2022 Lexus LS 500

Thirty four years ago Lexus was created out of thin air by Toyota to be their luxury arm, and they, as Top Gear host Chris Harris memorably put it, “kaboomed the entire US prestige car industry” with their brilliant first generation LS 400 sedan.

The 2023 LS 500 represents the fifth generation of the Lexus LS, and boy have things changed since 1989. Most notably, full-size luxury sedans have gone from “the” automotive status symbol to, “why did you get that instead of a big SUV or luxury electric car?”

That’s too bad because the Lexus LS 500 is an excellent luxury sedan that exudes elegance and sophistication.

Ok maybe not from its exterior design, which is a little overdone. The front end features a massive grille that sets the tone for the rest of the vehicle, which, thanks to many design elements here, there, and everywhere, can best be described as busy. Is it ugly? No, but neither is it understated.

Under the hood, the LS 500 is powered by a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine that produces 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and seamless shifts. The LS 500 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, which is impressive for a vehicle of its size and weight.

Fuel economy for the LS 500, rated at just 19 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway, is uninspiring but better than the previous LS, which came with a naturally aspirated V8.

For the record, hybrid LS 500h models couple a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with a hybrid system and continuously variable transmission that decreases horsepower to 354 but juices fuel economy to 25 MPG City/33 MPG Highway. Naturally, hybrid and AWD versions of the LS sedan add weight and complexity to what is already a nice full-size luxury sedan, which is just fine on its own.

The LS 500's price tag is steep, as you’d expect for a top-of-the-line luxury car, with the base model starting at around $78,000 and fully loaded models going for well over $100,000. Hashtag life in 2023.

The interior of the LS 500 is where the car shines. The cabin is spacious and luxurious, with high-quality materials used throughout. The seats are comfortable and supportive, as LS seats have always been, and there's plenty of room for front and rear passengers to stretch out. But the main plus of the LS’s interior is that it’s as nice as what you’ll find in any S-class, A8, or 7-series but with a different vibe. Thank you, Lexus (and Genesis), for bringing a different sensibility to luxury vehicle interiors.

The dashboard is dominated by a big 12.3-inch touchscreen display that's easy to use and provides access to a wide range of features and functions. Lexus’ new infotainment system is intuitive, responsive, and compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

And kudos to Lexus for moving on from your didn’t-age-well-at-all Remote Touch system. The new touchscreen user interface is a big step forward.

Another welcome new tech feature of the LS 500 is its semi-autonomous driving system, which Lexus calls, "Lexus Safety System+." This feature integrates adaptive cruise control, lane departure assist, and automatic emergency braking to give you some self-driving relief from having to deal directly with bumper-to-bumper commuting.

The LS 500 also has a 360-degree camera system that provides a bird's-eye view of the vehicle, making it easy to park and maneuver in tight spaces. This feature is not new to Lexus (or the automotive industry) but is very helpful.

The ride quality of the LS 500 is smooth and comfortable, as you’d expect with any Lexus, with the suspension doing an excellent job of absorbing bumps and rough road surfaces. The handling is also impressive, with the car feeling agile and responsive in corners. Obviously, this is not a sports car or even a sports sedan, but it’s still good. I’d call it very Lexus LS, which is a compliment.

As I’ve noted in previous articles, after a busy day at work operating, cathing, scoping, or seeing an endless procession of patients with never-ending complaints that you’re supposed to fix, like, right now, it’s good to drive home in a vehicle that cossets and relaxes you. The Lexus LS is that kind of car.

Overall, the Lexus LS 500 is an excellent luxury sedan that offers a comfortable and luxurious driving experience. It’s not an SUV like a Range Rover or even a Lexus LX 600, but its powerful engine, smooth ride, and high-tech features make it a top contender in its class. If you're in the market for a luxury sedan rather than SUV and can afford the LS 500, it's worth considering over its German competitors.