Lexus LS 500h

The stalwart LS sedan debuted three decades ago and remains the pinnacle of all Lexus has become known for: comfort, refinement, elegance. The hybrid version, the LS 500h, has the added benefit of increased fuel efficiency. Sturdy build quality and high-quality materials also continue to make the LS a notable alternative to traditional European luxury sedan rivals.

The 2021 LS 500h gets minor style and suspension updates, the latter intended to reduce body roll and tighten up turns and cornering. Lexus also retuned the hybrid power system to deliver more electric power during acceleration and give the LS a quicker kick. There are new trim elements around the cabin and more cushioned touchpoints (softer armrests, for example).

Among the more significant updates is the availability of Android Auto, allowing Android users to finally control their smartphone apps, music and messaging through the LS infotainment system. But among the LS 500h's few flaws — it's not terribly exciting to drive and not significantly more fuel-efficient than the regular LS — is that same infotainment system. It uses a clumsy mouse/trackpad-style interface and remains an exercise in patience and frustration.

The Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-Benz S-Class (a full redesign of the latter arrives for 2022) are among today's best large luxury sedans, and nearly all of them offer a hybrid powertrain. Overall, we don't think the LS 500h stands out enough in this group to make it a fully compelling pick unless you're particularly smitten with Lexus' traditional virtues of quality and comfort.

Which LS 500h does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Lexus LS 500h is available in a single trim level. It's powered by a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine augmented with two electric motors. Combined system output is 354 horsepower. A unique transmission combines a traditional four-speed automatic and a continuously variable automatic into a single unit. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.

The standard feature list is long and comprehensive and includes:

• LED headlights
• Adaptive air suspension system (adjusts to enhance ride comfort and handling as well as the LS' ride height)
• Automatic soft-closing doors
• Sunroof
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Power-adjustable headrests
• Dual-zone climate control
• Power rear sunshade

Technology and driver assistance features include:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen display
• Navigation system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connection
• 23-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Lexus and the car in front)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the LS 500h back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)

While the standard LS 500h comes remarkably well equipped, a half-dozen option packages make it possible to boost the luxury factor by multiples. Whether you plan to chauffer VIPs or simply earn the highest ride-share ratings around, the LS 500h can be enhanced with packages such as:

• Luxury package
• Power-adjustable passenger seat with massage
• Power-reclining rear seats with memory function
• Four-zone climate control
• Power side window shades
• Leather-wrapped rear armrest

• Lexus Safety System+ A package
• Adaptive cruise control with Lane Change Assist (can automatically change lanes during cruise control when the driver activates the turn signal)
• Active steering assist (applies corrective steering action to avoid or minimize an imminent forward collision if the driver doesn't react in time)
• Front cross-traffic alert (warns if a vehicle is about to cross the vehicle's forward path)