If you’re in search of a vehicle that delivers an exceptional balance of driving comfort and passenger luxury, the Lexus LS 500 should be at the top of your list. With the fully loaded Executive Package, this full-size sedan provides a travel experience akin to First Class, but on the open road. The 2023 LS 500 boasts a serene and smooth ride, cocooning its occupants in opulence and opulent comfort.
From every angle, the car exudes an air of sophistication, starting with its distinctive hourglass-shaped mesh grille, accented by triple LED headlights featuring arrow-like accent lights that draw your gaze towards the iconic “L” logo. Even if you’re not a fan of the Lexus spindle design, it undeniably impresses in this setting.
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While the LS 500 comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, my review vehicle was equipped with the striking 20-inch split-spoke rims. These 20-inch wheels are undoubtedly the most aesthetically pleasing option, featuring ten windmill-like spokes and sleek gloss black accents. Lexus claims that these wheels are engineered to minimize noise, although it’s commonly understood that tires play a more significant role in road noise. Wheel designs may contribute to wind noise to some extent, but the vehicle’s cabin remains serenely quiet thanks to generous insulation between the sheet metal and the interior.
LS 500
The Lexus LS 500 is powered by a robust 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering a formidable 416 horsepower and an impressive 442 lb-ft. of torque. Despite its substantial weight of 5000 pounds, this sedan can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.6 seconds. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a seamless 10-speed automatic transmission. For an additional cost of around $3000, you can opt for all-wheel drive.
The transmission operates with smooth and predictable shifts, although I did notice a minuscule delay between pressing the accelerator and the car’s response. The adaptive variable air suspension enhances the driving experience, providing an exceptionally plush ride in Comfort mode, while switching to Sport+ mode delivers a firmer handling profile. Sport+ mode offers the most engaging driving experience, with shifts occurring closer to the redline and adding a touch of weight to the steering. It also enhances the exhaust note through the speakers, although some might find it sounds somewhat artificial.
The interior of the LS 500 exudes elegance and uniqueness. Inside the cabin, you’ll discover exquisite design elements, such as laser-cut black wood trim adorned with a detailed metal pattern and quilted leather upholstery that mirrors the graceful curves found throughout.
Adding to the premium experience is the remarkable 23-speaker Mark Levinson Reference audio system, which delivers studio-quality sound, an impressive dynamic range, and an immersive soundstage, especially when you engage its 3D surround mode. Additionally, the audio system features some of the most visually appealing metal speaker grills you’ll come across.
Ever since I first laid eyes on the 2017 redesign, I’ve been captivated by the flowing curves adorning the dashboard of the Lexus LS 500. However, I must admit that the newer 12.3-inch touchscreen doesn’t seamlessly integrate into the design as it did in the 2018 to 2020 models, slightly disrupting the otherwise sleek aesthetic of the dashboard.
On the upside, this new display now runs on the Lexus Interface, a significantly improved system for managing media, climate, navigation, and vehicle settings. Developed in-house for Toyota and Lexus, this system proves to be swift, user-friendly, and benefits from cloud-based navigation. It also offers support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
In addition to the revamped touchscreen, my vehicle was equipped with a digital rearview mirror and an expansive 24-inch color head-up display. While I generally appreciate the enhanced visibility that digital mirrors provide, this particular one appeared dimmer and exhibited more glare compared to others I’ve experienced, making it somewhat challenging to see on sunny days.
The Executive Package elevates the interior of the LS 500 to the pinnacle of luxury. It incorporates semi-aniline leather surfaces, adorning the seats, doors, and armrests, while opulent ultrasuede graces the headliner and even the sun visors.
Both the driver’s and front passenger’s seats offer an extensive range of adjustability with 28 different ways to tailor their position, and they come equipped with heating, cooling, and massage functions to provide relaxation and relief for weary muscles. Completing the ambiance is a panoramic glass roof that enhances the overall brightness of the predominantly white cabin.
Furthermore, you’ll find power sunshades for the right rear, left rear, and center rear windows, along with individual climate control, ensuring a personalized and comfortable environment for back-seat passengers. Additionally, those in the rear can take charge of the car’s audio system, with controls easily accessible through a touchscreen integrated into the spacious center armrest.
The LS 500 boasts a comprehensive array of safety features, including advanced radar and camera-based pre-collision support with pedestrian detection. Additionally, it features lane tracing assist to help you maintain your position on the road and intelligent high beams that automatically switch to low beams when an oncoming vehicle is detected. For those seeking additional safety enhancements, the optional Lexus Safety System+ A package offers a lane change assist feature.
This feature aids with highway lane changes by taking control of steering, acceleration, and deceleration when the driver signals a turn. Moreover, the upgrade package enhances the pre-collision system by introducing steering assistance and provides pedestrian alert information on the head-up display. It also incorporates front cross-traffic alert and road sign assist, a feature that combines map and camera data to display the current speed limit.
The Lexus LS 500, particularly when equipped with the Executive Package, creates a serene and luxurious atmosphere that caters to both front and rear seat passengers. Whether you find yourself navigating through traffic on the way to the airport or embarking on an extended road trip, it offers a delightful and indulgent experience.
While sedans may not be in the limelight these days, the LS 500 is certainly worth considering if you have the financial means. Starting at a base price of $76,385 for the RWD model, the 2023 LS 500 is tailored for the discerning and well-financed buyer. In the case of the vehicle I tested, which included the Executive Package, premium audio system, panoramic roof, and other enhancements, the total cost came to $108,385, inclusive of delivery, processing, and handling fees.
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