Lexus LS

The luxury sedan segment is the most exclusive, expensive, and limited segment of the market. Each manufacturer reserves its best features for its respective models, as is the case with the Lexus LS . The Japanese brand has always had a strong focus on luxury and exclusivity, which is why the LS (Luxury Sedan) is one of its first models.

Today, the LS is in its seventh generation. The first generation was launched in 1989 under the name Toyota Celsior, as Lexus is the luxury division of the giant Toyota . The latest version arrived in late 2017, aiming to remain a popular alternative to classic German luxury sedans. A minor facelift followed in 2020. Finally, in 2025, Lexus will retire its largest model without a successor, completely abandoning the luxury sedan segment.

Technical characteristics Lexus LS

In its pursuit of efficient mobility, the Lexus LS is only sold with hybrid powertrains , at least in Europe. This represents a change from the previous generation, which offered other powertrain options. It has also meant that the brand's engineers have developed a completely new platform to accommodate these more efficient powertrains, called GAL (Global Architecture Luxury).

Thanks to this, the Lexus LS boasts some rather substantial dimensions: 5,23 meters long, 1,9 meters wide, and 1,45 meters high . Unlike previous generations, the new LS doesn't offer multiple body styles, only a long and a short wheelbase. For this seventh edition, only the longest version has been showcased, as it has historically been the most popular choice.

Something similar happens with the seating configuration. There are two possible options: a cabin with seating for five passengers and a more exclusive option that limits seating to just four . This latter option comes standard on the higher trim levels, those aimed at the most discerning customers. While its trunk capacity isn't particularly noteworthy, it does amount to a modest 400 liters.

Lexus LS mechanical range and gearboxes

No purely combustion engine versions. The newest Lexus LS was launched with this focus on efficiency. This means that, at least in our market, we only have a fully hybrid range centered around a single engine . The only option is the drivetrain, with the choice between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Even the transmission isn't customizable; it always uses a CVT automatic, a type of continuously variable transmission typical of Lexus.

So the LS 500h is the only possible option. It's a hybrid system that combines a 3,5-liter V6 gasoline engine, which produces 300 horsepower on its own , with an electric motor that adds another 179 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. This results in a maximum system output of 359 horsepower , with a combined fuel consumption of just 9,5 liters per 100 kilometers.

The battery provides added comfort. Thanks to a lithium-ion battery, the Lexus LS 500h can travel approximately two kilometers in 100% electric mode . This allows the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) to certify the largest Lexus model with the ECO label, which offers certain advantages.

Equipment of the Lexus LS

If the Lexus LS has always been known for anything, it's for offering top-of-the-line equipment. It's available in several trim levels: Business, F Sport, Executive, and Luxury . As expected, it comes very well-equipped as standard. Features include Multi-LED headlights, 19-inch wheels, leather upholstery, Lexus Safety System+, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Pioneer sound system.

But given the target audience for the Lexus LS, it's very likely that most buyers will opt for the more luxurious trim levels. These replace the rear bench seat with a row of two first-class seats . In addition, there are numerous features designed to transform the LS into a mobile office where its wealthy users can enjoy amenities such as: television, individual climate control, reclining and massaging seats, Wi-Fi, and a Mark Levinson sound system with up to 23 speakers. All of this is designed to make every journey a luxurious experience.

The Lexus LS on video

The Lexus LS in the Km 0 and Second Hand channel

Given the niche and exclusivity of the Lexus LS market, few units are currently available on the used car market. Prices start below €6.000 for first-generation models . It's more common to find models from the fourth generation onward.

As expected, the most expensive units are the latest generation models, from 2018 onwards. Lexus is a brand that doesn't usually accumulate stock, especially in this category. This means there are no brand-new models for sale , but there are low-mileage vehicles available for the latest generation. In the best-case scenario, prices start at around €75.000.

Rivals of the Lexus LS

There are few executive sedans on the market. And within that segment, a distinction must be made between luxury brands like Bentley and Rolls-Royce , and more popular, mainstream premium brands. With this in mind, the Lexus LS falls into the latter group, where it has to compete against powerful rivals such as the Audi A8 , the BMW 7 Series , the Maserati Quattroporte , and the superb Mercedes S-Class . All of these constitute a very limited and exclusive market, beyond the reach of most budgets.

Highlight

Comfort
Equipment
mechanical reliability

To improve

Trunk
Limited mechanical range
CVT gearbox

Lexus LS prices

The LS doesn't just outshine its siblings in size; it also surpasses them in price. We're talking about the most expensive model in the range, the flagship of a brand born for and dedicated to luxury. At the time of its discontinuation, the Lexus LS had a starting price of €139.000 for the LS 500h with the Business trim. The most expensive model from the factory was the LS 500h AWD Luxury, with a starting price of €168.000.