Lexus LC and LS Improvements for 2022: Everything You Need to Know
The Lexus coupe and sedan flagships get handling and technology upgrades for 2022. The LC also offers a Bespoke Build option.
Autumn is here, and besides cooler weather and scary movies it also signals the start of a new model year. Lexus recently announced some enhancements that will be coming to the Lexus LC and Lexus LS model lines. Although neither car is due for a major redesign or refresh there are some exciting changes that will make the 2022 models even more desirable.
The Lexus LS is of course the flagship sedan in the Lexus range. It is now in its fifth generation and after receiving a facelift for the 2021 model year, most of the changes for 2022 are a bit more subtle. The Lexus LC is the flagship coupe in the Lexus range. We are only a couple years into the brand-new model’s life so like the sedan sibling changes for 2022 are not game changing. But if you are thinking about putting either of these cars in your garage you will likely be happy with what 2022 will offer.
Lexus LS 500
Let’s get the dirty work out of the way first. The 2022 LS 500 will have an MSRP of $76,000 and is expected to arrive in dealerships in late 2021. The top spec LS 500 F Sport AWD will have an MSRP of $82,850. Now on to the fun stuff. And what is most fun about a Lexus? It is the drive of course. And the driving experience has been improved for 2022. With a few suspension tweaks the LS will be more comfortable and agile than ever before. “To this end, the suspension features revised spring and damper rates for improved damping performance. To better control vehicle body roll in turns, the diameters of the front and rear anti-roll bars have been optimized.” Additionally, the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system and the available ride-height-adjustable air suspension function has been enhanced.
LS 500 Safety
The LS 500 is known for its ride and comfort but equally important is the safety. And for 2022 the safety has been enhanced. All LS 500 models will come standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. This system brings a bevy of key active safety features to the vehicle. “For starters, the Pre-Collision System (PCS), which includes Frontal Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection, features an enhancement to the lens camera and millimeter-wave radar elements to expand the response range.” Additional safety features include All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA). Intelligent High Beams. And Road Sign Assist (RSA). We said it was a bevy of features and we weren’t kidding.
LS 500 Interior Design
For 2022 Lexus is taking the interior to the next level with help of a new foil ornamentation. Did you think we were going to say wood or leather? Nope, foil. But not the stuff you use to save leftover casserole. Lexus is offering a Haku foil interior. The creation of Haku foil is a Japanese technique that is over 400 years old. “It is made by meticulously flattening a piece of metal until it becomes as thin as one ten-thousandths of a millimeter. The Haku foil is so extremely thin that it must be applied by hand with exquisite craftsmanship, achieving a delicate shine reminiscent of moonlight reflecting over ocean waves.” This will be an option available on models equipped with the Luxury or Executive Packages.
Another distinct Japanese touch is the Kiriko Glass ornamentation on Executive models. “Kiriko patterns are created using a technique that involves hand-cutting clear colors and delicate lines in a piece of glass, which are then repeatedly polished to a soft glow.” This is the first time this cut-glass style trim has ever been offered in a production vehicle.
LS 500 Infotainment
For the 2022 model year the Mark Levinson 23-speaker, 2,400-watt Quantum Logic Immersion Reference Surround Sound Audio System is now available on base LS models. The 2022 LS 500 cabin also features the next-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI). “In addition to the 12.3-inch-wide touchscreen and navigation display, the LS can incorporate an optional 24-inch color heads-up display (HUD) that projects a variety of information onto the driver’s forward view. Dynamic Navigation, included as a three-year trial on all LS models, offers three key enhanced features that include Dynamic Map that features cloud-based map updates, Dynamic Routes that offer alternate routes based on the conditions ahead and Dynamic POI Search that automatically sorts Points of Interest results based on relevance. The digital rearview mirror features a larger high-resolution display for improved visibility of the area behind the vehicle.”
LS 500 Exterior Design
You will need a sharp eye to spot the 2022 LS 500 model in the wild. However, there are some tweaks that will tip you off. The front of the LS has an updated front bumper with a redesigned front fascia. The color of the spindle grill has been changed to a dark metallic. New three-projector LED headlamps feature a vertically stacked layout. You can get your LS painted in your choice of nine exterior colors.
LC 500 / 500h
The LC models are also treated to a number of 2022 model year upgrades. The 2022 LC 500 will have an MSRP of $93,050, while the LC 500h will start at $99,050. Both vehicles are expected to arrive in dealerships in late 2021. Key changes are the addition of a Bespoke Build option, handling enhancements and 21-inch forged alloy wheels added to the Sport Package.
First-Ever LC 500 Bespoke Build
This is the big news for 2022. “The 2022 LC 500 and LC 500h will launch with the first-ever Bespoke Build, allowing Lexus guests to configure their vehicle with a mix of performance and styling components. The LC Bespoke Build is based on the Sport Package, which includes Torsen limited-slip rear differential with Yamaha rear performance damper, high mu performance brake pads and Intuitive Parking Assist. The all-weather package with heated steering wheel is also standard.” Bespoke Build will allow customers to choose from a mix of wheels, spoiler, roof and exterior/interior trim and colors. “Bespoke Build will be further distinguished with a unique interior badge and included certificate of authenticity printed on Japanese washi paper and signed and stamped by LC Chief Engineer Yasushi Muto and Lexus Vice President of Marketing Vinay Shahani.” The Bespoke Build configurator will launch on Lexus.com on November 17.
LC 500 Sport Package
The available LC 500 sport package includes numerous performance upgrades. Firstly, there is a Torsen limited-slip rear differential with Yamaha performance damper. There is also a set of performance brake pads and Alcantara-trimmed seats. And new for 2022, the sport package with glass roof adds 21-inch forged alloy wheels with polish finish and Gloss Black accents. The carbon fiber roof will now be a customization option exclusive to the first-ever LC Bespoke Build covered above. Speaking of sport. “Front and rear suspension settings have been optimized to enhance ground contact feel, linear steering response and steering effectiveness in the high cornering G range. This suspension enhancement results in nimbler vehicle handling and a sharper connection between driver and vehicle.”
LC 500 Convertible
Summer might be over, but we can’t forget about the LC 500 Convertible. This model was also updated for 2022. Like its stablemates the Convertible gets some suspension modifications for even better handling. The 2022 LC 500 Convertible will have an MSRP of $101,100 and is expected to arrive in dealerships in late 2021. For the 2022 model year the Convertible has had the front and rear suspension settings optimized. These changes will enhance ground contact feel, linear steering response and steering effectiveness. In other words, you can expect the car to be nimbler and sharper than ever before. “The exterior color palette has been refined for 2022 and includes Ultra White, Atomic Silver, Smoky Granite Mica, Caviar, Infrared, Flare Yellow, Nightfall Mica, Nori Green Pearl and Cadmium Orange.” They all look great, but that Nori Green is a personal favorite.
The flagship Lexus sedan, coupe and convertible will be more desirable in 2022 than they have been before. So, let us know your thoughts on the changes and if you plan to order one. Discuss in the Club Lexus forums.
Images: Lexus
