2021 Lexus LS500 – The Largest Luxury Sedan Lives On

The 2021 Lexus LS500 is the latest generation of what is the largest and often touted as the most comfortable executive sedan globally. Previous generations have always prided themselves on being comfortable to drive, with excellent build quality and power. The 2021 model comes with a couple of adjustments which we’ll talk about in this review. 

A New Infotainment System 

The most important update has to be to the 12.3-inch infotainment system display, which has been brought closer to the driver, making it easier to use. While the trackpad lives on and functions the same as before, they’ve added a button that offers quick access to steering wheel controls and heated seats. 

A More Comfortable Interior 

The 2021 Lexus LS500 has one of the most comfortable and premium feeling interiors this year. The turned aluminum trim on the doors doesn’t stand out as much but feels good. It appears that Lexus is sticking with its conservative approach by refraining from making strong statements. The latest addition is the metal strips that span the entire dash and lead into the freshly styled door panels. The clever patterns of the 28-way power seats are also something we’ve become fans of. Best of all, the interior feels much more than what it costs, with top-notch build quality. 

Scoot on over to the back, and the seats feel comfy. The rear can accommodate three people comfortably, or you can fold down the center armrest that now hosts multiple switches to control everything from the position of the front passenger seat to the lights. 

Speaking of space, the trunk is a generous 17 cubic feet; it’s a beast compared to other sedans in this segment. 

Performance On The Road 

The 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 delivers more than enough power than what’s needed. At 416 HP with 442 lb/ft of torque, mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle is nimble and thus easy to mauver. The engine is near silent during regular operation, that’s in part due to the well-insulated cabin. 

The 2021 Lexus LS500, is fast especially considering its size. While you might be tempted to throw the vehicles into tight corners, which we found that it can easily handle, we wouldn’t push our lucks too far. That said, when it comes to driving pleasure, the 2021 Lexus LS500 is undoubtedly up there with the best. However, where it excels is at driving luxury. It is comfortable to drive, making long trips fun for everyone on board. 

Final Verdict 

The 2021 Lexus LS500 is a decent bargain, especially for the level of comfort and driving pleasure it has to offer. However, starting at slightly over $80k, it is still far cheaper than the competing Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series. Even when fully loaded, it is under 100 grand, making it a much better choice, at least in terms of value for money compared to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. 

The excellent build quality, ride comfort, and a laundry list of safety features make the 2021 Lexus LS500 a worthy contender for anyone in the market for a large luxury sedan.