2021 LS 500 Gets a Few Welcome Updates
Lexus adds a few minor updates to its flagship sedan, as well as one big one.
Host of Changes
While it may seem like the current-gen LS just arrived, truth is, it's time for a refresh as the model enters its fourth year of production. Thus, after a couple of years on the market, Lexus has given its flagship sedan just that - a host of updates that are mostly minor in nature, yet all quite welcome. However, there is one big change that should please just about everyone who has gripes about the automaker's Remote Touchpad interface.
Photos: Lexus
Touch Capabilities
That one big change is the addition of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, which means that owners finally have the choice of circumventing the much-maligned Remote Touchpad if they so desire. It's also positioned closer to the driver, making it easier to reach. The interface itself still isn't perfect, but it's a big improvement over the outgoing model.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 LS 500 right here in the ClubLexus Forum.
No More Hunting
Next, Lexus added a hard shortcut button on the console that brings up the screen for the heated and cooled seats, as well as the heated steering wheel, so owners don't have to search through a bunch of menus to adjust those settings. We'd still rather see separate buttons to control those functions without having to use the screen at all, but this is still an improvement.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 LS 500 right here in the ClubLexus Forum.
Minor Updates
Lexus has also added softer materials to the armrests to make them more comfortable, new padding and stitching for the seats, a larger digital rear-view mirror, and a redesigned rear-seat control panel. These are all minor things, of course, but they make the LS's already-plush interior even more pleasant to spend time in.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 LS 500 right here in the ClubLexus Forum.
Drivetrain Revisions
As for drivetrains, the LS 500 retains its 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, which still produces 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid LS 500 h, on the other hand, features revised programming which reportedly improves acceleration. The 10-speed automatic transmission has also received revised shift logic to make it operate a little smoother than before.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 LS 500 right here in the ClubLexus Forum.
Exterior Refresh
On the outside, the 2021 LS gets new triple-projector LED headlights, a redesigned front grille, and the addition of a new silver paint option. Underneath, Lexus has retuned the sedan's spring and damper settings and added new stabilizer bars and lighter control arms.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 LS 500 right here in the ClubLexus Forum.
Sum of Parts
All of these tweaks add up to make the LS an even more sublime sedan than it was previously, and as before, it's a fantastic value compared to the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, and Mercedes S-Class. And in a world obsessed with crossovers and SUVs, it's nice to see that Lexus' flagship sedan is still setting the standard for at least one automaker.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 LS 500 right here in the ClubLexus Forum.
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