by industry compared to BMW and MB - which have highest discount rates.

S