Still shopping. Car will almost certainly have air suspension, which is fine.

But do I have it right that the variable ride height can only be increased 0.8"? If so, it almost seems pointless, honestly. I don't see how that helps you with, say, snow. I don't really see how that helps you get in or out of the car.

I'd also be curious to know how many here use the "access mode" function where it raises the car to high when put in park. Do you notice any difference getting in/out?

What about everyday driving? Does one height give any advantages in ride quality over the other?

Just kinda chuckling at such a small variability. Again, just seems pointless.

 

You might want to think twice about air suspension. The parts are consumables and insanely costly.

 

Air suspension is expensive, yes... (Who cares if you want low costs just buy yourself an Aygo.)
But it has other advantages, the car lowers itself at high speeds, levels itself at heavy load.
And most important: It looks cool, this is a small movie i made of mine:

 

I would but it appears in 2024 if you want the Interior Upgrade Package it forces the air suspension (among several other things). I think in 2023 this didn’t happen.

 

I have to say I laughed. Still not sure that raising the car the 20mm helps me get in and out much.

 

Im in this camp and because I am the driver I don't prioritize the rear seat goodies or panoramic roof. I don't even keep my shade open on my sun roof.
The black roof is cool and tells other LS500 you got the mac daddy.
if your leasing then do the air suspension. Your going to be out of the car before the warranty is done.
If your not concerned with repairs, the future liablity of a part that is known to wear out and is expensive to replace then do it.
I have no doubt the air suspension is fantastic.
But I am happy with what I have and plan on owning this car long term. My goal when I "Upgraded" from my 2020 GS350 was not to have the ulitmate LS500 or did I even look at any other brands. This was about buying a 2019 model with under 30k miles for about 15k more than what I sold my GS for. There were some slightly higher mile cars for the same money with the Air suspension.
AWD, base with upgraded leather, ML sound, Vapor wheels. No preference for heads up display. And had to be Atomic Silver or Maganese luster with Black interior.

Tell us Jerome, you leasing?

 

In my search, I found most cars were air suspension and get the options I wanted I was almost forced to get it as well, though I didn’t necessarily want it because of the high cost of replacement parts. That said, they’re rated 100 K, give or take so that repair cost is quite a ways off. The right height makes no difference to me at all. As noted, it’s nominal. I do enjoy the cushiness of the air suspension, although I don’t really have a comparison to the same vehicle without air. Air Suspension and 19 inch wheels make for a very soft and quiet ride even with runflats. Zero complaints here

 

Realized I'm in the minority here, but I love the air suspension on my Lexus. Had it on my 2001 LX470, 2013 LS460 F-Sport, 2014 LS460 Ultra Lux, current 2018 LS500 and never any issues even on my LX where I owned 7 years. When cruising, I like my Lexus to be as smooth as possible, and all my future Lexus will have air. When entering/exiting, the height adjustment by itself is not a lot, but if I also have the easy entry/exit feature turned on, there can be additional height increase from the seat themselves for my aging body. Part of many reasons I love LS.

 

Does air suspension perhaps affect resale values?
Knock on luxury cars are they are costly to repair and maintain. If a 100k LS500 say sells for 25k at some point, and the cost to repair the suspension either front or back, or both is what? 5k? 8k? 10K? I don’t know. When I saw the shocks were $2000 a piece I kind of crossed it off my list. I emphasize it was my list and thats not everyones the same.

 

Lexus calls it “Electronically Modulated Air Suspension”, good for 20mm height adjustment.
20x .03937=.78”.
Best description I can think of is “Too much sugar for a dime”, especially if you plan on keeping your LS a long time after it goes out of warranty.

 

Can you drive the car when it is at the highest setting of the air suspension? We have long winters with snow so it would be great to have the additional ground clearance, albeit 20mm.

 

Yes I’ve driven it in the high mode. I’m not sure if at highway speed it will automatically drop back down or not. But at least in the neighborhood it stays in HI.