Lexus LS 500h — Great looking, but quirky hybrid, fussy tech deal breaker

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 6, 2020) We last drove and reviewed Lexus’ flagship LS sedan when it was given a thorough redo for its fifth
-generation 2018 model year. Back then, it radiated style, substance and the presence of a dreadnought-class luxury sedan. It also went to great lengths offering every advanced high-tech feature known to man.

Unlike its Mercedes S-class and BMW 7-series competitors, Lexus also did away with its traditional V-8 engine in favor of a new twin-turbo 3.5-liter 416-horsepower V-6 with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, delivered through a silky-smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. There’s also the hybrid version 500h tested here, comprised of a V-6 and two electric motors good for 354-horsepower, paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

The problem was that the technology was so poorly designed and implemented that, operationally, it’s extremely frustrating to use, with a fussy console-mounted trackpad-based infotainment controller. The poor execution of the tech makes the LS difficult to live with and overshadows the remarkably wonderful things about the car.

Now in its 30th year, few changes have been made to the LS since 2018. It remains entirely a carryover vehicle for 2020, with changes generally limited to new color and wheel choices. There is a new Inspiration Series trim model limited to just 300 units. However, this is the first time we’ve spent time behind the wheel of the 500h hybrid.

We put several hundred miles on the 500h during our weeklong testing, mostly in highway driving and suburban errands. While the ride quality was pillowy soft, handling and body control delivered adequate cornering grip, excellent braking and steering.

But we thought the hybrid setup far inferior to the twin-turbocharged V-6 in the non-hybrid LS. It had a coarse, unrefined feel unbecoming a six-figure luxury sedan. We were also disappointed with the CVT, which is bolted together with a conventional four-speed automatic transmission in an amalgamation designed to deliver an artificial shift control intended to give the impression of a 10-speed automatic. However, the pre-set gear ratios felt imprecise and vague at best and made us question why Lexus engineers felt the need to abandon the conventional 10-speed in favor of the CVT. Is there really anyone at all that likes a CVT?

The 500h gives the driver a choice of four drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport S, and Sport S+ settings. We primarily elected to drive in Normal where the LS’s electronics selected the most fuel-efficient engine speed for the requested acceleration. We didn’t think it was up to the task and felt it was out of synch with the driver’s intended input. Again, it’s a completely different experience with the non-hybrid powertrain setup that we much preferred.



But where the 500h did come shining through was in the fuel consumption arena, where our overall fuel economy for the weeklong testing was a combined 29.3 mpg, 1.3 mpg better than the EPA’s highway rating.

Outside, at 206-inches long, the 500h looks much larger than it does from behind the wheel. Up front, if you’re not a fan of Lexus’ contentious and massive “spindle grille,” you definitely won’t like the LS. However, if you can get past the grille, the LS is one of the most beautiful full-sized luxury sedans on the market. Headlamps are full LED with triple beams that sit just above the angular LED daytime running lights. The optional 20-inch vapor chromed wheels are simply the best-looking wheel we’ve seen on any vehicle at any price. The taillamps are also LED with cool-looking 3D “Ls” incorporated into them.

Our LS 500h came fully equipped with over $35,500 in optional equipment on top of its $80,925 base price, bringing the total MSRP to $116,495. Most prominent was the $23,080 optional Executive package loaded with opulence including quilted-stitched perforated semi-aniline leather seats that adjusted 28-ways, gorgeous wood inlays, and hand-cut Kiriko glass on woven fabric door panels that produces stunning reflections of light.

The best seats in the 500h are the rear seats, where passengers are pampered with heated/cooled recline adjustable seats with multi-functioning massaging features, four-zone climate concierge, power side-window sunshades and a seven-inch touchscreen for operational controls. Seats are perfect for two adults and it’s like flying international first class with an almost arrogant display of luxury automotive craftmanship.

Overall, the LS — with its roomy, luxurious cabin, comfortable ride and unique design embellishments — won’t disappoint. But given the unimpressive hybrid engine-transmission setup and irksome trackpad-based infotainment and operational controls, it’s neither more luxurious nor more desirable than rivals in its class, and mainly succeeds at being expensive.
 
Vital Stats
Base Price: $80,925
Price as Tested: $116,495
Engine-Transmission: 354hp, 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle hybrid V-6 and two electric motor/generators paired with a two-transmission CVT setup.
Fuel Economy: 25/33/28 - MPG – City/Highway/Combined – MPG
Seating: 4 or 5 depending on seating configuration

Crash Test Safety Ratings: The Lexus LS has not been crash tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Where Built: Tahara, Aichi, Japan

Competes With:
Audi A8 L
BMW 7-series
Genesis G90
Mercedes-Benz S-class

Fab Features:
Phenomenally comfortable seating
Good fuel economy
Gorgeous interior, materials, craftsmanship