The New LS is Surprisingly More Polished and Poised Than Before

The Lexus limousine gets even better

For Lexus followers, the LS remains the pinnacle of the brand's achievements. It is the model that established Lexus as a true luxury alternative, to the established German marques. The fifth-generation LS has now benefited from a slight design upgrade, with small styling changes and some new tech. 

Smarter headlights

One of the new exterior design changes regards its headlights. Lexus has now added its adaptive high-beam headlights to the LS, making it safer to drive in low-light and night conditions. The adaptive high-beam system gives you the most powerful possible illumination, without blinding oncoming vehicles. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2021 LS models right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Balanced silver symmetry

The LS remains a large luxury sedan car. Its limousine proportions mean excellent occupant comfort for those in the front and the back. Lexus has added a new color option, called Gin-ei Luster, which is a reflective silver - and works excellently with the LS's overall size. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2021 LS models right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Luxury and convenience

One of the cleverest convenience features on the LS is its foot-swipe trunk actuation. If your hands are full and unable to push the trunk button on a keyfob, a sensor will recognize and interpret your foot swipe as a gesture to open the trunk. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2021 LS models right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Stealthy hybrid styling remains

Hybridization has always been an anchor powertrain feature on most Lexus vehicles. As such, Lexus will continue to market the upgraded LS with both conventional gasoline and hybrid powertrains. The hybrid models are easily identified from the rear, by their lack of defined exhaust ends. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2021 LS models right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Recognizing the LS500

The standard LS 500 is not a hybrid and can be recognized as such, by its dual exhaust ends sitting at the opposing corners of the rear. They feature a high-gloss finish and are shaped to reflect the LS design's overall dynamism. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2021 LS models right here in the ClubLexus forum.

It has more driver assist systems

From the updated LS cabin, you now have control of an array of new driver assistance systems. The Park Assist function guides steering, throttle, deceleration, and gear change decisions. The Lexus Teammate function also has a notable level of autonomous driving capability, especially in the realm of cruise control. The system can keep a safe distance from the car ahead - even in dynamic driving environments and handle variables like speed changes. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2021 LS models right here in the ClubLexus forum.

A wonderfully sophisticated engine

The updated 2021 model year Lexus LS 500h continues to be driven by a combination of gasoline/electric power source, of which the internal combustion component is a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Peak power output is 354hp, supported by 257 lb-ft of torque, whilst a CVT transmission creates an impeccable smooth acceleration experience and integration of the hybrid system. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2021 LS models right here in the ClubLexus forum.

Twin-turbo V6

For those LS fans who prefer to have a pure gasoline power source for their luxury sedan, there is the LS500's engine. It is a 3.5-liter V6 that has a similar internal architecture to the hybrid version but with added twin-turbocharging. The boost manages to get peak power up to a very reasonable 354hp. Both the new LS500h and LS500 models have better ride quality due to the adaptive suspension system being recoded and structural changes to the stabilizer bars. 

>>Join the conversation about the 2021 LS models right here in the ClubLexus forum.