Summary
The 2025 Lexus LS embodies the brand’s flagship sedan values, serving as a direct descendant to the pioneering LS400 that debuted back in 1989.
Showcasing serene ride quality, advanced driver aids, and meticulous craftsmanship, the latest LS stands apart from the crowd with its distinctly Japanese interpretation of luxury.
While SUVs might dominate the market, this sedan holds firm with its smooth twin-turbo V6 (or hybrid V6 in LS500h), opulent interior, and outstanding reliability record. Its near-silent cabin, long list of standard features, and silky powertrain are key highlights—though rear-seat space isn’t quite as palatial as some rivals.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Impeccable cabin craftsmanship and premium materials
- Standard air suspension delivers a supremely comfortable ride
- Smooth V6 drivetrain with strong performance
- Comprehensive technology and Lexus Safety System+ suite
Cons
- Steep price tag, though still undercuts some German peers
- LS500h hybrid arguably better suited to city-based luxury
- Rear seating not as expansive as competing German flagships
Specs
- Body Style: Full-size luxury sedan (4-door)
- Platform: GA-L (used by Lexus LS and LC)
- Launched: Fifth-gen model first arrived in 2017, continually updated through 2024/25
- Engine Options: LS500: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 (310kW/600Nm) -
LS500h: 3.5-litre V6 + hybrid electric system
Pricing
Pricing Information
Before on-road costs
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Find me a dealInterior & Features
Inside the LS, Lexus’ famed craftsmanship is on full display. High-grade leather, intricate wood trim, and polished metal accents define the cabin’s premium aura.
The seats are power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated - even in the rear for Sports Luxury trims - while a 12.3-inch touchscreen offers wireless Apple CarPlay (wired Android Auto) plus native navigation.
The rear seat suite includes massaging functions, a touchscreen controller, sunshades, and optional rear entertainment screens. Despite this regal setup, legroom isn’t as generous as in some rival limousines, though it remains luxurious for two rear occupants.
Engine & Fuel Economy
- LS500: Twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 producing 310kW/600Nm, paired with a 10-speed automatic. Claimed 0–100km/h in ~5.0s, with official fuel economy around 10.0L/100km.
- LS500h: A 3.5-litre V6 hybrid, delivering strong low-speed efficiency, especially in stop-start city driving. Real-world consumption can dip below 8.0L/100km in urban commutes.
Both variants drive the rear wheels and deliver trademark Lexus smoothness, with near-silent cruising and hushed mechanical noise thanks to extensive sound insulation.
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Expert Media Reviews
Score: 7.9 / 10
"As elegant as it is niche, the LS500 Sports Luxury limousine represents the pinnacle of the Japanese luxury brand's craft."
Link: Read review
Score: 8.3 / 10
"Offering a buttery-smooth ride and sumptuous interior, the LS500 is a capable alternative to long-standing European rivals."
Link: Read review
Safety Rating
Though the Lexus LS doesn’t carry an ANCAP or Euro NCAP score, it offers an advanced safety suite earning it an 8.5/10 in our assessment. Standard features include:
- Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 with AEB (pedestrian and cyclist detection)
- All-speed adaptive cruise control
- Lane Tracing Assist with steering support
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Up to 12 airbags in Sports Luxury trim
Parking support brake and Advanced Park Assist further enhance its around-town maneuverability.
Eco Rating
We assign a 6.0/10 to the LS in eco terms. The twin-turbo V6 can hover around 10.0L/100km on paper, yet real-world urban figures may climb higher.
The LS500h hybrid mitigates city fuel thirst by relying more on its electric motor during low-speed driving. Still, big weight and displacement mean it won’t match smaller hybrids or efficient diesels.
Reliability Rating
Lexus’ reputation for bulletproof reliability supports an 8.5/10 rating here. No recent recalls exist for the current-gen LS, and owner feedback remains scarce yet positive.
Backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and the premium Encore Platinum ownership program, prospective buyers can have peace of mind.
Cost of Ownership
- Roadside Assistance: 5 years
- Servicing Intervals: Every 12 months/15,000km
- Capped-Price Servicing: $795 per visit, $3975 total for five years
- Fuel Requirement: 95 RON premium unleaded
While the per-service cost is on the higher side, it’s not unusual for a flagship luxury sedan.
In return, you get concierge-style benefits like a loan car, pick-up and drop-off, and the ability to borrow other Lexus vehicles via Encore Platinum On Demand.
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Conclusion
The 2025 Lexus LS remains a rare breed in a market enthralled by SUVs. For those who value a stately sedan with unmatched craftsmanship, quiet operation, and assured long-term reliability, the LS stands tall.
Priced competitively against European counterparts, it offers a generous features list, smooth performance, and a uniquely Japanese flair. Though the rear seat could be roomier, this detail scarcely detracts from the refined driving experience.
If you’re seeking a luxurious flagship that doesn’t scream for attention but still delivers top-tier comfort and technology, the LS is a worthy contender.
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