THE AUTO PAGE
By
John Heilig
- MODEL: 2020 Lexus LS500 AWD
- ENGINE: 3.5-liter twin turbo V6
- TRANSMISSION: 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters
- HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 416 hp @ 6,000 rpm/442 lb.-ft. @ 1,600-4,800 rpm
- WHEELBASE: 123.0 in.
- LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 206.1 x 74.8 x 57.1 in.
- TIRES: P248/45 R20
- CARGO CAPACITY: 17.0 cu. ft.
- ECONOMY: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23.2 mpg test
- FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 21.7 gal.
- CURB WEIGHT: 4,751 lbs.
- TOWING CAPACITY: Not recommended
- COMPETITIVE CLASS: Mercedes-Benz S Class, Lincoln Continental, Jaguar XJ
- STICKER: $115,375 (includes $1,025 delivery, $35,880 options)
- BOTTOM LINE: As it has been since its inception, the Lexus LS 500 is an outstanding luxury sedan with all the options.
When Lexus first came on the
scene as Toyota’s luxury brand, there were only two models, ES (for economy
sedan?) and LS (for luxury sedan?). From the start, the LS 400 built a
reputation for nearly silent operation. It was almost eerie.
The 2020 LS 500 fifth
generation continues that tradition and adds to it with a $23,080 Executive
Package option that kicks it up a notch by putting the LS into limousine
status. It requires no stretch of the imagination to see an executive riding
comfortably in the back doing deals.
Many years ago, when The Auto
Page first hit newspapers, I had a yearly Christmas fantasy car column. The
first entry was a Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn for the (then) enormous sticker of
$137,000. This LS 500 is in the same class.
Under the hood of the LS 500
is a twin turbo 3.5-liter V6 that pumps out an impressive 416 horsepower and
442 lb.-ft. of torque. Combined with a 10-speed direct shift automatic
transmission, performance is smooth. Lexus claims a 0-60 time in the 4.5
seconds range. Okay, when you’re shooting for that time there is a slight
exhaust roar, but that’s it.
Front seat comfort is
exquisite. Both front seats are powered - 28 ways for the driver, only 18 for
the passenger - and heated and ventilated. You can also get a massage, which is
convenient for older drivers who have backache issues. My only issue is that
all settings except heater temperature are controlled through the 12.3-inch
infotainment screen and remote touch interface that’s like an Apple laptop
touch pad. I’m certain that with practice you can get the remote touch
interface to do almost anything, but novices have difficulty “aiming” the
pointer.
With the Executive Package
you get Kiriko glass ornamentation that is created using a technique that
involves hand-cutting clear colors and delicate lines in glass. The door
upholstery is also on a different level with deep pleating, while the dash
decorations mimic the Lexus grille.
When my granddaughters first
got in the back seats their exclamations of wonder at the door decorations
(like the front doors) and the fold-down armrest with its own infotainment
screen. Then they discovered that the rear seats also recline (up to 48
degrees), are heated and ventilated, and also offer a massage option. Rear seat
side support is very good.
Additionally, the rear seats
have fold-out ottomans and privacy screens on all windows. Rear and front doors
appear to have floating door pulls. And yes, there are cupholders in the back
as well as the front. You can raise or lower the window shades using the
controller, and the driver also has the ability to raise or lower them.
For those who may be
interested, there are dual sun-roofs for front and rear passengers.
Since the fifth generation
LS is also 0.6 inches lower than previous models, there is an available air suspension
with an access function. By unlocking the car with the smart key, access mode
automatically raises the vehicle to make it easier to get in or out of
it.
I admit I had difficulty
navigating the infotainment screen with the mouse controller, but I loved just
about every other feature of the LS500. I recommend taking one for a test ride
at the very least.
(c) 2020 The Auto Page Syndicate
1 comment:
I'm between this car or a Rolls Royce; I don't know how you see? Which will be the best?
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