Lexus is right up there with the best of them when it comes to luxury. The bench mark in its field is probably BMW – especially for Irish customers who would be slightly less familiar with Lexus as a brand. However, Lexus compares well to BMW. The IS is a good match for the 3 Series, the GS challenges the 5 Series, and the LS is a rival to the 7 Series. BMW is an excellent benchmark to reach and Lexus aren’t too far off that mark. The LS is probably the most luxurious and expensive Lexus that you’re likely to find in Ireland.
Lexus has opted not to make a diesel engine available to this model. There are two petrol choices though. The first is the LS 460 V8 petrol engine. This offers 493Nm of torque and a maximum power of 387bhp. On-paper we are told that it will deliver a maximum speed of 250 km/h and that it will reach 0-100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, which is fast when you consider the size of this vehicle. The second engine choice is the LS 600h L. Once again Lexus makes a hybrid vehicle available – this is an even more spacious variant. Under the hood is a 5.0 litre V8 engine that offers 520Nm of torque and 394 bhp. These statistics, while nice, come in at below its nearest competitors.
Like in the GS, the LS can suffer on bends and corners on account of its length and size. This car is built with comfort in mind and it deals well with bumps and imperfect road surfaces. The steering could do with some fine tuning as it lacks a little in terms of feedback.
As would be expected from a vehicle of this ilk, the LS is a very refined vehicle. The vehicle is superbly padded throughout and there is no interference from road, wind or engine noise.
There is no doubting that this is a car that has a massive focus on comfort. Like the S Class, the A8, and the 7 Series, comfort and luxury is 100% to the fore. This rings out in all of the materials used within this vehicle. This is a limousine that you will always feel good in. There are many choices in terms of the seating position for the driver and the steering wheel will go where you need it to be. The dash is of excellent quality and if looks are anything to go by it’s excellent. Unfortunately the Lexus Connected Services system is not as easy to use as it should be. The 7 Series is a nicer vehicle to sit inside, but the LS is not far off in the comfort field.
The Lexus LS has not been tested in the Euro NCAP. The car has ten airbags placed carefully throughout the interior. This vehicle is fitted with what’s called “Advanced Pre-Crash Safety” and according to Lexus it can even detect errant pedestrians. The vehicle is able to monitor the driver’s actions and will warn him or her if the car senses fatigue. Lane Keeping Assist is another system within the vehicle that aids in stopping a driver from unexpectedly leaving a lane. There are a myriad of other safety features within this vehicle.
This is a limousine. Space to the front and rear is extremely good. The boot area is ample too. The only place where this vehicle is not practical is the low fuel economy and high price.
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