5 REASONS WHY LEXUS LS IS STILL AN IMPORTANT VEHICLE

5 REASONS WHY LEXUS LS IS STILL AN IMPORTANT VEHICLE - TRADITIONAL FLAGSHIP OF LEXUS

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4 ай бұрын

While the world has moved towards SUVs and Crossovers, the full-size luxury sedan market is still an important market for many parts of the world, including Japan - since they are used as chauffeur-driven vehicles. Among these flagship models, the Lexus LS 500h still stands out as the true flagship of Lexus, and it's also a surprisingly good performer. Automotive Engineer David Chao explains 5 reasons why he still believes that the LS is a significant model in this industry.
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, engineering, and strategy. With over 35 years of engineering experience, David is able to review vehicles from unique perspectives utilizing technical and specialized methods. David is a board member and a director at AJAC (Automobile Journalist Association of Canada).
David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking, and travels all around the world to review vehicles and teach latest engineering methods. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.

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@bobbykhan4699 4 ай бұрын

I absolutely regret returning my 2018 LS500 F-Sport, it was a lease. Now, I am going to purchase one. Nothing like it on the road.

@NoHypebeastZay 4 ай бұрын

Dude you blew it!

@papagen00 4 ай бұрын

Mercedes S-Class is way better. I've driven both.

@fisephalnoxt 4 ай бұрын

@@papagen00 Yes, people keep saying that the LS doesn't sell because people prefer SUV, but it's so wrong. The LS500 na d even LS460 were not as competitive as the S Class, S is superior in everything but reliability. The W222, W221 are masterpiece.

@waverunner7063 4 ай бұрын

@@fisephalnoxt I think this generation didn't connect as well as previous gens with the US market. No doubt the S-Class is better in most ways (it's also newer on market), it also costs A LOT more. 6-cylinder S500 now starts over $114k

@fisephalnoxt 4 ай бұрын

@@waverunner7063 True, I do think that Benz isn't really interested in selling the LS anymore, they are not putting any effort in it anymore, and I hate when the Lexus fanboys say that people prefer suv that's why they don't buy the LS anymore, when the S Class, 7 Series are selling more every year.

@kulwantdhammu4779 4 ай бұрын

I have LS600HL Exective, one of the best sedan, last week I drove 3300 km on Canadian icy roads in snow squall. Car goes like a tank

@HJP1 4 ай бұрын

I bought a used low mileage 2016 ls460 last year and by far the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned and I’ve had a lot of cars over 55 years!

@marcelpatel9017 4 ай бұрын

The Lexus LS is the greatest quality car built. No other automaker not even Rolls can build quality into everything, right down to its nuts & bolts. Incredible.

@350zlover2 4 ай бұрын

I heard the LS430 is the best LS when it comes to quality. Numerous mechanics I deal with say the same thing.

@paulgyro 4 ай бұрын

A beast in regard to a lot of issues particularly with the suspension and extremely expensive to fix?@@350zlover2

@fisephalnoxt 4 ай бұрын

@@350zlover2 Yes, the LS430 and LS400 were way better quality, LS500 is hot garbage, there is a reason it doesn't sell as much as the S Class.

@350zlover2 4 ай бұрын

@fisephalnoxt I don't agree with you on that. I have a friend that owns a 2020 LS500 and it seems to be reliable for him. Toyota also corrected any issues with the vehicle as well. Compared to the other luxury models I would feel more comfortable buying it if reliability and lower maintenance cost was my concern.

@fisephalnoxt 4 ай бұрын

@@350zlover2 What i mean is the LS430 ls400 are more reliable, will outlast the LS500, they were better built, just like the Benz W140 is better built than the W222 OR w223. But yes, the LS500 is reliable but i would take a 2017 LS460 any day of the week. I want a V8 in my luxury boat lol

@nickcopeland4 4 ай бұрын

I own a Lexus LS 460 and the Lexus LS 500 is so much more refined and quiet . I can't wait to own a Lexus LS 500

@swtexan6502 4 ай бұрын

How many miles are on your LS 460, Nick?

