The new, fifth-generation Lexus LS sedan has officially arrived in South Africa, sporting a fresh twin-turbo 3,5-litre V6.
Badged as the LS500, the latest version of the Toyota-backed brand’s largest luxury sedan sits on the new GA-L platform, with 310 kW and 600 N.m sent to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission (with paddle shifters).
The result is a claimed zero to 100 km/h time of 5,0 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is listed as 9,5 L/100 km.
The price? Well, the rear-wheel-drive Lexus LS500 costs R2 141 400, which includes a new seven-year/105 000 km warranty and full maintenance plan.
The new LS boasts a new adaptive variable suspension system as well as air suspension (the latter includes a “Premium Access” function that automatically raises the sedan by 40 mm when the vehicle is unlocked, ostensibly allowing easier ingress). A set of run-flat tyres wrapped around 20-inch high-gloss alloys comes standard, while 11 exterior paint finishes are offered in South Africa.
The driver’s seat features 28-way power and pneumatic adjustment, including new controls to adapt support for the back, pelvis and hips. Meanwhile, a multifunction touchscreen in the rear centre armrest console is used to control the position of the rear seats, as well as audio, climate, sunshade and interior lighting functions.
At the back, there are three pre-set positions for the pews. “Business” is the default; “Entertain” reclines the seat for comfortable viewing of the monitor; and “Relax” extends the ottoman, deeply reclines the seatback and moves the front passenger seat to its further forward position to provide maximum legroom of 1 022 mm.
Standard safety features include a pre-crash system, active cruise control, lane keep assist (and lane departure warning) and an adaptive high-beam system.
Highlights inside include a 12,3-inch multimedia screen, a head-up display, a glass sunroof, full rear-seat entertainment and a Mark Levinson 23-speaker QLI Reference Surround Sound audio system.
