The 2023 LS 500 AWD F Sport luxury sedan is not only Lexus’ flagship model, it competes with Germany when it comes to styling, performance, technology and value.
Offered in LS 500, LS 500 F Sport, LS 500 AWD, LS 500 AWD F Sport and LS 500h with Teammate trims, the vehicle starts at a $77,000 price point and ascends to $113,000.
My tester, which seats five in opulence, was powered by a 3.4-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine that generates 416 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque. Combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission re-calibrated to aid in keeping the engine in a more responsive area of its power band, accelerates from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds.
Drivers can tailor powertrain response and feel by choosing from Eco, Comfort, Normal, Custom, Sport S or Sport S+ modes. The available AWD system features a Torsen limited-slip center differential to further enhance grip, traction and cornering stability. The torque distribution varies from 31% front / 69% rear on dry roads to as much as 48% front / 52% rear on slick surfaces.
Truly a driver’s car, the LS 500 benefits from an adaptive variable suspension with balanced spring and damper rates. The result is stable, supple, agile handling that provides confidence in all driving situations. Meanwhile, the cabin remains quiet, refined, and seemingly oblivious.
The F SPORT version of the LS adds sporty accents to the exterior including sub-radiator grilles that wrap around to the sides, underlining the vehicle’s wide stance. Other elements that accentuate the F SPORT’s more dynamic image include a dedicated color for the spindle grille, and 20-inch alloy wheels and rear tires in either summer performance or all-season compounds.
LS 500 earns its touring stripes with the brand’s signature attention-to-detail. F SPORT includes heated and ventilated leather seats with 28-way electric/pneumatic adjustments and passenger-seat power cushion-length extenders that brace occupants when driving through curves.Those features ensure exceptional comfort no matter the length of the drive. Even the rear seats are heated and ventilated.
The 2023 LS comes with a new state-of-the-art Lexus Interface multimedia system, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. A higher screen resolution and anti-glare technology along with intuitive touch and voice-activation controls ensure owner happiness.
Other creature comforts worthy of note include a Mark Levinson surround sound audio system with 23 speakers, panorama glass roof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote connect Wi-Fi, Cloud Navigation, and multiple USB ports.
All LS 500 models come standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which brings a suite of key active safety features to the vehicle. For starters, the Pre-Collision System includes Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection. At intersections, the system has the capability under certain conditions, to recognize an oncoming vehicle when performing a left-hand turn, or a pedestrian when performing left and right-hand turns, and is designed to activate typical PCS functions if needed.
All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) can be activated above 30 mph and is designed to perform vehicle-to-vehicle distance controls down to 0 mph and can resume from a stop.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist is designed to help notify the driver if it senses an inadvertent lane departure at speeds above 32 miles per hour via steering wheel vibrations or audible alert. Completing the suite are lane change assist, blind spot monitoring, lane tracing assist and Intelligent high beams, that automatically switch between high and low.
Base Price: $84,375
Price As Driven: $88,545
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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