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4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
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The Luxury cars market is dominated by fierce European brands, no one dares to take a jab at the likes of Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Audi but all game is about to change when Toyota unleashed its Japanese beast- The Lexus LS. This year marks for the Fourth generation of the IS and its bank's subtle changes form 2018, but they are quite impressive.
The LS is powered by a 3.5L Twin-Turbo engine mated to a 10 -Speed automatic transmission that musters 416 horsepower. The Lexus LS 500 competes with other super luxury cars like the Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz S 450 Sedan, and the BMW 740i Sedan. The LS lags in terms of sportiness and that's where it's rivals excel.
Although LS comes with two trims, we would suggest you go with the base trim. You have all the luxury you will ever need in a lifetime, just make sure to add the stunning audio upgrade and the Safety System+ A package.
4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
The Luxury cars market is dominated by fierce European brands, no one dares to take a jab at the likes of Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Audi but all game is about to change when Toyota unleashed its Japanese beast- The Lexus LS. This year marks for the Fourth generation of the IS and its bank's subtle changes form 2018, but they are quite impressive.
The LS is powered by a 3.5L Twin-Turbo engine mated to a 10 -Speed automatic transmission that musters 416 horsepower. The Lexus LS 500 competes with other super luxury cars like the Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz S 450 Sedan, and the BMW 740i Sedan. The LS lags in terms of sportiness and that's where it's rivals excel.
The Lexus LS comes in 2 trims the LS 500 and the LS 500 F sport. The LS 500 comes in about $75,000 and the features on offer like 19-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive suspension, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Some of the luxury bits on offer are the 16-way Power adjustable heated and ventilated seats and heated steering wheel. The LS features a monochromic Twin-Turbo V8 engine with an optional All-Wheel-drive system for both trims. Also, this year debuts a brand new 24-inch heads up display.
Trims |
LS 500 |
LS 500 F Sport |
---|---|---|
RWD |
$75,300 |
$81,000 |
AWD |
$78,220 |
$84,220 |
Features |
19-inch alloy wheels |
Additional features to LS 500: |
Adaptive Suspension |
20-inch alloy wheels |
|
Heated Steering wheel |
Exclusive Leather Upholstery |
|
Back-up Camera |
28-way power adjustable seats |
|
Lane Departure warning and Blind-Spot |
||
16-way Power adjustable heated and ventilated seats |
||
Adaptive Cruise control |
The other prominent features on offer are the Lane departure warning and a backup camera. The LS 500F Sport gets a bigger set of wheels, where there are 20-inch alloy wheels and some exclusive leather Upholstery with 28-way power adjustable seats.
We Recommend
Although LS comes with two trims, we would suggest you go with the base trim. You have all the luxury you will ever need in a lifetime, just make sure to add the stunning audio upgrade and the Safety System+ A package.
While the concept based Lexus LC is more sporty and driver-centric, the LS 500 is more about comfort and luxury. However, the Japanese witchcraft built Lexus to compete and smash all the European brags. The LS 500 harbors a 3.5L Twin-Turbo V-6 engine which hammers out 416 hp of power and 442 lb-ft of torque.
The engine is mated to a smooth shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Lexus aces the lot with its bigger engine and brute strength, though the same could not be said about its agility.
Models |
Lexus LS 500 RWD |
Audi A8 L |
Mercedes-Benz S 450 Sedan |
BMW 740i Sedan |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$75,000 |
$82,500 |
$89,900 |
$83,100 |
Engine |
3.5L Twin-Turbo V-6 |
3.0L TFSI 6-Cylinder |
3.0L V6 Biturbo |
3.0L BMW Twin Power Turbo inline 6-cylinder |
Transmission |
10-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
9-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
Power |
416 hp |
333 hp |
362 hp |
320 hp |
Torque |
442 lb-ft |
325 lb-ft |
369 lb-ft |
332 lb-ft |
As for the power delivery, it's smooth but has a traceable lag. If you are not that pedantic then it won't be a problem as the LS quickly hits the high note and attains a 136 mph speed. Its 10-speed automatic is designed in such a way that it just runs smoothly, so the revs stay low and the luxurious experience isn't affected much. Mercedes lands the second spot followed by Audi A8 and BMW 7 series.
The new twin-turbo V6 engine churns out a lot of power, you won't miss the V8's valor of the previous variant. However, there is a sense of lag between jabbing the pedal and the car's response.
Though, still, the Lexus LS 500 with its 3.5L engine is the fastest car in its lot to do a 60 mph test. It crosses the 60mph mark in about 4.6 sec. The slowest car of the lot in terms of 0-60 time is the Audi A8 which took 5.5 seconds to accomplish the same.
