For almost three decades, the Lexus LS ultra-luxury sedan was defined by its whisper-quiet powertrain, pampering ride, and rock-solid reliability. It epitomized luxury-car serenity and excellence.
The new, fifth-generation LS strays from this tradition by piling on complicated controls, a less cushy ride, and compromised seating. With its latest redesign, the LS has transformed into a high-tech showboat that may turn off loyal buyers and has abdicated its stress-free motoring niche to newcomers such as the Genesis G90.
The new LS is longer, wider, and lower. Taken together, these revised dimensions cut into the sedan's usable interior space, while hurting ease of access and limiting rear seat room.
Slide inside, and the LS 500's Japanese artistic touches are immediately apparent. Numerous elements bring flair like 'floating' door armrests, wavelike stitching, and flowing parallel lines throughout.
But the controls are so complicated that new owners should budget time at the dealership to configure the settings. Using the touchpad to change the audio source, for example, requires drivers to take their eyes off the road to verify their choice. It's also too easy to put the gear selector into Neutral instead of Drive or Reverse as intended.
The driver's seat coddles its occupant with near-infinite adjustments. Unfortunately, drivers can only manipulate the seat heaters and ventilation through the central screen and touchpad--a tedious and distracting process. Even changing the height of the head restraints is a four-step procedure buried in the screen.
A 416-hp, 3.5-liter V6 turbo engine replaced the previous silky-smooth V8 engine. We measured acceleration from 0-60 mph in six seconds flat, but in everyday driving, progress isn't always immediate. There's an initial hesitation between the turbo V6 and the 10-speed automatic. Fuel economy, at 20 mpg overall, is decent for the class. The cabin's quietness is disturbed by engine growl during hard acceleration.
The ride is steady and controlled, but impacts from bumps are felt too hard for a luxury car. The optional air suspension does a commendable job of keeping the body composed, but the 20-inch run-flat tires allow some out-of-character impacts.
To its credit, the LS has somewhat improved handling with restrained body roll and a prompt steering response. Despite these gains, there is no escaping that it's a wide car that feels out of its element on a curvy road.
At this price, it is not surprising to see the LS features standard forward-collision warning and automatic braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and active cruise control. An Advanced Package brings front cross-traffic alert, road sign assist, and adaptive cruise control, which can be a stress reducer in stop-and-go traffic.
Lexus has gone gadget crazy with the latest LS, hurting its former elegant simplicity. This metamorphosis shifts the sedan away from a relaxing, first-class motoring experience to a car that frustrates on several levels.