2019 Lexus LS Review

If ever proof was needed that Lexus can take on the best European cars on the market, the 2019 Lexus LS 500 is it. Under the hood of this full-size luxury sedan is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, driven through a ten-speed automatic transmission to either the rear or all four wheels. Lexus has built this vehicle for prestigious levels of comfort, and every aspect of the LS, inside and out, tangibly denotes just that. However, BMW and Mercedes have dominated in the luxury vehicle arena for many years, and it could prove to be a challenge for the LS 500 to match up to what the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes Benz S-Class have to offer. Still, with superb build quality, a vast range of appreciable vehicle features, and an exceptional predicted reliability rating, the Lexus LS 500 can stand its ground in this segment. To its credit, the luxury five-seater is not quite as expensive as many of its rivals; priced between $75,450 and $84,670 the LS 500 offers a value-for-money option without sacrificing opulence, elegance, and style.

What's the Price of the 2019 Lexus LS?

The rear-wheel-drive 2019 Lexus LS 500 is the cheapest model, with a base MSRP of $75,450, before tax, registration, licensing, and Lexus' delivery, processing and handling fee of $1,025. Buyers can expect an MSRP of $78,670 for the all-wheel-drive model. Dealership prices may vary, and dealer-specific incentives could include price-altering accessory options. The cost of the LS 500 increased only marginally from the previous year model as the LS received a significant redesign and substantial upgrades in 2018, resulting in minimal updates moving into 2019.

2019 LS Exterior

Dimensions

2019 LS Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

As with most luxury sedans, the LS 500 has been purposefully designed to deliver a superior ride quality and comfort-oriented driving experience. High-quality build is expected in a Lexus, and, subsequently, driving should follow suit. An adaptive variable suspension, together with well-cushioned seats makes for phenomenal ride comfort in the LS 500. General feedback suggests that the suspension conveys a firmer ride than rival sedans, which can be remedied by opting for the air suspension add-on. Overall, road imperfections are effectively dealt with, and at low speeds, road undulations are almost imperceptible.

The steering wheel is light and adequately responsive to driver inputs, but on the downside means that the generally effortless feel disconnects the driver from road somewhat. Switching to either the Sport or Sport+ modes slightly firms up the steering, allowing for more engagement with the tires and asphalt. Similarly, braking in the LS 500 also feels somewhat detached, as there is little pressure from the pedal. Despite this, brake response at low to moderate speeds is adequate. With its imposing dimensions, braking from higher speeds can feel a little alarming. The LS 500's handling dynamics are not at all sporty, with body roll manifesting the instant the full-size sedan enters a turn at speed.

For the more spirited driver, the F-Sport model is a bonus. It significantly improves handling at the limits and kits the LS 500 out with enhancements such as 20-inch wheels, six-piston front brake calipers with 15.7-in ventilated discs, four-piston rear brake calipers with 14.1-in ventilated discs and a sport-tuned adaptive variable suspension. Along with this, the F-Sport package equips the exclusive optional Performance Package which adds rear-wheel steering, active stabilizers, and variable-ratio steering to the vehicle.

2019 LS Interior

2019 LS Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2019 Lexus LS A Good car?

The LS 500 is an exceptional luxury sedan and offers excellent value for money at its price range. It is one of the more affordable luxury sedans on the market, yet it is equipped with a host of significant vehicle features at the base level. It is supremely well-built and fitted with highly compatible and refined underpinnings. Additionally, it has been given an above-average predicted reliability rating and is covered by substantial manufacturer warranties. It features a dependable range of standard safety tech and advanced driver assists as well as optional semi-automated driving features. In terms of performance, the LS 500 is on par with class rivals, offering decent fuel economy estimates and a respectable maximum travel distance on a full tank of gas. Ride comfort is top-class, and the cabin is as extravagant as a king's chariot. Some rivals do offer more in terms of technology, especially as the LS still lacks Android Auto functionality; the continued use of the clumsy and distracting touchpad-style interface with the infotainment system remains a negative but doesn't detract from the overall brilliance of the vehicle.

What Lexus LS Model Should I Buy?

The only real decision to make when purchasing an LS 500 is whether you require the all-wheel-drive or not; choosing the rear-wheel-drive will spare you $3,220. Whatever the decision, both models are equipped with identical powertrains and offer the same level of vehicle features and access to optional packages and standalone preferences (however, we do recommend equipping the Safety System+ A to bring the LS 500 in line with what top-end rivals offer in terms of driver aids). If efficiency is a priority, then its noteworthy that the rear-wheel-drive model is slightly more economical than the all-wheel-drive in terms of gas mileage. For those looking for a sportier character, we recommend the F-Sport and the Performance Package, although this will significantly up the overall price by more than $16,000.

2019 Lexus LS Comparisons

2019 Lexus LS vs BMW 7 Series

At first glance, the BMW 7 Series is a bigger vehicle than the LS 500 and features foldable rear seats that subsequently offer more interior space and better cargo volume. Although it has a more complex infotainment system and several additional technology features, the BMW system is easier to get accustomed to and far more intuitive than that of the Lexus. The 7 Series features the adaptive variable air suspension as standard, while it represents an additional cost on the LS 500. That said, the base LS 500 is around $7,500 cheaper than the entry-level 7 Series model, and has a more powerful engine that produces notably higher horsepower and torque. The LS 500's powertrain is covered for two-years/20,000-miles more than the 7 Series, and it is given a higher score for predicted reliability. While the 7 Series is the superior sedan in most areas (especially at higher trim levels), it comes at a much higher price. Fundamentally, the Lexus offers a value-for-money luxury sedan that can hold its own against the BMW and would be the better investment between the two.

2019 Lexus LS vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan

What's nice about the Mercedes Benz S-Class is that it is available as a sedan, coupe, and a convertible. At the entry point to the range, the S-Class falls into a higher price bracket than the LS 500, but it comes standard with an air-ride adaptive suspension which makes for superior ride quality. In terms of on-board technology, the S-Class offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, as well as an infotainment system that works seamlessly and intuitively as opposed to the clumsy and bewildering system on the Lexus. The standard sound system in the S-Class is also preferred to the basic set up in the LS 500 - in fact, it is one of the best in this class. The LS 500 features a broader range of standard safety features and advanced driver assists and seems very similar and evenly matched. Due to the S-Class's top-notch tech and better standard suspension, it comes out on top in this comparison.