The Lexus LS 500 isn’t just the brand’s flagship luxury sedan; with available finery crafted using traditional Japanese techniques, the car is a sort of ambassador of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and culture as a whole. The available Haku metal trim is created using a technique that dates back more than 400 years. Glass being a more modern invention, the optional Kiriko cut-glass trim honors a tradition from only the mid-19th century. Lexus is increasing the price of the LS 500 some for the 2024 model year, though, so students of Japanese culture will need to pay at least $80,685 for the honor of decorating their ride with these styles (all prices include a $1,350 destination charge).
Related: The 2022 Lexus LS 500h Has a Hands-Free Driving System; We Try It
What’s New?
Lexus has been overhauling its lineup to address a major complaint with its cars, and for 2023, the LS got the fix in the form of a new touchscreen infotainment system. Replacing the awkward and distracting touchpad controller immediately wiped away a big complaint. With that out of the way, Lexus only made minor changes to the LS for 2024: A wireless phone charger is now standard on both the LS 500 and LS 500h hybrid, and the LS 500 gets a standard head-up display and a digital key, which allows drivers to use a paired smartphone as a key.
Powertrain Specs and MPG
As before, the LS 500 is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine making 416 horsepower and 442 pounds-feet of torque. The V-6 is backed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the LS 500 is available with either rear- or all-wheel drive. The hybrid LS 500h gets a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter six-cylinder and two electric motors combining to produce a total of 354 hp. AWD is standard, and the hybrid uses a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Though official figures for the 2024 model are not yet available, the EPA rates the 2023 version of the rear-drive LS 500 at 18/29/22 mpg city/highway/combined, while the AWD version scores 17/27/21 mpg. The hybrid is listed at 22/29/25 mpg.
Safety Systems Tailored to the Vehicle
Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard in the gas-powered LS 500. The suite includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, as well as emergency steering assist and the ability to watch for potential collisions during a left turn, adaptive cruise control and active lane-centering steering assist. The LS 500 also comes with Proactive Driving Assist, which enables hands-free highway driving and automatic parking. Hybrid LS 500s include LSS+ 2.5, which includes much of the same technology, minus Proactive Driving Assist.
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Availability and Pricing
The 2024 Lexus LS 500 and LS 500h will go on sale later in the year. Pricing is as follows:
- LS 500: $80,685
- LS 500 AWD: $83,935
- LS 500 F Sport: $84,825
- LS 500 F Sport AWD: $87,275
- LS 500h: $115,560
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