2022 Lexus LS Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview
Because the flagship of the Lexus lineup, the 2022 LS sedan units the usual of luxurious and refinement for the model—however it disappoints in a few essential areas. The entry-level powertrain is a smooth-running twin-turbo V-6, however it lacks the punchiness of a V-8. The improve powertrain is a hybrid setup which is insufficiently refined for a automobile on this lofty class. Cabin trimmings are first-class, although, and the LS provides each consolation and polish for passengers. The motive force could discover the LS’s driving demeanor a little bit of a sleep, however the experience is snug and the inside is hushed. That key rivals such because the Audi A8, the BMW 7-series, and the Mercedes-Benz S-class are nailing the stability between consolation, luxurious, and sport solely serves to focus on the LS’s weak factors.
What’s New for 2022?
Lexus’s flagship sedan carries over primarily unchanged for 2022, however the base mannequin can now be had with the non-compulsory Mark Levinson stereo system and several other of the automobile’s normal driver-assists have been enhanced. A singular Haku steel leaf door trim is now obtainable on automobiles outfitted with the Luxurious and Govt packages.
Pricing and Which One to Purchase
We might keep on with the usual twin-turbocharged V-6 engine and rear-wheel drive, if solely to order funds for optioning the LS’s coolest options. We might spring for the Luxurious package deal—it is costly however price it—because it provides heated and cooled entrance and rear seats with semi-aniline leather-based upholstery; 28-way power-adjustable entrance seats with therapeutic massage; rear buckets; a rear middle console with touchscreen controls for local weather, audio, and seat features; four-zone automated local weather management; and energy sunshades within the again. The non-compulsory adjustable air suspension, 20-inch wheels, a 360-degree digital camera system, actual wooden inside trim, and a wood- and leather-trimmed heated steering wheel are all required so as to add the Luxurious package deal. This pushes the LS500’s worth up $17,000, however that is nonetheless cheaper than the base Mercedes-Benz S-class.
Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency
The usual engine within the LS is a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 that delivers a silky-smooth 416 horsepower. It sounds refined and highly effective whereas beneath heavy throttle however hushed when cruising. A ten-speed automated handles gearchanges. Performance is more than enough for this automobile’s luxurious mission, however V-8-powered variants of the BMW 7-series and the Mercedes-Benz S-class proved to be faster on the take a look at monitor. Models badged LS500h function a hybrid powertrain that makes use of a 3.5-liter V-6 and two electrical motors to make 354 horsepower. Whereas the usual twin-turbo V-6 operates easily, the hybrid association feels unrefined and altogether not luxurious. The engine sounds raspy and coarse, and the transmission—a mashup of a repeatedly variable automated transmission (CVT) and an everyday four-speed automated—steps by means of preset gear ratios with all of the crispness of a soggy cornflake.
Gasoline Economic system and Actual-World MPG
Gasoline-economy estimates for the hybrid are certainly higher than the nonhybrid LS500’s figures, so for those who’re trying to save a buck on the pump, we suppose that is the one redeeming high quality of the LS500h’s powertrain. Whereas the rear-wheel-drive LS500 claims 30/19 mpg freeway/metropolis, the rear-wheel-drive LS500h earns 33/25 mpg scores from the EPA. In our real-world testing, an all-wheel-drive LS500h managed a 30-mpg end result on our 200-mile freeway fuel-economy take a look at. An all-wheel-drive LS500 F Sport managed 26 mpg. For extra details about the LS’s gas economic system, go to the EPA’s website.
Inside, Consolation, and Cargo
Flowing traces, intricately patterned materials, and wealthy leather-based upholstery fills the cabin of the LS. Should you actually wish to go all out, spec the true wooden trim, suave glass inserts, and cleverly pleated door panel material. Passenger area is beneficiant for 4 adults. Including a fifth particular person in the usual three-across rear bench would deny passengers a real luxurious expertise, so we advocate choosing the non-compulsory bucket seats. The rear seatbacks are mounted, so cumbersome cargo gadgets could not simply match within the LS. The trunk, nonetheless, for the LS500 and hybrid mannequin is generously sized, every holding six carry-on suitcases. Each the Audi A8 and the Genesis G90 accommodated the identical quantity of bags.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All LS fashions include Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay functionality, navigation, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, all managed by means of a brand new 12.3-inch touchscreen. Meaning the fussy touchpad on the middle console is now not the one technique to regulate automobile settings, change audio sources, or set a vacation spot within the navigation menu. The system additionally acknowledges some voice instructions. That mentioned, is it an excessive amount of to ask for bodily buttons for issues like seat heating? Lexus apparently thinks so. With a view to activate this function, customers should flip to the display.
Security and Driver-Help Options
As with most different Lexus fashions, the LS comes normal with the Lexus Security System+ 2.5 suite of driver-assistance features. A extra superior semi-autonomous driving-mode function is an possibility. For extra details about the LS’s crash-test outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embrace:
- Normal automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Normal lane-departure warning with lane-keeping help
- Normal adaptive cruise management with lane-centering help
Guarantee and Upkeep Protection
Lexus provides longer powertrain protection than BMW or Mercedes, however does not match as much as Genesis’s plan of 100,000-mile protection. No less than the primary upkeep go to is supplied freed from cost.
- Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain guarantee covers six years or 70,000 miles
- Complimentary upkeep is roofed for one 12 months or 10,000 miles