So, I was invited to test drive their first ever LS 500 received by Bridgewater Lexus on last Saturday. I couldn't make it on Saturday, being a holiday for me decided to try it out today.

They received only one LS500 as a demo car on last Wednesday and currently has 65 miles on odometer. Pretty loaded expect exec seating and few other minor options. Its a white exterior with noble brown color interior with panoramic roof. Sticker price $104k.

I will keep this review short to the point, primarily focusing on technology options as well interior quality (compared to 2014).

Likes:

• HUD - heads up display. It can be customized to show some data. Hope Lexus continue to improve this for full functional HUD (4th photo)
• Exterior 360 live view in dashboard - not sure about its practical usage ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv-p...ature=youtu.be
• Beautiful interior, good quality leather all around
• Hand stitched leather dash, very uniform and beautiful, much like Philippe Bouix ( who is an European auto interior designer partners with Roche Bobis) Reflexion sofa stitches
• Wide range of interior color selections including white. So far I have seen MB offers white interior with S series
• 28 way adjustable beautiful and comfortable seats
• Extendable back seat for comfortable seating (6th photo). Also allows 2 memory saving
• Panoramic roof

Oks

• Trackpad. With my limited exposure found it not very easy to use. I guess ones get used to it, will become easier
• Display dashboard. I was expecting major revision but bit disappointed

Didn't like;

• Front grill. Every ones taste varies and this is just my personal opinion

When it comes to driving, its very smooth with ample power. I was cautious when test driving and didn't drive like a race car. When changing suspension setting, I found it is more pronounced than 2014. Tried DRCC, but I applied brakes sooner than LS out of fear, it was raining too with lots of traffic. I am sure it would work as advertised as same as or more likely better than 2014. I am very happy with 2014 DRCC/LKA. Didn't try LKA on 2018.

ML audio sounded as good as 2014 ML with limited listening.

Not sure if I missed anything. If I remember, will add them later.

When I went to the dealership they gave me the key to play with the car. So I was alone, took some photos at my liberty. 3rd photo below is of 2014 to compare that against 2018 interior. Also uploading window stickers of both 2014 and 2018 LS for option/price comparison.

With the minimal increments in technology, I wouldn't trade in or buy LS 500. I guess will have to wait for next major re-model or look outside

 

 

Nice review! Thanks for sharing.

 

 

How did you feel about the roominess of the interior? Curious about the front seat.

 

I probably drove around 15 miles. With that said, with S and S+ setting, it's more sportier and firmer (suspension) than 2014.

Engine smoothness is as same as 2014. Also, transmission shift is pretty identical, didn't notice any improvements if any.

Of course advertised gas mileage is higher on 500.

 

Very identical to mine as both are L version. But 500 seats are beautifully crafted/built. Also front seats gets a massage as an option!.

 

2,400 Watts of Mark Levinson !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And, 23 Speakers..........

 

I definitely found the rear of the LS500 to be less roomy than the LS460. With the panoramic sunroof, the roof line would be even a bit lower. Satiger, did you not feel the rear space in this car to be more confining? The LS500 comes in only one wheelbase that's a bit longer than the 460L.

With the headlights contracting in size due to the LEDs and the steeper sloping hood, the front profile of this car is less imposing than the LS460. It's almost as if the designers have made this car seem smaller than the dimensions would suggest.

I had the same reaction to the touchpad, HUD and the 360 view. Poor execution, and not sure they add much in convenience. The 360 view seems very amateurish compared to the stuff in the Germans cars.

 

 

 

Comotiger, I didn't find rear space to be confining. When rear seat is extended, of course space is bit constrained (see the photo).

From Lexus:
2013-2017 L models; leg room front 43.7 in, rear 36.7 in. Head room front and back is 38 in.

2018 500: leg room with and without panorama roof front is 41 in and rear is 38.9 in. Head room without panorama roof is 37.3 in ( front and rear) and with panorama 36.8 in (front) / 36.4 in (rear).

Interesting to note that rear legroom gained more space where as front lost 2.7 in!.

 

Thanks for the review and pics. I do like the look of the steering wheel, with the leather around the entire circumference. I'm really not a fan of the wood feel on my LS or my wife's RX wheel.

 

The LS500 has lost 0.7 to 1.5 inches of headroom compared to the 460L.
The total legroom numbers are roughly the same, with the LS500 0.5 inches shorter.
I tried but couldn't find the passenger cabin volume for the LS500. I have a feeling this volume for the LS500 will be lower than for the 460L.
All together, these factors are probably contributing to the confining sensation in the rear space of the LS500 for me.

 

Exactly. My 2017 Mark Levinson has 450 watts, as per window sticker. I guess they want the neighbors to hear.