Lexus has finalized changes for its full-size LS 500 and LS 500h sedan, gilding the lily on the flagship vehicle. Modifications include a quieter and smoother ride, improved infotainment and safety technology, elevated interior furnishings, and a slightly revised grille.
Lexus also tweaks the chassis with increased damper rates, larger front and rear liquid-filled bushings, and revised adaptive suspension settings. The goals of the changes are to deliver a plusher ride while maintaining athletic handling capabilities.
There are few discernable changes to the powertrain. The LS 500 still makes 416 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged V-6. A 10-speed automatic transmission delivers power to the rear or all four wheels. Lexus says the LS 500 offers quieter operation when the engine is cold while subtle revisions to the transmission's shift points enhance driveability.
The LS 500h hybrid model generates a combined 354 horsepower, and Lexus claims minor changes to deliver more power to the electric motors gives a driver more accessible power at lower speeds.
Exterior updates include a revised front fascia with a darkened frame, new two-tier headlamps, and a new paint color called Iridium. Inside, padding on the touchpoints is plusher, and some new ornamentation upgrades are available. More noticeable is the a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration.
Every Lexus LS include Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, a collection of ADAS with the expected features and functions. A new upgrade is Lexus Safety System+ A, which incorporates more semi-autonomous driving features. While Lexus doesn't use the Teammate nomenclature as it does for other markets, some of the features are the same.
Highlights of Lexus Safety System+ A include Active Steering Assist, which automatically steers the vehicle away from a dangerous situation, and when used with adaptive cruise control the Lane Change Assist works on highways to automatically change lanes if you use the turn signal, automatically accelerating and decelerating to pass slower traffic and resume travel speed. Additionally, Intersection Turning Assist and a front cross-traffic warning both let the driver know when it's safe to make a right or left turn by alerting her of a car, pedestrian, or bicyclist.
Lexus prices the 2021 LS 500 at $76,000 (not including a $1,025 destination charge), while the LS 500 AWD begins at $79,250. The F Sport treatment adds $3,600 to each model. Lexus says LS 500h pricing will be released early next year.
Lexus is the source of information for this article. It was accurate on November 12, 2020, but it may have changed since that time.
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