A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.4/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4
Comfort & Interior
4.8
Running Costs
3.2
Practicality
4
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a luxury saloon that epitomises refined elegance and cutting edge technology? The Lexus LS stands as Japan’s flagship executive car, competing directly with prestigious rivals like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class. This full size luxury saloon combines exceptional build quality with innovative hybrid powertrains and whisper quiet cabins. The LS offers a compelling alternative to German luxury with its unique blend of reliability, advanced safety features, and meticulous attention to detail.
In the competitive luxury saloon market, the Lexus LS has carved out a reputation for long term dependability and exceptional customer service. While European rivals focus on performance credentials, the LS prioritises comfort, refinement, and cutting edge technology. Its spacious interior rivals the finest hotel suites, while the smooth hybrid drivetrain delivers impressive fuel economy for such a large vehicle. The comprehensive warranty coverage and proven reliability record make it an attractive proposition for executive buyers.
Whether you’re a business executive seeking the ultimate in comfort or simply appreciate automotive excellence, the Lexus LS delivers a uniquely Japanese take on luxury motoring. It offers genuine prestige without the typical German premium running costs, backed by Lexus’s renowned customer service and reliability. For buyers who value substance over badge snobbery, the LS represents exceptional value in the luxury saloon segment.
What's the Lexus LS Like to Drive?
The Lexus LS focuses on refined power delivery rather than outright speed. The hybrid powertrain combining a 3.5-litre V6 with electric motors produces around 359 horsepower, providing smooth and silent acceleration. The 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.4 seconds feels effortless rather than aggressive, perfectly suited to the car’s luxury character. Power delivery is seamlessly smooth, with the electric motors filling in any gaps to create uninterrupted acceleration.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
3.5L V6 Hybrid
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Power Output
359 bhp
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0-60 mph
5.4 seconds
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MPG Combined
35 - 40 mpg
- Boot Space
- 430 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Lexus LS: Comfort & Features
Step inside and you enter a world of uncompromising luxury. The LS interior represents the finest Japanese craftsmanship, featuring hand-selected leather, real wood trim, and precision-engineered controls. The dashboard design is both elegant and functional, dominated by a large central screen that controls the advanced infotainment system. Every surface feels premium, from the soft-close door handles to the perfectly weighted climate control knobs.
The LS redefined luxury. Its unwavering commitment to refinement, serene ride, and meticulous detail still set a benchmark, demonstrating what true automotive prestige should be.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Lexus LS?
As a flagship luxury saloon, the LS comes with premium ownership costs that reflect its advanced technology and craftsmanship. The hybrid powertrain helps with fuel economy, delivering real-world figures of 35-40 MPG depending on driving conditions. This impressive efficiency for such a large luxury car helps reduce fuel expenses compared to traditional V8-powered rivals. Insurance costs will be substantial due to the high purchase price and advanced technology systems.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Lexus LS
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BMW 5 Series
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Mercedes E-Class
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £75,000 | £72,000 | £74,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 3.5L V6 Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl Turbo | 2.0L 4-cyl Turbo |
| Power | 359 bhp | 248 bhp | 255 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 5.4 seconds | 6.2 seconds | 6.0 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 38 mpg | 42 mpg | 40 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 430 litres | 530 litres | 540 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Hybrid power, Mark Levinson audio, Exceptional refinement | Dynamic handling, iDrive system, Sport modes | Luxurious interior, MBUX infotainment, Air suspension |
Lexus LS Practicality & Boot Space
For such a large luxury saloon, the LS delivers impressive everyday usability. The 430-litre boot easily accommodates luggage for extended trips or substantial shopping expeditions. The rear seats fold to expand cargo space when needed, though most owners will rarely require this flexibility. Interior storage includes thoughtfully positioned cup holders, door pockets, and central console compartments for personal items.
Absolutely magnificent car that glides along like nothing else. The build quality is extraordinary and the hybrid system is incredibly smooth. The only minor issue is the infotainment can be slow to respond, but everything else is perfection.
The Lexus LS represents the pinnacle of Japanese luxury automotive engineering. It combines exceptional build quality, advanced hybrid technology, and unmatched refinement into a package that defines premium motoring. While it may not offer the boot space of some European rivals or the lowest running costs in its class, it excels in the areas that matter most for luxury car buyers: comfort, quality, and reliability.