Models |
Lexus LS 500 RWD |
Audi A8 L |
Mercedes-Benz S 450 Sedan |
BMW 740i Sedan |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
5.3 seconds |
5.5 seconds |
5.4 seconds |
5.4 seconds |
Quarter mile |
13.8 seconds |
13.8 seconds |
13.8 seconds |
13.4 seconds |
Engine |
3.5L |
3.0L |
3.0L |
3.0L |
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
8.3 |
8.1 |
8.1 |
7.4 |
The LS took 13.8 seconds to cover a quarter mile which is by far not the best time amongst its rivals. BMW has the least quarter mile time which is about 13.4 sec. Lexus fails in terms of emission figures where it emits about 8.3 tons/yr. of CO2 which may bother the environmental activists.
Rather than being athletic, the LS's cosmetics are calibrated for comfort. The cabin is practically insulated by any road noise, and the long wheelbase takes bumps with ease. Though the chassis controls body roll to a certain level, it hoists a white flag on high speeds. The steering morphs from being light on the Normal mode and gets heavier with the transition to Sport and Sport Plus modes. To an occasional driver, the LS might seem like a quick to act car but give it time you will feel the gap in acceleration.
Although it has the power and agility of a sports car, it doesn't really fit in the sporty class. The initial lag of acceleration is there in every drive mode, the Sport and Sports Plus improves it a little but it's still traceable.
The Lexus get some decent brakes rated at the 14-Inch front and 13.1-Inch rear. These brakes help the Lexus to achieve a stopping distance of 113 feet from 60 mph. The pedal feel is not that firm but the linear response makes up for that. In slow speed, you might not feel the difference but at high speeds, you really have to brake to stop the Lexus.
Model |
Lexus LS 500 RWD |
Audi A8 L |
Mercedes-Benz S 450 Sedan |
BMW 740i Sedan |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Front(in) |
14 |
15 |
13.2 |
17.7 |
Brake Rear(in) |
13.1 |
14 |
11.8 |
14.5 |
Curb Weight(lbs.) |
4707 lbs |
4464 lbs |
4630 lbs |
4195 lbs |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
113 feet |
118 feet |
- |
112 feet |
Despite being powered by a twin-turbo core the LS 500 doesn't disappoint us in terms of fuel economy. The Lexus manages to get around 19 MPG in city conditions and 30 MPG on the highway which is better than most cars in the full-size luxury sedan segment. Going for the All-Wheel-drive option drops the economy to 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
Model |
Lexus LS 500 RWD |
Audi A8 L |
Mercedes-Benz S 450 Sedan |
BMW 740i Sedan |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
19 |
19 |
19 |
21 |
MPG (Highway) |
30 |
29 |
28 |
29 |
MPG (Combined) |
23 |
22 |
22 |
24 |
All these help in getting a combined MPG of about 23 which by our terms is pretty much decent for the car. The BMW with its 3.0 L engine returns an economy of about 21 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on the highway and a combined MPG of 24 which is best in its class.
Fortunately, the interior is one of LS's most bankable virtues. The cabin is well crafted and can ferry 5 people with ease. As for the quality, you will love the leather upholstery and the soft dash skin. The wood trim is particularly stunning and the absence of hard plastics makes it even savvier. The only thing which feels confining is the sloping roofline though it only feels so, in reality, you have a lot of headroom.
Lexus offers a seating capacity of 5 people like all its rivals. It gets the smallest passenger volume of 116.3 Ft. Cube and is not as roomy as other cars in the segment. The LS gets a headroom of 37.3 inches, a shoulder room of 58.8 inches and headroom of 41 inches in the front.
Model |
Lexus LS 500 RWD |
Audi A8 L |
Mercedes-Benz S 450 Sedan |
BMW 740i Sedan |
---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Passenger Volume (ft. cube) |
116.3 |
121.9 |
122.5 |
122.3 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
37.3/58.8/41.0 |
37.2/59.1/41.4 |
39.7/59.7/41.4 |
39.9/59.2/41.4 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
37.3/56.4/38.9 |
39.1/57.8/42.9 |
37.4/59.1/34.1 |
38.9/57.7/44.4 |
Lexus's rear seats are not bad either, you get a headroom of 37.3 inches, shoulder room of 56.4 inches and legroom of 38.9 inches in the rear. The facts might be impressive but rival cars are more impressed with their meticulous cabins. The most spacious car is the Mercedes-Benz S 450 Sedan.
Interior Features
Lexus installed fills of features into the LS's cabin starting with the 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment is backed with navigation, Wifi, and the Lexus Enform app suite. Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa also debuted this year.
