The latest in Japanese luxury sedans has landed in New Zealand - the Lexus LS 500.
Featuring two engine options, a coupe-like silhouette and spacious, feature-packed interior, the fifth-generation Lexus LS 500 is the brand's longest and lowest flagship sedan yet.
Built on the same platform and continuing the same design language debuted by the LC 500 coupe, Japan's Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series challenger has been designed with the philosophy of "Omotenashi" at it's core, promising the highest levels of luxury, interweaved with Japanese tradition and culture.
“Omotenashi is the concept of Japanese hospitality – taking care of and anticipating the needs of the driver and passengers, attending to their comfort and protecting them, that is the philosophy behind the Lexus LS 500,” explained Lexus New Zealand Senior General Manager, Paul Carroll.
“The LS offers powertrain smoothness and performance, ride comfort and quietness, craftsmanship, style and luxurious appointments.”
Traditionally the flagship LS sedan was powered by a V8 eninge, but for the 2018 model Lexus designed an all-new twin turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 providing better fuel efficiency and smoothness, while producing more power than the outgoing naturally aspirated V8.
The new V6 engine produces 310kW of power and 600Nm of torque, a gain over the V8's 285kW and 493Nm. Alternatively the 3.5 litre V6 hybrid engine from the LC 500h coupe is also available. Both models are priced at $224,900.
Both engines are bolted to the ten-speed automatic that first appeared in the LC 500 is mated to the engine and provides shift times similar to dual clutch systems.
Visually, the new LS appears closer to the ground with narrow headlamps, flared fenders, 20-inch alloy wheels and a roofline that's 15mm lower than it's predecessor. The bonnet and boot that are 30 and 40mm lower, too.
Multi-link air suspension provides ample ride comfort on the move, and raises ride-height when occupants approach or unlock the car via key fob, while at the same time the driver's seat bolsters open for their arrival.
But Lexus say it's the interior where the LS 500’s character really stands out from any other luxury car.
Twenty-eight-way power adjustable front seats include pneumatic control systems for fine adjustments with heating, ventilation and massage functions. The outer rear seats are 18-way power adjustable and have specific heaters for the shoulder and lower back areas.
Four leather upholstery colour choices are available featuring quilting and hand pleating, and the headlining is trimmed in luxurious suede.
Optional 'Shimamoku' wood patterning is one of can be selected on walnut or tinted red grain inserts, illuminated by a Japanese lantern-inspired lighting system.
A next-generation 12.3-inch widescreen remote touch interface can mimic smart phone and is connected to a 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system - with speakers in 16 locations, including the ceiling.
Lexus Safety System + is included standard with Pre-Crash System with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection, Two-stage Adaptive High Beam headlamps, Lane Departure Alert and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Lane Keep Assist.
A panoramic view monitor provides a view of the side and cornering clearance space while a rear camera detection system uses a camera and radar to detect pedestrians behind the car.
Other standard features include a hands-free power boot lid; four zone climate control air conditioning; rear colour touchscreen display arm rest control panel; moon roof; rain sensing wipers; power back and rear side window shades and exterior mirrors with automatic dimming, auto fold, heating and reverse tilt.
