A Sedan That's a Joy to Drive

The long-awaited LexusLS500"LS500" was finally test-driven on public roads. Of course, it has evolved significantly from the previous generation, and it possesses a different charm from the hybrid "LS500h" that was released earlier.

When you think of the Lexus LS, you probably imagine a luxurious sedan where the rear seats are also important. However, the new LS has clearly been refined into a car to be enjoyed while driving.

Lexus LS500 EXECUTIVE

The LS500, in particular, with its 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, is sporty. While the hybrid LS500h is also powerful, if sensory feedback is important for sportiness, the LS500, with its exhilarating engine response, is more pure.

I had the opportunity to grip the steering wheel of the LS500 in a closed environment after its release in October 2017. Now, after a month of public road testing, has my impression improved simply because the driving environment has changed?

The first model I drove was the EXECUTIVE, which features luxurious rear seats (with reclining functions, etc.). While the ride felt a bit stiff when seated in the back, sitting in the driver's seat was truly invigorating.

Enjoyable Linear Acceleration

As mentioned earlier, the engine revs beautifully, and the acceleration is a pleasure. With a maximum torque of 600Nm available from just 1,600rpm, the car feels like a wild cat, powerfully launching itself forward.

The engine responds delicately to even the slightest movement of the accelerator pedal, smoothly increasing or decreasing revs. The direct connection between driver and car earns high marks for a premium sports sedan.

Lexus LS500 F SPORT

The brake pedal feel also responds meticulously to the driver's subtle inputs, providing a sensation akin to using one's own legs to control the car.

The steering is responsive from the neutral position, and the rigid chassis allows the car to change direction precisely as intended by the driver. Yet, it doesn't feel overly sensitive; it's skillfully tuned.

I was particularly impressed with the LS500 F SPORT, the sportiest specification. Its firm suspension and overall performance in sporty driving set it apart from other grades.

The rotary drive mode selector, located to the left of the meter's binnacle, adds another layer of enjoyment to the LS experience.

The "Normal" mode is ideal for comfortable cruising, such as on highways. In "Sport" mode, the engine revs higher, and in "Sport+" mode (which one might not use often), the handling feels more direct.

My personal favorite is the Sport mode. As I felt with theLC, I feel that not using this mode would be a disservice to the LS500's capabilities.

The 3,444cc V6 engine has a longer stroke than the 3,456cc V6 unit in the hybrid LS500h. It's a high-revving engine, producing a maximum output of 310kW (412ps) at 6,000rpm.

With a maximum torque of 600Nm, generated across a wide range from 1,600rpm to 4,800rpm, the engine offers ample power from very low revs, and its linear acceleration is a joy to experience.

A Clean Interior with Meticulous Attention to Detail

With a total length of 5,235mm, one might wonder if it's too large for a sports sedan. However, thanks to the flowing window line, achieved by adding rear quarter windows to create a six-light design, it surprisingly feels more compact.

In automotive design, a six-light configuration typically signifies a focus on rear-seat comfort, a feature not adopted by manufacturers like Mercedes, BMW, or Bentley. As the new LS designers stated they "intentionally adopted it," their intention appears to have succeeded.

The cockpit also seems to reflect the planners' intention to emphasize craftsmanship, with the choice of panel materials, seat upholstery, and the addition of innovative ornamental panels on the doors, which might initially seem slightly excessive.

Lexus LS500 F SPORT

Once settled in, however, the impression is one of cleanliness. While admiring the incredibly fine details, I was also impressed by the thoughtful design that allows the driver to concentrate on the act of driving.

One such element is the 8-inch meter display. The philosophy of displaying only essential information, such as engine speed and speed, directly in front of the driver is quite convincing.

The design is elegant, and the fact that it changes in Sport mode adds a playful element that undoubtedly enhances the owner's enjoyment.

Lexus LS500 EXECUTIVE

The smaller meter display is a result of effective use of the head-up display. The thoughtful design minimizes eye movement, incorporating navigation information.

The driver assistance systems are also excellent, with seamless integration between the radar cruise control and lane-keeping assist. It also features adaptive steering support, which helps avoid collisions by steering in addition to braking when an obstacle is detected.

Alongside the evolution of the vehicle to prevent accidents, the environment for enjoying driving is also continuously improving. Isn't it fascinating how Lexus embodies the idea of pursuing the best with the latest technology in both aspects?

Lexus LS500 | Lexus LS500
Body Size | Length 5,235 x Width 1,900 x Height 1,450-1,460 mm
Wheelbase | 3,125 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,630-1,635 / 1,615-1,635 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | (FR) 144-165mm (4WD) 137-151mm
Minimum Turning Radius | (FR) 5.6 m (4WD) 6.0 m
Weight | (FR) 2,150-2,260kg (4WD) 2,240-2,350kg
Engine | 3,444 cc V6 Twin-Turbo Direct Injection DOHC
Maximum Output | 310 kW (422 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 600 Nm (61.2 kgm) / 1,600-4,800 rpm
Maximum Speed | 220 km/h
Transmission | 10-speed AT
Drivetrain | FR/4WD
Suspension Front/Rear | Multi-link / Multi-link
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Ventilated Disc
Tires Front/Rear | 245/50R19 (F SPORT: 245/45RF20 / 275/40RF20)
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | (FR) 10.2 km/ℓ (4WD) 9.5-9.8 km/ℓ
Trunk Capacity | 440-480 Liters
Price (FR) | (LS500) ¥9.8 million (I package) ¥10.42 million (F SPORT) ¥12.0 million (version L) ¥13.2 million (EXECUTIVE) ¥15.0 million
Price (4WD) | (LS500) ¥10.2 million (I package) ¥10.82 million (F SPORT) ¥12.1 million (version L) ¥13.6 million (EXECUTIVE) ¥15.4 million