Lexus has announced pricing for the 2023 LS and some critical changes to the model range, including the death of a much-lamented feature. We're, of course, talking about the brand's trackpad infotainment system, which has now been replaced with a new 12.3-inch unit. If ever there was a singular feature that came close to ruining a car, the trackpad was it.

Toyota first debuted the upgraded interface in the 2022 Tundra, and it's been finding its way into models across both brands. That aside, 2023 pricing for the Lexus flagship starts at $77,535, with the range topping off at $113,435 for the LS 500h equipped with Lexus Teammate. The latter is Lexus' suite of semi-autonomous features.

Lexus offers five trims in total for the LS: The standard 500, followed by the LS 500 F Sport ($81,135), LS 500 AWD ($80,785), LS 500 F Sport AWD ($84,385), and the LS 500h with Lexus Teammate, mentioned above. Lexus Teammate is essentially two Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) combined into a single package.

Advanced Drive is one of the two ADAS, which is Lexus' version of hands-free, SAE Level 2 driving. For now, it can be used "on limited access highways." Advanced Park is the other ADAS Lexus offers. We've tried a similar feature in the BMW X7, and it allows the car to automatically control steering, acceleration, braking, and gear changes when parallel parking or backing into a space.

Lexus says other changes to the LS include retuning of steering and braking inputs to help with "poise" and elevating driver confidence." New spring and damper rates were calibrated, and the diameters of both the front and rear roll bars were changed. The power is unchanged, but Lexus has re-tuned the 10-speed auto to keep the motor within its power band better.

Lexus' Adaptive Variable Suspension also receives new solenoids and control valves to help the luxury car waft along without any imperfections finding their way into the cabin. The car's air suspension will now also raise or lower to help you get in and out.

We've covered it at length across several new models, and it's arguably Toyota's best system yet, with a "Hey Lexus" feature, Bluetooth and wireless Apple Carplay, and Android Auto built-in alongside new Drive Connect software in partnership with Google.

Lexus says it has added six USB ports throughout the cabin, but it doesn't say what kind. Given the price point, USB-C is likely. On Luxury or Executive Package-equipped interiors, Lexus adds Haku ornamentation. That's exceptionally flat metal foil so thin it must be hand-applied to the car, "achieving a delicate shine reminiscent of moonlight reflecting over ocean waves."

On Executive models, Kiriko glass ornamentation adds incredibly intricate patterning to the door trim. Rear seats are available with heating and massage on top of the Executive package, which adds a passenger seat that can recline by up to 48 degrees when parked for napping.

A final note on trim levels and packages- the F Sport trim stays around for another model year, and Lexus has not altered it for 2023.

Lexus will offer nine total paint colors for 2023: Ultra White, Eminent White Pearl, Atomic Silver, Manganese Luster, Iridium, Obsidian, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, and Nightfall Mica.

For 2023, all LS500s will come standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. This is the brand's blanket term for the standard safety features it offers, including Pre-Collision System (PCS), which includes Frontal Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection, and Bicyclist Detection. Radar cruise is also on offer, with lane departure warning and steering assistance.

For now, Lexus Teammate is only available on 500h models, something we hope to see change as the brand works more on its ADAS and SAE Level 2 autonomous technology.