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2020 Lexus LS

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Explore Variants
2020 2021 2023
MSRP Starts From
$75,450

What's New

  • Inscription Series Limited Edition model with Deep Garnet paint, white leather upholstery and Kiriko glass door trim
  • F-Sport available with white interior
  • F-Sport gets revised brake pads

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Expressively styled for a luxury sedan
  • Extravagant trim options
  • Bargain-priced in the class
Cons
  • Fussy interface for infotainment system
  • No V8 available
  • The hybrid feels sluggish

Lexus LS Overview

The full-size Lexus LS flagship luxury sedan has embodied the essence of the Lexus philosophy since the brand’s 1989 introduction. Today’s fifth-generation model, introduced for the 2018 model year, is offered in just one size rather than in standard and limo-like long-wheelbase forms, but the LS is certainly generous enough for most.

Available with numerous remarkable design options, including over ten unique interior themes that match seat trim to different wood or metal trim, or optionally, “art woods” rendered by Takumi craftsmen and women, even the most particular customers should find a style to fit their tastes. A four-passenger Executive Package features a rear center console, a right-side reclining rear seat and footrest and more, including optional fabric origami door panels and spectacular Kiriko cut glass trim. Exterior styling is swoopy, expressive, and rather daring for Lexus.

A 416-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 powers the LS500 while the LS500h features a V6-based hybrid-powered good for 354 horsepower but barely half of the LS500’s torque in exchange for a five-mpg improvement in EPA-rated combined fuel economy.

Trim Specifications

The standard LS500 comes with accouterments suitable for a flagship luxury sedan, including a 12-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, sophisticated electronic gauges, excellent seats, plush leather upholstery, and authentic trim materials. An adjustable air suspension is standard. The Executive Seating option costs an eye-watering $17,100 but adds heaps of decadent options, while another $6,000 dresses the doors upon with pleated origami folded fabric and Kiriko cut glass.

The LS500 F-Sport gets unique suspension tuning, 20-inch wheels, enlarged brakes, and slightly sporty styling. Collectors may be interested in the first LS500 Inspiration Series model. Including Deep Garnet paint, white and black semi-aniline leather upholstery, Kiriko glass door trim, and blue LED instrument lighting. Production is limited to just 300 examples. All-wheel drive is available for between $3,200 and $3,240, depending on the model. While some models can top $100,000 with options, the LS can be considered something of a bargain compared to its German competitors.

Warranty

Basic:
4 Years/50,000 Miles
Drivetrain:
6 Years/70,000 Miles
Corrosion:
6 Years/Unlimited Miles
Roadside Assistance:
4 Years/Unlimited Miles
Maintenance:
1 Years/10,000 Miles

Specs & Safety

Lexus LS Specification

Price
$75,450*
Vehicle Type Sedan
Engine Type Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded V-6
Seats 5 Person
Horsepower 416p
Torque (lb-ft) 442
Efficiency (MPG) 19 City / 30 Hwy
Transmission Automatic w/OD
*Includes Destination Charges

Lexus LS Safety

Lexus LS Generations

First Generation

1989 to 1994
Of all the cars introduced during the 1980s, few have been as consequential as the Lexus LS. Not only did it introduce the world to Toyota’s audacious new luxury brand, but it was also the most ambitious Japanese-branded luxury car ever to be introduced to the United States. Design-wise, it appeared like a clone of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class of the time, only much sleeker, and its stylish interior was one of the most forward-thinking of a time. Under the hood was a 4.0-liter V8 with 250 horsepower. Its price undercut most of its European competitors by a considerable amount.

Second Generation

1995 to 1999
The second-generation Lexus LS changed very little from the highly successful debut model, the design continuity galvanizing the brand’s design language. Its continued popularity legitimated the car’s good standing in the premium automobile market as new models and body styles were introduced beneath it. A longer wheelbase was the most significant change, yielding more interior space. A V8 continued to provide power, producing 260 horsepower and rising to 290 after the 1997 model year. Meanwhile, prices rose closer to those of its primary European competitors.

Third Generation

2000 to 2006
Revisions for the third-generation LS were more considerable than were made to the second-generation model. The sedan grew in height, length and wheelbase and featured improved aerodynamics, its LS 430 moniker reflecting the presence of a larger 4.3-liter V8 with 290 horsepower. Innovations included laser-guided cruise control, voice-activated navigation, an LCD touchscreen, telematics and a high-end automotive Mark Levinson sound system. The LS 430 dominated initial quality and dependability surveys.

Fourth Generation

2007 to 2017
As Lexus added crossovers and SUVs to its lineup, the fourth generation LS stretched to a full decade. The redesigned LS was dubbed LS 460 to reflect its 4.6-liter V8 with 380 horsepower (360 horses in all-wheel-drive form, introduced later). Sleek if conservative, a 2012 refresh added Lexus’ controversial “spindle” grille. A long-wheelbase model, the LS 460L was available for the first time, and a hybrid model, the LS 600h L was introduced with slightly better fuel economy, 439 horsepower and a six-figure price.

Fifth Generation

2018 to Present
The fifth-generation LS represented was the first truly radical total redesign of Lexus’ flagship sedan. Flowing, organic contours and sharp, acute angles replaced the straighter, more upright elements of previous LS models. The new model had a lower roof and even better aerodynamics than before, and the standard wheelbase was longer than even the long-wheelbase version of the fourth-generation model. For the first time, the LS featured V6-based engines in the U.S., with a 416-horsepower turbocharged V6 powering the standard LS500 model and a 354-horsepower V6-based hybrid powertrain in the LS500h.

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