2021 Lexus LS 500 Luxury Review

In Malaysia's luxury car market, German brands have long dominated, but as consumers' interest in "Oriental luxury" increases, the Lexus LS series has managed to secure its place with its unique quietness and reliability. The 2021 Lexus LS 500 Luxury, as the core configuration model of the series, highlights its 421-horsepower turbocharged engine, 18-way adjustable rear seats, and a full suite of standard safety systems. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying its balance in daily commuting and long-distance travel to see if it can break the dominance of German brands and become a new choice for luxury car buyers.

From the exterior design perspective, the 2021 LS 500 Luxury carries on the Lexus family's spindle grille design. The large grille, paired with a mesh structure treated with a smoked finish, ensures high recognition. The body lines lean towards a sleek and elongated design, with its 5235mm length and 3125mm wheelbase creating a harmonious side profile. The waistline extends from the front fender to the rear, complemented by 20-inch multi-spoke wheels, which appear both stable and dynamic. At the rear, the continuous LED taillights stand out as a design highlight. When lit, they provide a seamless visual effect. The dual-outlet exhaust layout below the rear bumper hints at its power performance. The lighting system fully employs LED sources, with automatic headlights, front fog lights, and daytime running lights as standard, balancing practicality and aesthetics.

Entering the interior, the materials and craftsmanship align with the standards of a luxury vehicle. The center console is wrapped in soft leather and adorned with wooden trim, giving a delicate touch. The dashboard layout is driver-oriented, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen atop the console, featuring a clear operational logic and supporting multimedia, navigation, and vehicle settings functions. The instrument cluster is fully digital, allowing different display modes, while the HUD head-up display minimizes the need for drivers to shift their gaze, thereby boosting driving safety. The front seats are richly equipped with 28-way electric adjustment, lumbar support, memory, massage, and ventilation functions. The front passenger seat also offers these features and includes an "executive control" option. The rear seats support 18-way electric adjustment and are equipped with an independent control panel to adjust seat angle, air conditioning temperature, and multimedia systems. The four-zone automatic air conditioning ensures a comfortable temperature for both front and rear passengers. In terms of storage space, the front center armrest box has a large capacity, the door panel storage slots can hold two bottles of mineral water, and the trunk capacity of 480L meets the needs of daily family use or business travel.

In terms of power, this car is equipped with a 3.4L V6 turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 421PS and a peak torque that sustains between 1600-4800rpm. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, power response during the starting phase is quick. Lightly pressing the accelerator delivers an obvious sense of thrust, and mid-to-high-speed acceleration remains robust. When overtaking, the transmission shifts gears smoothly without noticeable jerks. The driving modes include Eco, Standard, Sport, and Sport+, with the Sport mode offering more sensitive throttle response and more aggressive shifting logic, catering to users who seek driving enthusiasm.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal slack. It feels light at low speeds and stable at high speeds, providing sufficient confidence. The suspension system utilizes independent double-wishbone suspension at the front and multi-link suspension at the rear, tuned towards comfort. It effectively filters out vibrations on bumpy roads, ensuring passengers inside feel minimal discomfort. During cornering, the vehicle's body lean is well-controlled, with the suspension offering good support, maintaining excellent stability. As for braking performance, the combination of front ventilated discs and rear ventilated discs provides a linear braking effect and short braking distances, giving a strong sense of safety.

Fuel consumption performance is moderate. The official combined fuel consumption is 9.5L/100km, while the actual fuel consumption for city driving is about 11-12L/100km. On highways, fuel consumption can drop to 8-9L/100km. For a 3.4T displacement luxury sedan, this fuel consumption level is within a reasonable range. Noise control is excellent. Wind noise and tire noise are not noticeable at high speeds, and the engine noise is effectively isolated during normal driving, providing outstanding cabin quietness.

In terms of safety features, this car comes standard with 12 airbags, including front and rear side airbags, head curtain airbags, as well as knee and rear-seat airbags, ensuring comprehensive safety coverage. Active safety features are abundant, including ABS, electronic stability control, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning, all as standard. A 360-degree panoramic camera and front and rear parking sensors further enhance parking convenience.

Overall, the 2021 Lexus LS 500 Luxury's core strength lies in its balanced performance. Compared to German luxury sedans in the same class, it has an advantage in terms of features, especially seat functionalities and safety configurations, offering outstanding value for money. Additionally, the 5-year unlimited mileage warranty provides long-term assurance for users.

This car is suitable for two types of audiences: first, families focusing on luxury, comfort, and features; the rich rear seat adjustment capabilities and comfortable seating experience meet family travel needs. Second, business professionals who value power and driving quality; its strong performance and stable handling can cater to both business receptions and personal driving enjoyment.

In summary, the 2021 Lexus LS 500 Luxury is an exceptionally well-rounded luxury sedan. Whether for daily commuting or long-distance travel, it offers a comfortable and safe driving experience. If you're looking for a well-equipped, reliable luxury car, this is worth considering.