Lexus gives flagship LS a tickle for the New Year

LEXUS Australia has raised the stakes of its flagship LS luxurious upper-large sedan, treating the opulent four-door to a collection of mechanical, platform and cabin upgrades to maximise each “driveability” and refinement.

Ranging from the entrance and dealing again, each the present twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre petrol V6 within the LS500 and the three.5-litre V6 hybrid powertrain within the LS500h have been upgraded for the brand new mannequin 12 months, particularly the force-fed unit.

That includes a brand new lip design on the higher floor of the piston, new one-piece aluminium consumption manifold and hydraulic management for the inlet facet of the twin variable valve timing system, the engine has been made each lighter and quieter than earlier than whereas nonetheless sustaining its 310kW/600Nm peak outputs.

The hybrid in the meantime has been handled to a spread of software program tweaks and modifications designed to extend the quantity {of electrical} help channelled to the wheels and provide extra torque decrease down within the rev vary.

Peak energy stays additionally stays regular at 264kW.

Lexus says the results of these modifications is extra “linear acceleration in metropolis driving and the necessity for much less throttle stress when negotiating twisty or hilly roads.”

Matching the elevated refinement of the drivetrain, the adaptive suspension fitted to all variants as customary scores revised linear solenoids and enlarged stream path contained in the management valve in a bid to marginally soften the trip however improve steering really feel.

Issues contained in the cabin have taken a much more modest strategy to the brand new mannequin 12 months the place the largest and solely notable change throughout the line-up is a brand new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen whereas the Sport Luxurious variants additionally rating up to date seat cushions.

Security gear nonetheless has taken just a few extra sizeable steps particularly on the F Sport variants which have inherited varied security goodies beforehand reserved for the upper-tier Sports activities Luxurys.

Energetic steering help, superior lane tracing help, entrance cross-traffic alert and a radar that may detect autos approaching diagonally in entrance of the automobile now all comes as customary on all variants, as does intersection turning help.

As is often the best way with a mannequin 12 months replace, Lexus has additionally tweaked the styling of its largest passenger automobile with all variants that includes a brand new grille, entrance bumper, tail-light accents and LED headlights.

In line with Lexus Australia chief government Scott Thompson, the LS is the epitome of Japanese luxurious and that the up to date mannequin has lifted its benchmark to new ranges.

“Lexus specialists have pored over each element of the brand new LS, elevating its efficiency and driver engagement, trip consolation, quietness and applied sciences to new heights,” he stated.

“Complemented by our unique Encore Platinum Proprietor advantages program, the brand new LS delivers immaculate selection for probably the most demanding Lexus prospects.”

Regardless of the wealth of modifications – some greater than others – value will increase throughout the vary have remained comparatively regular and have really been streamlined with the F Sport variations each now costing $195,953 earlier than on-road prices whereas both of the Sports activities Luxurys may be had from $201,078.

Identical to earlier than, the Sports activities Luxuries roll on lighter, extra aggressive wheels than the F Sports activities to mark them aside from their lesser stablemates.

Lexus bought 18 examples of the LS nationally final 12 months, accounting for simply 2.8 per cent of the $100,000-plus upper-large automobile phase which was dominated by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, occupying a 25.5 per cent (163 items) share.

2021 Lexus LS pricing*