What's New
The 2021 Lexus LS receives mechanical and interior refinements aimed at producing an even quieter, smoother cruising experience. The center touchscreen has been repositioned for easier viewing.
The current version of LS debuted in 2018.
Choosing your Lexus LS
The 2021 LS is offered in three trim levels: LS 500, LS 500h, and LS 500 F Sport. The LS 500 starts at $77,250 including destination, and the F Sport is priced from $83,875. Lexus has yet to announce pricing for the hybrid-powered LS 500h, which is scheduled to arrive this spring. Last year's model listed for $80,985.
Engine Choices
The LS 500 and LS 500 F Sport carry a twin-turbo V6 engine, while the LS 500h gets a V6 hybrid powerplant.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 | 416 hp | 442 lb-ft | 23 mpg |
3.5L V6 Hybrid | 354 hp | 261 lb-ft | 28 mpg |
Rear-wheel drive is standard on the LS, and all-wheel is available on all models for $3,250. The gas engine runs with a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, while the hybrid gets a specially designed four-speed automatic.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The LS is a full-size sedan with abundant room for five. The trunk is appropriately sized 16.95 cubic feet, or 15.19 cubic feet in the 500h.
Safety Features
As expected in this league, the LS comes with a complete bundle of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, parking sensors, road sign display, and automatic emergency braking.
The Lexus Safety System Plus A Package ($3,000) adds front cross-traffic alert and a radar-enhanced adaptive cruise control with automated lane change function.
Buyers can also select a 24-inch head-up display ($1,220), a surround-view camera system ($800), and a rearview camera mirror ($200).
Connectivity
Every LS carries a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a remote touchpad controller, 12 speakers, navigation, four USB ports, satellite and HD radio, wireless device charging, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility.
The sole infotainment option is a 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, priced at $1,940.
The LS is mighty luxurious right out of the box. Standard fare includes leather upholstery, 12-way power heated and ventilated front seats, a sunroof, wood interior trim, a heated steering wheel, a power rear sunshade, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The $220 Cold Weather Package adds wiper de-icers, headlight washers, and a rapid-warming interior heater.
There are three available interior packages to choose from. The Interior Upgrade Package ($3,730) provides semi-aniline leather seats and interior trim, a sueded headliner, a 28-way power driver seat with massage, heated rear seats, and power front belt buckles. The Luxury Package ($12,710) goes even further with four-zone climate control, a 28-way massaging passenger seat with remote rear controls, 18-way rear outboard rear seats with memory and power recline, a 7-inch rear touchscreen, rear side power sunshades, and rear knee airbags.
The $17,630 Executive Package tops off the interior with power-retractable front headrests, 22-way fully powered rear seats with massage, and a sliding ottoman for the right rear passenger. With Kiriko glass door trim added, the package costs $23,630.
Individual options include a panoramic glass roof ($1,000), an adaptive air suspension ($1,400), and a wood-trimmed steering wheel ($410).
Aside from its hybrid powerplant, the LS 500h shares its equipment and options with the LS 500.
The F Sport receives firmer suspension tuning, larger brakes, and 20-inch wheels. The interior comes with performance instrumentation, perforated leather front sport seats, and aluminum trim. Heat rear seats and power front belt buckles are also standard.
The Dynamic Handling Package ($7,800) adds variable-ratio steering, adaptive suspension stabilizers, and active rear steering. Since the F Sport emphasizes performance, the lavish interior dress-up packages aren't available.
The 2021 Lexus LS 500 is slightly quicker than the 500h, but the models are otherwise indistinguishable inside and out. The only question is whether you're willing to pay for the 500h's extra 5 mpg. The F Sport treatment comes off as largely cosmetic unless the pricey handling package is added.