2020 Lexus LS 500 Review: Pinnacle of Japanese Luxury
Despite the $106,555 price tag, the Lexus LS 500 offers incredible value, and incredible opulence.
As all 206-inches of the 2020 Lexus LS 500 comes and goes past, passersby will do a double take, and then wonder if it would be easier to swivel their heads from left to right, or to step back in an attempt to get the entirety of this statuesque sedan in their sights. It may just be the most handsome car in the Lexus line-up, but it’s impossible to ignore the absolute enormity of this 4,800 pound machine.
Of course, ironing out imperfections in Los Angeles’ myriad roadworks requires a granite countertop-like level of solidity, and, perhaps, a clever air suspension system, both of which Lexus’ flagship sedan features. In fact, this LS features many goodies, most of which are in the interior as that is where one spends the most time with their LS, and all of which contribute an additional $30,080 to the $76,475 base price.
Stand outs on the list include the aforementioned $1,500 adaptive variable air suspension, which allows the LS to adjust its ride height, or shock damping to provide the ideal ride in all scenarios, including giving the LS a surprising amount of agility on a winding road when in Sport Sharp + mode. Unfortunately, that ideal ride is compromised a touch by the optional 20-inch wheels, which will set buyers back an additional $1,200. The 20s look sharp, but are shod in rock hard run-flat tires, which occasionally compromise the LS 500’s otherwise unperturbed ride over rough pavement.
Interestingly, despite 30 years of the LS legacy being built upon a supremely plush and relaxing ride, this 2020 LS 500 switches things up a bit by eschewing the conventional V8 engine under the hood for an all-new 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. It produces 416 horsepower, 442 lb-ft of torque and an extreme sense of urgency when drivers bury their foot into the accelerator. So much so that, occasionally, the 10-speed automatic transmission will struggle to keep pace.
This potent powertrain along with the adaptive air suspension makes for the most dynamic and sharp-handling LS to date. While scarcely believable, it belies it’s size in the corners and can send the LS’ variety of safety equipment and traction control systems into a tizzy if driven with enough enthusiasm. It’s actually quite fun.
However, the LS is actually fun from every well-appointed throne in the cabin, thanks to the Executive Package. With an eye-popping $17,100 price tag, this option bestows the LS with the true luxury goods that will wow its occupants. The semi-aniline white leather is perfectly supple, perfectly stitched and contrasts beautifully with the gorgeous oaky, mulberry-tinted leather-wrapped dashboard, which features a cascading theme that rolls into the door cards. All four seats gain a multi-way massage function, and, crucially, rear occupants get power-operated sun shades and power-reclining seats. Don’t forget about the amazing 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio system which, for $1,940, is worth every single penny.
Everything about the LS 500 interior feels special and substantive, with a weightiness that surely helps contribute to the aforementioned 4,800 pound curb weight. All of which is slightly let down by the Lexus Enform infotainment system, which controls much of the electronic wizardry happening in the cabin. While Enform is operated via a gorgeous 12.3 display, the control of said display can feel a bit clunky, and overwrought with menus and options. This is especially notable while driving, as navigating through Enform’s many screens can be a bit tricky. Additional physical buttons would go a long way.
These small grievances are overcome by the LS’ many virtues, as well as by the pragmatic part of the brain that rationalizes that by opting for the LS, smart shoppers will save approximately $15,000 over a comparably-equipped Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which actually makes the LS 500 an incredible value, which isn’t something that can be said of most any vehicle costing this much.
It’s sedate, opulent and can be easily equipped with every single comfort and convenience one could ever want for. All yours for a mere $106,555.
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