Lexus LS Review

In Malaysia's luxury sedan market, German brands have long dominated the mainstream, but the Lexus LS series has maintained a stable share thanks to its reliable quality and Eastern luxury philosophy. As the core volume model of the lineup, the 2021 Lexus LS 500 Luxury focuses on optimizing power efficiency and enhancing configuration details in this upgrade, priced at RM 1,023,629, offering better value for money compared to German competitors. This test drive will focus on whether its static luxury meets the segment positioning, how the 3.4T engine performs in actual driving, and the details of daily driving comfort, providing a reference for potential buyers.

From the front view, the 2021 LS 500 Luxury continues the brand's iconic spindle-shaped grille design, featuring densely arranged horizontal chrome strips inside, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, offering high recognizability overall. The side profile has smooth lines, with a 5235mm length and a 3125mm wheelbase that creates an elongated proportion. The 20-inch multi-spoke wheels match the vehicle’s style, with tires sized at 245/45 R20 at the front and rear. At the rear, the full-width LED taillights with the Lexus logo in the middle create a clear visual effect when illuminated, and the twin-exhaust setup subtly reflects the car's power attributes. The lighting system comes standard with LED light sources across the board, including automatic headlights and front fog lights, providing both functionality and practicality.

Upon opening the door, the sense of luxury in the interior first comes from the materials—large areas of the dashboard and interior door panels are covered with soft leather, complemented by wood grain trim and metal accents, offering a refined tactile feel. The dashboard layout is driver-oriented, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that provides high resolution and smooth operation. Below it, physical buttons are retained for convenient blind operation. In terms of features, the standard configuration is fully loaded, including a HUD heads-up display, a full LCD instrument panel, 220V/230V power outlets, and keyless entry. The seats are the highlight of the interior, with both front driver and passenger seats offering 28-way electric adjustments, including lumbar support, memory, massage, and ventilation functions. The driver’s seat also features electric easy-entry. In the rear, the seats offer 18-way electric adjustments and are equipped with a multifunctional rear console that allows passengers to independently control air conditioning and seat settings.

In terms of space, the 3125mm wheelbase ensures ample legroom in the rear. A passenger who is 1.8 meters tall can sit in the back with more than two fists' worth of space between their knees and the back of the front seats. Storage capability is excellent, with a spacious front center armrest box and door storage compartments capable of holding large water bottles. The trunk offers a volume of 480L and can easily fit three 20-inch suitcases, meeting the needs of family trips. The rear also comes equipped with independent air conditioning vents and power outlets, showcasing thoughtful attention to detail.

In terms of performance, the 2021 LS 500 Luxury is equipped with a 3.4T V6 turbocharged engine delivering a maximum horsepower of 421PS and peak torque consistently outputting between 1600-4800rpm. This is paired with an AT gearbox and rear-wheel-drive system. During daily driving, the power response is linear and accelerates smoothly, with sufficient mid-to-high range power reserves. Pressing the accelerator firmly when overtaking brings a noticeable surge, and the official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5 seconds aligns with the actual experience. The gearbox shifts smoothly with almost no jolts, and when switched to Sport mode, the shifting logic becomes more aggressive, with paddle shift responses becoming faster.

In terms of handling performance, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play. It feels light at low speeds and progressively heavier at high speeds, consistent with the setup of a luxury sedan. The chassis suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively filtering out minor road bumps. Vibrations when passing speed bumps are handled smoothly as well; during cornering, body roll is kept within a reasonable range, without noticeable swaying, ensuring good stability. The braking system uses ventilated discs in the front and rear, offering a linear pedal feel and stable braking force output, giving drivers confidence in daily use.

As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 9.5L/100km. In actual test driving, the fuel consumption was about 12L/100km in urban traffic conditions and dropped to around 8L/100km on highways. Overall, this performance aligns with the 3.4T engine's level. Noise control is excellent, with wind and tire noise kept at a low level during high-speed driving, allowing conversation inside the car without raising your voice. The seats offer excellent wrapping and support, ensuring no fatigue even after long periods of sitting, and the massage function effectively alleviates discomfort during long-distance drives.

In conclusion, the core strengths of the 2021 Lexus LS 500 Luxury lie in its comprehensive configuration, outstanding seat comfort, and reliable power performance. Compared to its German competitors in the same class, it is priced lower but does not fall short in features; for instance, the 28-way power-adjustable seats and rear multifunction control panel are notable highlights. The 5-year unlimited mileage warranty is also more appealing than that of most competitors. This vehicle is suitable for families that value luxury and comfort, or middle-aged consumers who need to balance both business and family usage — it can meet the comfort requirements of daily commuting while showcasing sophistication during business receptions.

Overall, the 2021 Lexus LS 500 Luxury is a well-rounded luxury sedan with no obvious shortcomings. Its core competitiveness lies in the blend of oriental luxury philosophy and practical configurations. If you are looking for a high-value, well-equipped, and comfortable luxury car, it is worth considering.