2018 Lexus LS 500 (5th Generation)

Lexus LS 500 Inspiration Series

Color has the ability to inspire emotions in an instant. The right shade of an exquisite color can elevate even the most polished design to a higher level. The 2020 Lexus LS 500 Inspiration Series exemplifies the power of color with a new, limited production exterior and interior combination that gives the flagship sedan an unmistakable visual presence.

The fourth Inspiration Series vehicle from Lexus, the LS 500 is the first sedan to get this exclusive treatment. It starts with a unique new exterior color, Deep Garnet. Garnet, a deep, metallic shade of red that shimmers in direct sun yet has a deep, lustrous tone in the shade. The vibrant color is complimented by standard 20-inch wheels finished in Black Vapor Chrome. Like the Deep Garnet paint, these wheels glimmer in the sun yet retain a polished, subdued look in the shade that accentuates the LS 500's elegant proportions.

https://www.netcarshow.com/lexus/2020-ls_500_inspiration_series/

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Refreshed Lexus LS sedan: facelift brings 'exceptional' comfort levels

Lexus has handed its LS saloon a facelift that it claims takes the flagship sedan’s comfort and refinement to “exceptional” levels.

The mid-cycle update comes some three years after the fifth-generation LS debuted, with the Toyota-backed luxury brand’s engineers concentrating on “elevating the sedan's levels of comfort, quiet and overall refinement”.

In Japan, the updated LS also receives something the firm calls “Lexus Teammate”, a suite of advanced driving assistance features that incorporate artificial intelligence technologies.

The sedan furthermore gains a “newly developed” adaptive variable suspension solenoid that reduces damping force, while the stiffness of the run-flat tyres and the rigidity of the stabiliser bars have been “optimised”, too.

In addition, the refreshed LS will be offered with a new exterior paint colour Lexus calls “Gin-ei Luster”. The firm claims this hue “achieves deep shadows and robust highlights, enabled by new paint technology”.

Inside, Lexus has added a new 12,3-inch touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality) for “improved operability”, while the seat coverings now employ “deeper stitch points” and the underlying seat pads feature “low-resilience” urethane.


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Hybrid coming? Lexus South Africa to launch 'extended' LS range in 2021

Lexus South Africa has confirmed it plans to introduce the recently refreshed LS flagship sedan in 2021, while also revealing it plans to “extend the local range”.

The current, fifth-generation LS line-up offered in South Africa comprises two variants (the LS500 and LS500 F Sport), both powered by a twin-turbo 3,5-litre V6 worth 310 kW and 600 N.m.

Lexus SA’s intention to “extend” the range, though, leaves us thinking it plans to add the hybrid powertrain option already available in some other markets. Wearing the LS500h badge, this model combines a detuned version of the aforementioned V6 with an electric motor.

The LS500h’s peak system output is 264 kW, while the petrol engine generates 350 N.m and the electric motor some 300 N.m. This powertrain has a claimed combined fuel economy figure of 6,6 L/100 km.

 
New (493 kW!) Lexus LS F coming to fight next Mercedes-AMG S63 – report

A fresh report out of Japan claims Lexus has plans to launch a high-performance LS F sedan, with the upcoming Mercedes-AMG S63 saloon squarely in its sights.

According to BestCarWeb, the Japanese firm’s flagship sedan will finally receive the full-fat “F” treatment, drawing power from a “newly developed” twin-turbo 4,0-litre V8 petrol engine. The publication suggests a reveal will take place by November 2021.

The report claims the rumoured LS F will boast a peak power output of 493 kW, eclipsing both the outgoing 450 kW V8-powered S63 and 430 kW V12-powered BMW M760Li (which is expected to be officially put out to pasture soon).

 
Refreshed Lexus LS sedan to touch down in SA in second quarter

Lexus South Africa has confirmed its refreshed LS flagship sedan will hit local roads in the second quarter of 2021.

While the Toyota-backed firm’s local division has yet to announce detailed specifications, it has confirmed the updated fifth-generation LS line-up will comprise two derivatives at launch.

The outgoing, pre-facelift LS range, of course, is also made up of two variants in the form of the LS500 and the LS500 F Sport. Both employ the Japanese company’s 310 kW/600 N.m turbocharged 3,5-litre V6 petrol engine, driving the rear axle via a ten-speed automatic transmission.

While we expect this six-cylinder powerplant to carry over largely unchanged, Lexus has made some minor alterations that it says lead to “improved initial engine torque” and “greater acceleration response”. The gearbox, too, gains “improved shift timing and a wider acceleration range for each gear”.

