The 2023 Lexus LS is a full-size luxury sedan with better value than rivals like the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S Class, and Porsche Panamera. In addition to its value, the Lexus LS offers multiple desirable features and a choice of efficient powertrains. While most of its rivals still offer a V8 engine, the LS is among the few luxury sedans to only stick to V6 power.
What’s New?
Lexus introduces a new user interface in the 2023 LS luxury sedan. The new interface is more responsive and well laid out. Lexus also offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The LS also gets up to six USB ports throughout the cabin.
Trims and Pricing
| LS 500 | $78,735 |
| LS 500 F Sport | $82,335 |
| LS 500h AWD | $114,835 |
LS 500
The base LC 500 has a long list of standard features, including a 12-speaker stereo, satellite radio, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, in-car Wi-Fi, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Lexus also offers an AWD variant with a higher starting price of $81,985.
Within the cabin, the LS 500 also gets heated and cooled front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, a power rear sunshade, proximity keyless entry, leather upholstery, and keyless ignition. The unique exterior features include adaptive LED headlights, a power sunroof, heated side mirrors, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a hands-free trunk.
LS 500 F Sport
The LS 500 F Sport adds distinctive exterior styling, sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch wheels, aluminum pedals, and special interior design elements. Some notable optional extras include a digital rearview mirror, head-up display, and a surround-view camera.
LS 500h AWD
Despite being the most expensive variant, the LS 500h AWD is the most fuel-efficient model. It offers similar standard equipment to the LS 500 but adds 20-inch wheels and all-wheel drive. The cabin gets some standard options like upgraded semi-aniline leather upholstery, a head-up display, wood, and leather-trimmed center console, four-zone climate control, heated rear seats, a digital rearview mirror, a surround-view camera, a Mark Levinson stereo, and hands-free parking and driving.
Engine, Performance, and Transmission
The 2023 Lexus LS 500 and LS 500 F Sport use a turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine with 416 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission, sending power to either the rear or all four wheels. The 2023 Lexus LS 500h AWD uses a hybrid powertrain featuring a 3.5-liter V6 engine and two electric motors. Together, the system produces a combined 354 hp and 257 lb-ft of torque. The transmission pairs a CVT with a 4-speed automatic, sending power to all four wheels.
Fuel Economy and Estimated Annual Fuel Costs
The base engine, a 3.4-liter V6, has a good EPA fuel economy rating of 18 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. The 2023 LS 500h AWD ups the rating to 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The LS500 has a 21.7-gallon fuel tank with an EPA-estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050. In addition, the LS 500h AWD has a 22.2-gallon fuel tank with a lower EPA estimated annual fuel cost of $2,650.
Interior Room and Cargo Space
| Front Headroom | 37.3 inches |
| Front Legroom | 41 inches |
| Rear Headroom | 37.3 inches |
| Rear Legroom | 38.9 inches |
| Trunk Space | 16.9 cu.ft (LS 500), 15.2 cu.ft (LS 500h AWD) |
The 2023 Lexus LS has an appealing cabin design with ample space for five occupants. Its interior is deluxe from every angle, thanks to the use of premium materials. While it doesn’t match the upscale feel of the Mercedes-Benz S Class, the LS has a gorgeous interior with a combination of flowing lines, leather upholstery, and intricately patterned fabrics.
Passenger space is enough for four adults, but fitting a fifth in the rear back seat would deny the passengers a true luxury experience. Luckily, Lexus offers optional rear bucket seats, making it more comfortable for four adult passengers.
Infotainment and Technology
The 2023 Lexus LS lineup uses a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard. It serves as the access point for features like navigation and audio systems. All LS models also get a 12-speaker stereo, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa capability, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The system has voice recognition, making it easier to navigate if you don’t prefer the touchpad on the center console.
Safety Features
While the 2023 Lexus LS is yet to be crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), it offers a great lineup of standard safety features. They include lane-keeping assist, forward collision mitigation, blind spot warning, and traffic sign recognition. Lexus also offers optional features like a surround-view camera and hands-free driving.
Warranty Coverage
Lexus offers impressive warranty coverage, unlike Mercedes and BMW. The 2023 LS 500 gets a four-year or 50,000 miles limited warranty, a six-year or 70,000 miles powertrain warranty, and a one-year or 10,000 miles complimentary maintenance coverage.
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