2019 Lexus LS500: quality ride attracts gawking eyes

You know you’re sitting in the lap of luxury when one of the car’s options costs $23,080.

No joke! The Executive Package on the 2019 Lexus LS500 four-door flagship sedan costs as much – or more – than many new cars. The complete optional equipment total, including destination charge, was $36,705.

You’re probably wondering what the LS500 costs? Remember, if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford. That’s certainly the case for your dear ol’ automotive scribe.

For that kind of money, I’m including each and every feature included in the Executive Package verbatim: Quilted-stitch perforated semi-aniline leather interior trim, 28-way power driver’s seat with multifunction massage, ultra-suede headliner, power front seat buckles and heated rear seats, power reclining outboard rear seats, four-zone climate concierge, power side-window sunshades, seven-inch touchscreen controller, rear seat knee airbags, Kiriko glass interior door trim and hand-pleated interior door trim.

As luck would have it, the LS500 was at my fingertips for a golf weekend getaway to Port Ludlow and Whitehorse on the Kitsap Peninsula. Just parking in the ferry line for a morning cup of java led to banter with fellow golf hacks gawking at my ride, and assuming I was wealthy.

The LS500 exterior cuts that kind of swath. At first glance, one can’t help but notice its striking front grille, Atomic Silver coat of enamel, 19-inch alloy wheels with a dark silver machine finish, and otherwise sleek and bold design with a coupe-like silhouette.

Powered by a 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged, DOHC, 24-valve, V6 engine with continuously variable valve timing intelligence, the LS500 delivers 416 horsepower and 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.6 seconds. It’s mated to a 10-speed sequential automatic transmission that is silky smooth. It uses a torque converter, yet the shift times rival those of dual-clutch transmissions

LS500 seats five adults, with more room and comfort that can be found in your living room. And sports a 22.2-gallon fuel tank and EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25/33/28. As memory serves, my brother and I were able to choose from six different massage settings including upper and lower body, lumbar, centrifugal and others. The cabin is so refined it’s almost distracting.

I’ve cherry-picked a couple creature comforts worthy of note including a 12-speaker premium sound system, panorama glass roof, Apple CarPlay compatibility, single-disc CD player, Enform dynamic navigation system and more.

Already equipped with one of the most technologically advanced safety systems in the industry, the 2019 LS adds the Lexus Safety System 2.0 as standard equipment. Highlights here include pre-collision with cyclist and pedestrian detection, all-speed lane tracing assist, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, road sign assist and the list goes on.

To further refine the ride quality, the LS offers an available air-suspension system as well as the latest adaptive variable suspension which continually adjusts damping control in response to driving operations and road surface conditions. Combined with the Kiriko glass, passengers feel like they’re floating on a soundproof cloud.

On the nit-picky side, the trunk could have been bigger. We did squeeze two full-size golf bags in with a few odds and ends, but I expected more. Maybe you could call me a little spoiled?

Base Price: $78,420

Price As Driven: $115,125

Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.