| 2019 |
The original Lexus LS showed the world how quiet and smooth-riding a luxury sedan could be. As long as you avoid the F Sport variant, the fifth-generation LS remains among the quietest, smoothest-riding cars you can buy. But the far less expensive ES is nearly as smooth and as quiet; as are many other current sedans, including some from Hyundai and Kia.
So what sets the latest Lexus LS apart and justifies its lofty price? Perhaps most of all, its seats. I imagine even the 16-way adjustable heated-and-ventilated front seats in an unoptioned $76,475 LS (add $3,220 for AWD and/or $4,510 for the hybrid) are quite comfortable on long drives and properly supportive if the road gets twisty.
But it's hard to imagine anyone getting this car and not opting for at least the Interior Upgrade Package, which with additional options it requires bumps the bottom line to $82,615. This package upgrades the upholstery to quilted, soft semi-aniline leather, upgrades the headliner to synthetic suede, adds heat to the rear seat, and increases the number of driver-seat adjustments to 28. Perhaps most importantly, this package adds a highly customizable shiatsu-like massage feature to the driver seat that's capable of providing the most vigorous rubdown I've ever experienced at 70 mph. My sister judged it "better than the chairs at the salon."
But supreme comfort on long drives need not be restricted to the driver. Opt for the Luxury Package, which bumps the price of a rear-drive LS 500 (no h) to $93,475, and the front passenger gets the same 28-way massage seat as the driver, while the rear passengers get heated-and-ventilated 18-way adjustable seats and their own climate controls.
Desire massage for the rear seat passengers? Then add another $8,000 for the Executive Package, which also includes a recliner with legrest for the right rear spot and "butterfly" headrests for all four outboard seats. As much as the LS isn't personally my sort of car, there's something to be said for cruising mile after mile while the driver and three passengers receive thorough massages from exceptionally comfortable climate-controlled seats. My elderly parents, with many aches and pains between them, loved these seats.
Weaknesses? Even though the new LS is offered in only one length, and is longer than the extended wheelbase version of the previous LS, it does not offer as much rear legroom as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series. The fancy executive recliner can only be used if no one is in the front passenger seat, as the latter must be compacted against the instrument panel. Blame the new car's racier "coupe-like" styling and proportions. (The new LS shares its underpinnings with the LC coupe.)
see full Lexus LS review |
