The Lexus LS has been the one to shake things up in the automotive luxury sedan segment ever since its introduction. When the Lexus LS reached our shores it was first thought as a baby Benz, but the brand had more of a significance planned for the vehicle as it has continued on a steady path of elegance, prestige, and an undeniable quality characteristic to be one of the most reliable vehicles on the road of its kind.
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For the 2019 model year, the Lexus LS 500 carries on its redesign from the 2018 model only adding the feature of Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa functions, and a semi-automated lane-change feature as part of the optional Lexus Safety System + package that already combines a bevy of active safety features.
While there aren’t any other changes to note, I can once again attest to the quality and relentless attention to detail in the new Lexus LS 500. After taking the LS 500 on a long family trip last year, getting it back in my driveway for the 2019 model year has fortified by delight for a vehicle that combines an ultra-quiet cabin, soft and supple ride quality, and a unique array of interior materials that set it apart from the competition. The only remaining downfall resides with the Lexus infotainment unit and use of the rather cumbersome touchpad interface. Here, once again, Lexus could take a page from the Germans to implement a control redundancy that combines a touch screen and an array of physical controls.
Unfortunately, the Lexus LS 500, among other new Lexus vehicles, is ever-so-slightly pegged with lower consumer markings because of its infotainment system. However, there is a bountiful number of features and customization options within the Lexus infotainment system, which shouldn’t be overlooked – because Lexus comes out strong with the proper luxury goods to keep the driver and passengers well entertained and pampered during the duration of their travels.
Powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Lexus LS 500 moves with authority thanks to its smoothly-delivered 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque sent through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The combination of the wide powerband of the force-fed V6 engine, 10-speed automatic transmission, and an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the LS 500 is never in need of additional power. The transmission is the smoothest 10-speed I have experienced thus far and it does a good job to limit hunting for the proper gearing.
Overall, the handling aspects of the LS 500 are more tuned to the soft luxury side of things instead of anything remotely sporty. Sport and Sport + modes might as well be Soft and Just-A-Little-Soft while the Comfort mode more Ultra-Soft – all true to Lexus traits you would expect for the LS. There’s hardly anything sporty about the LS 500, and that’s okay. The F-Sport variation of the LS 500 is said to improve upon its sporty character if one can ever find it in such a plush luxury cruiser.
The styling of the LS 500 remains to be in-your-face from its 2018 redesign. The LS has substantial presence on the road and is quite demanding of your visual attention with such a large spindle grill up front, the largest ever in the scheme of Lexus’ late-model designs. The grille has depth and is somewhat elegant if not a stand-out unique trait that Lexus is proudly owning. Other aspects of the LS 500 fit the mold Lexus’ design language which may be an acquired taste for some, but over the past couple of years, it has grown on me and many others who respect all that the brand has to offer for a lesser price than its German competition.
I elaborate more on the new LS 500 in my extensive review from last year. The test vehicle of my choice this year is one that has all of the options on my test vehicle from last year except the Executive package pricing out at a total of $103,865. The new 2019 Lexus LS 500 starts at $78,420.
>> Get The Best Price On The Lexus LS 500 from a network of local dealers now. <<