 
Lexus LS500 & LC500 Convertible land in SA: here’s how much they cost

The updated Lexus LS500 and LC500 Convertible have been introduced to the Japanese luxury manufacturer’s range as flagship offerings. The executive sedan is available in two trims while the luxury open-top GT enters the range as an open-top alternative to the existing coupe.

Kicking off the saloon offering is the Lexus LS500 F-Sport at R2 204 300. With this, an F-Sport three-spoke steering wheel and gear selector, dual-zone climate control, a 23-speaker Mark Levinson EMV audio system, heads-up display and adaptive cruise control are fitted as standard. The exterior boasts a set of LED Bladescan adaptive high-beam headlamps and F-Sport body panels with 20-inch alloy wheels.

The top-of-the-range Lexus LS500 boasts an asking price of R2 397 900 and while it does away with the F-Sport trimmings, it does feature more standard kit such as a four-zone climate control system, seat ventilation and massaging for the front and rear, rear seat entertainment system, cooler box, leather and wood combination upholstery, active butterfly power headrests and a more conclusive airbag configuration.

Both Lexus LS500 models make use of the brand’s twin-turbopetrol 3,5-litre V6 unit with the firm’s 10-speed automatic transmission which sends 310 kW and 600 N.m of torque to the rear wheels. With this, a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 5,0 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h has been quoted. Lexus claims that on a combined cycle, its LS500 will sip 10,0 L/100 km of fuel.

The Lexus LC500 Convertible was revealed in 2019 but the local arm confirmed an introduction into South Africa for this year. This model comes in with a price-tag of R2 345 500 and retains the brand’s naturally aspirated 5,0-litre V8 engine that sends 351 kW and 540 N.m to the rear axle via a ten-speed automatic transmission.

https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/lexus-ls500-lc500-convertible-sa/
 
Lexus LS 500 (2021) Launch Review

A mildly updated version of the Lexus LS 500 is now available in South Africa. We drive the revised first-class sedan on some of Mpumalanga’s most scenic roads.

The Lexus LS is the Japanese premium brand’s answer to the Audi S8, BMW 7 Series, Maserati Quattroporte, Porsche Panamera but, most notably, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. With the local introduction of Benz’s latest first-class sedan (W223) delayed due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic (and the associated semi-conductor shortage), Lexus SA has effectively got the jump on the segment’s benchmark.

Lexus SA offers its updated flagship in 2 derivatives: F-Sport and Luxury. Only minor mechanical updates have been made to the model; Lexus’ engineers focused their efforts on improving the tiniest of product details… There was an emphasis on increasing the luxury, comfort and refinement levels of, let’s face it, an already well-engineered product. It sounds like time-consuming, let alone painstaking, work!

Summary

The Lexus LS 500 will find favour with those who want one of the quietest and most refined driving experiences on offer. Lexus’ flagship sedan is not only deeply satisfying to drive; being driven around in the LS is one of life’s more pleasurable experiences. There’s so much space and comfort on offer, and while plenty of potential customers in the segment will opt for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class – when it eventually arrives – the Lexus makes a formidable case for itself, because of its restrained refinement and sheer classiness – it exudes “old money” in a way very few modern cars can.

How much does updated Lexus LS cost in SA?

The new Lexus 500 is sold with a 7-year / 105 000 km warranty and full maintenance plan.

Lexus LS 500 LuxuryR2 204 200
Lexus LS 500 F-SportR2 397 900


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DRIVEN | Lexus LS 500 reaffirms its position as a front-runner in luxury mobility

• Lexus refreshed its LS 500 luxury sedan for the next phase of its lifecycle.

• The LS 500 is Lexus' answer to the likes of the Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

• The new LS 500 range comprises two models, both powered by the same engine.

Lexus' updated LS 500 luxury sedan made its South African debut in the closing stages of August 2021, reinforcing its position as the top saloon in the Japanese automaker's arsenal. The LS, rival to the likes of the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, is Lexus' interpretation of what a car at the upper end of the echelon should be.

Following a day's driving on roads around the Kruger National Park and Kruger Mpumalanga International airport, it became apparent that Lexus' take on the luxury sedan is not to be scoffed at. The LS, now enhanced for the next phase of its lifecycle, features Adaptive Variable Suspension to improve ride quality, while in-cabin serenity has also been increased. On the whole, the car continues with the impressive Lexus traits we've come to expect.

Locally, two models comprise the LS 500 range: the Luxury and the F Sport. Both derivatives are powered by the same turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that sends power to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. The LS 500 comes standard with a best-in-class seven-year or 105 000km warranty and a comprehensive maintenance plan.

The Lexus LS 500 Luxury retails for R2 204 200, while the LS 500 F Sport has a price tag of R2 397 900.

https://www.news24.com/wheels/newmo...as-a-front-runner-in-luxury-mobility-20210827
 
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