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 fifth-generation LS strays from this tradition by piling on complicated, distracting controls, significantly 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 or freshly redesigned competitors like the Audi A8.
Compared to the previous model, the current LS is longer, wider, and lower. Taken together, these bigger 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 owners will experience daily frustrations. Using the touchpad in conjunction with the screen is tedious and cumbersome. It seems as if Lexus designers set a goal of maximizing driver distraction. Even the gear selector is a nuisance. Since our original test, all LS models have since been upgraded to a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen.
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 the touchpad--a multi-step, distracting process. Even changing the height of the head restraints is a four-step procedure buried in the screen.
A 416-hp, 3.4-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 out-of-character impacts over expansion joints and the like.
To its credit, the LS has somewhat improved handling with relatively 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 keeping assistance, lane departure warning, and active cruise control. An Advanced Package brings front cross traffic warning, 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.