Although, Lexus equipped the IS with everything they didn't quite figure out the way to implement things. They have an awkward laptop trackpad like controller ruins the experience.
The LS gets a boot space of 16.95 cubic feet which is big, but not the best. If you are planning for a weekend getaway, this car can easily swallow all your suitcases. But the odd shaped rear end will compel you to resort for odd methods to fit the extra luggage. Inside the cabin, you are welcomed by door pockets, a small bin under the front and rear armrest. Lexus did a great job but the best in practicality is BMW which gets a cargo volume of about 18.2 ft. cube.
Model |
Lexus LS 500 RWD |
Audi A8 L |
Mercedes-Benz S 450 Sedan |
BMW 740i Sedan |
---|---|---|---|---|
Volume (ft cube) |
16.95 |
14.2 |
16.3 |
18.2 |
This Lexus has a remarkable bodywork that bears a strong resemblance to the Aston Martins of the bygone eras. The design incorporates subtle body lines which charm the viewer through the LS does not have the intense extroverted styling like its fellow stablemate the LC. But don't let the quiet demeanor frame an opinion for you, the LS has so much more to offer.
The Lexus LS weighs over 4707 lbs. which makes Lexus the heaviest car of the lot. The LS has a length of 206.1, the width of 74.8 and a height of 57.5.
The LS has a ground clearance of 6.5 Inch which is best among its rivals. The long wheelbase gives it a wider turning radius but that's the case with every other car in the competition.
Model |
Lexus LS 500 RWD |
Audi A8 L |
Mercedes-Benz S 450 Sedan |
BMW 740i Sedan |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb weight(lbs.) |
4707 lbs |
4464 lbs |
4630 lbs |
4195 lbs |
Length(in) |
206.1 |
207.3 |
206.5 |
206.6 |
Width(in) (w/o mirror) |
74.8 |
76.7 |
74.8 |
74.9 |
Height(in) |
57.5 |
57.9 |
58.7 |
58.2 |
Ground clearance(in) |
6.5 |
4.9 |
5 |
5.8 |
Wheel base(in) |
123 |
122.9 |
124.6 |
126.4 |
Track width(in) F/R |
64.2/64.2 |
64.7/64.4 |
63/63.2 |
63.4/64.6 |
Speaking of the wheelbase, this Lexus gets a wheelbase of 123 inches, which is not the best in its class but fair enough to make the car stable at high speeds. The Audi A8 is the biggest car compared to all the rivals. The A8 has a length of 207.3 inches, a width of 76.7 inches and a height of 57.9 inches, the Beemer has a wheelbase of 126.4 inches and it's the longest among all its rivals. Overall, the LS is well built and qualifies the luxury sedan market.
Exterior Features-
Naturally, the Lexus LS comes equipped with plenty of cutting-edge safety features. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) helps keep the car stable at high speeds. Other safety features include Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning system, Airbag Occupancy Sensor, and Back-Up Camera.
The LS also features advanced driver assistance systems like Park Assist Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitor, Forward Collision, Lane Departure Alert (lda) w/Steering Assist Lane Departure Warning.
The Lexus gets Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags, Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Front Airbags, Curtain 1st and 2nd Row Airbags, Driver and Passenger Knee Airbag. All these are further supplemented by the chassis engineered with crumple zone and passenger cell.
Audi comes at about $82,500 which is $7500 higher than the Lexus. The A8 features a smaller engine than the Lexus, also, it lacks the necessary power to beat the LS 500, though its athletic nature makes the most of it.
However, the A8 offers a more spacious cabin with ample legroom and better cabin space than the Lexus, on the other hand, Lexus delivers a bigger cargo bay. So, if you want a spacious yet athletic car then the Audi A8 is the car for you.
The same story continues, the Beemer is bigger, more spacious, and practical than the Lexus. Though you will need some schooling to get the hang of all the features in the Beemer.
The 7 series gets a smaller engine than the Lexus, however, it pulls a treat with more entertaining driving characteristics implying it has better steering, potent optional engines, and better brakes. However, the Lexus LS interior feels more special.
Lexus took every bit of luxury from their warehouse and bolted on to the IS. You might not be flabbergasted with horsepower but it sure is impressive and gives a tough competition to its Europeans rivals. As for the styling, Lexus always has a way of overdoing themselves, though you won't find the hypercar styling like on the LC here. The best part of the IS is Lexus's soundproof cabin and cutting edge technology. The interior's suave styling and supple leather upholstery break the so-called European monopoly over luxury cars. Getting down to practicality, the tailgate can swallow all your cargo bags without breaking a sweat.
There might be traces of futuristic styling but it's still the good old Lexus from the inside with Toyota's reliability as its beating heart.