2021 Lexus LS 500 Executive Kiriko Review

In Malaysia's luxury car market, the competition among mid-to-large sedans has always revolved around "luxury quality" and "practical experience." They must meet the dignified needs of business occasions while also considering the daily comfort of families. The 2021 Lexus LS 500 Executive Kiriko, as the brand's flagship model, directly targets high-end users who value attention to detail and reliability. Its core selling points are not only the powerful 3.4T V6 engine but also the combination of 22-way adjustable rear seats and Mark Levinson sound system. In this test drive, we focus on two questions: Can its sense of luxury be applied to daily use? And does its flagship status truly provide value for money?

First, let's look at the exterior. It maintains Lexus’s signature spindle-shaped front grille, but the Executive Kiriko version features more intricate chrome strips within the grille. Paired with the sharp LED headlight set on both sides, it offers high recognition. The side profile of the car boasts smooth lines, with the waistline slightly arching from the front fender to the rear, which is understated but dynamic. The 20-inch multi-spoke wheels are proportionate with the 5235mm car length. At the rear, the LED tail lights adopt a running-through design, linked in the middle by a slender chrome strip, and the dual-exhaust layout below discreetly hints at its performance capabilities. The lighting system is fully equipped with LED lights, where automatic headlights and daytime running lights come standard, providing ample brightness when illuminated and proving very practical for Malaysia's rainy weather.

Stepping into the car, the first impression is the solid materials used: the dashboard and the inner sides of the door panels are covered in soft leather, while the wood grain trim has a fine texture with no hint of cheapness. The center console layout leans toward the driver’s side, and the 12.3-inch touchscreen is placed in a convenient position, allowing operation without significantly diverting attention. The front seats are 28-way electrically adjustable, featuring lumbar support, memory, massage, and ventilation functions. The ventilation function is especially useful in Kuala Lumpur's high temperatures, offering a cooling sensation just a few minutes after sitting. The rear seats take the spotlight — 22-way adjustable electric seats with massage functionality, along with a multi-functional control panel on the central armrest. This allows passengers to directly adjust the air conditioning, seat angles, and multimedia settings, while the 4-zone automatic climate control lets both front and rear passengers set their preferred temperature. Notably, the rear seats come equipped with an LCD screen, which is great for watching movies or connecting to a phone during long rides. Paired with the 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, the audio quality is exquisite with deep bass, even reproducing the rich details of local Malaysian pop music.

In terms of space, the 3125mm wheelbase provides ample rear legroom. A passenger 180cm tall sitting in the rear will still have over two fists of space from their knees to the front seats, allowing for a semi-lying position for relaxation. Its storage capacity is also impressive: the front central armrest box is deep enough to fit two bottles of mineral water, the door storage compartments can hold large-sized water bottles, and the trunk offers a capacity of 440 liters, easily accommodating two 28-inch suitcases along with a carry-on suitcase, sufficient for family trips or business travels.

As for performance, the 3.4T V6 turbocharged engine delivers a maximum power of 421PS, with peak torque available between 1600-4800rpm, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. When driving daily in normal mode, the car starts smoothly, and the throttle response feels linear. Even during low-speed traffic in the city, there’s no noticeable jerkiness. Switching to sport mode makes the throttle more responsive; pressing down hard on the pedal provides a significant pushback sensation. With an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5 seconds, overtaking confidence is assured. The transmission exhibits clear shift logic, adapting swiftly to the proper gear whether accelerating suddenly or cruising steadily.

The handling and chassis performance exceeded expectations. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play; it feels light at low speeds and heavier at high speeds, offering a great hand feel. The suspension system is equipped with adaptive adjustment, which can absorb most of the bumps when driving over speed bumps or potholes commonly found in Malaysia. Rear passengers hardly feel noticeable vibrations. When cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, and the car's weight of 2275kg doesn't give it a cumbersome feel. Overall, its stability is very strong. In terms of fuel consumption, we test-drove the car for a week — in urban congested areas, it averaged around 12L/100km, dropping to 8L on highways, with a combined average of 9.2L, which is close to the official figure of 9.5L. For a 3.4T model, its performance is acceptable.

The driving and ride comfort details are top-notch: the cabin's sound insulation is excellent, and at a high speed of 120km/h, wind and tire noise are not prominent. Once the Mark Levinson sound system is turned on, it essentially masks any outside noise. The front seats feature multiple massage modes, which alleviate lower back fatigue during long drives. The rear sunshades and four-zone climate control further enhance privacy and comfort, making even long journeys feel pleasant and not stuffy.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2021 Lexus LS 500 Executive Kiriko are very clear: First, it is fully loaded with features. The front seats with 28 adjustment settings, rear seats with 22 adjustment settings, 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, and four-zone climate control are among the top in its class (such as the entry-level Mercedes S-Class or low-trim BMW 7 Series). Second, it is reliable, as Lexus has a stellar reputation for quality control in the Malaysian market. The 5-year unlimited mileage warranty also provides customers with peace of mind. However, its price of RM 1,304,768 is slightly higher than competitors in the same class, but given its configuration advantages, the price difference is reasonable.

This car is suitable for two types of customers: first, business owners who need to host clients, as the luxurious rear-seat configurations provide an excellent experience for passengers; second, high-end users who value family comfort, as the spacious interior and abundant seat functions cater to the needs of the whole family. Overall, it is not a vehicle that focuses on extreme sportiness, but rather a flagship sedan that balances "luxury" and "practicality" very well. If you are looking for a luxury car that is both prestigious and comfortable for daily use, this would be a good choice.