The Lexus LS is back once again with its 2016 version, sporting a variety of models to suit your needs. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that Lexus has long been praised for its LS range, but does this year’s version live up to the hype?
The first thing that hits you when gazing eyes on the LS is how stunning it looks. There’s a reason why this model has lasted for so long, and it doesn’t show any signs of disappearing soon. Currie Motors described the LS as “consistently ranked among the top-selling luxury sedans in the US”, and it’s not hard to see why. That said, you’re going to have to fork out some cash for the latest model. There are plenty more Lexus models that might suit your price range if you haven’t got the funds for this one.
On the outside, the LS looks great, and on the inside, it dazzles. It’s fitted with comfortable and stylish leather, along with plenty of legroom. Its LCD screen compliments the expensive-looking dashboard perfectly, too. It won’t surprise you that this model is fitted with all manner of infotainment options to ‘wow’ your passengers.
The car comes in two models – the LS 460 and the 600h L hybrid. For the purpose of this website, we’re obviously going to focus on the latter. The hybrid model can operate on a fully electric system for a short while, and it’s whisper quiet while it’s doing this. In fact, the entire drive with the hybrid has been claimed to be totally quiet.
The biggest downsides with the hybrid model come in the form of MPG and boot space. It isn’t actually that the hybrid MPG claims are bad, but they’re apparently difficult to maintain. Real-world driving habits will allegedly eat up your fuel much quicker than is claimed on paper. The other downside, when compared to the LS 460, is that the hybrid reduces your boot space. It isn’t something to get too upset about, but it’s a downside all the same.
So, from what we’ve heard about the drive experience, the results are positive. The ultra-smooth, stylish and quiet nature of the ride appear to be standouts. Some reports have said that the handling starts to feel a little less manoeuvrable at high speeds, though. This is something to keep in mind. Ultimately, you appear to get a ride that feels as luxurious and comfortable as the car suggests, despite a few downsides.
What’s the final word? If you’re a fan of the Lexus LS series, the hybrid model seems like a good upgrade. You might end up paying a little more on fuel consumption than you’d like, but that’s entirely dependent on your driving style. Ultimately, you’re paying for class, comfort and a smooth driving experience, which you’ll get. Be prepared to pay more for the hybrid, though. If the LS is a little out of your price range, there are other Lexus models on the market to suit.