@roundabout1419 4 ай бұрын

I plan on holding on to my LS 460 for a long, long time. Nothing beats a V8 in a car like this👍

@nickcopeland4 4 ай бұрын

@@swtexan6502 just crossed the 100k mark

@swtexan6502 4 ай бұрын

@@nickcopeland4 Nice! I bought my wife a GX 460 during Covid (Nov. '21). She's been working from home since that time and has about 1,000 miles on the beast of a machine. I simply love Lexus' reliability, refinement and quality. Best of luck with yours!

@nickcopeland4 4 ай бұрын

@@roundabout1419 how many miles are on your LS? Year?

@bbailey7976 4 ай бұрын

You are absolutely right. I sold my LS for the LX600 and have lost sleep on my decision!!!! It’s the best!! I’ll be back to the LS500 for sure. Anyone in the GA area looking for a LX F Sport, let’s talk! Lol

@user-fo9kf4gu3b 2 ай бұрын

Hey, was your LS500 smoother & more quiet than the LX?

@bbailey7976 2 ай бұрын

@@user-fo9kf4gu3b Yes it was. The LX is body on frame just my 2018 Tundra.

@jimmyamico4713 4 ай бұрын

Hi David, I 110% agree with you… If I was in the market for a four-door sedan, this would be my number one pick… I actually love it more now learning from you that it is on the same platform as the LC 500 so the attention to detail as far as I’m concerned by the Takumi craftsman is just as good as the LC 500… I am very impressed I remember sitting in my first Lexus in 1990. The LS 400… It was so beautiful you couldn’t even hear the engine running from my friends car … Thank you DAVID again, I’m very thankful to learn from you every day every week every month and every year I appreciate you more than you will ever ever know..🇯🇵❤️🤍 Respectfully always, JimmyUSAF 🇺🇸🙏

@davidglad 4 ай бұрын

Sure everyone has their loyalties, but I would treat the LS as a head-turner that somebody is both (quite) well off and smart in choosing this over other luxury vehicles. Too bad we will not get the LBX or other fun Lexus models in the USA any time soon.

@ronaldbryant7710 4 ай бұрын

I totally agree since I drive a 2020 LS 500 I purchased new and it’s the smoothest driving vehicle I have ever had. I have own BMW, Mercedes, Acura, and Mercedes. However the Lexus drives and handles much smoother than the others I have owned.

@MrVenkat86 8 күн бұрын

Loved the way you narrated,David - its a timeless elegance. As a Lexus owner - their cars are second to none - build quality and reliability tops the chart. Great ownership experience !!!

@Bigoliver101 4 ай бұрын

Lc500 is the most beautiful Lexus atm

@MrGreeneggsnospam 4 ай бұрын

Anything made by Lexus has a wow factor but the LS is definitely something else! Lexus sedans (IS, ES, LS) are just on a different level compared to the rest.

@lexbraxman9270 4 ай бұрын

Every road and sidewalk is so CLEAN in Japan

@douglaskaye1395 4 ай бұрын

That’s because they don’t allow millions of third illegals into their country

@thinker2328 4 ай бұрын

Great video! Thanks for bringing us on your travels

@herbertwong6007 2 ай бұрын

The LS is what placed Lexus at the global automotive map

@rightlanehog3151 4 ай бұрын

David, If the LS is good enough for you and AMD, it is good enough for me. 😉

@dzeng 4 ай бұрын

Bring back the NA V8 and I will buy one. Father owned a 2004 LS430. I owned a 2008 LS460. Best cars we ever drove.

@forevr_8 4 ай бұрын

Really enjoyed your LC video sent to me by my friend at Lexus Canada. I used to love the LS and aspired to own one, but not having a V8 now is a personal dealbreaker, and if you can afford a high-performance SUV that accelerates and handles well, and provides more cargo space, it makes the premium sports sedan or luxury sedans in general obsolete unless one wants to sit lower or buy one due to space, nostalgia or what they are accustomed to driving.

@jasonalpha 4 ай бұрын

I’d love an LS. First class car

@M5_Sonu 4 ай бұрын

If they had the LC's power train in the LS, I would've genuinely considered it alongside my GX 460.

@steven4894 4 ай бұрын

Great video.👍 Thanks, David 😊

@paulwharton1850 4 ай бұрын

Just love seeing & learning from your reviews and expert opinion. Thank you for taking me to Japan - Fascinating !

@Unknown-ne9gj 4 ай бұрын

As a Mexican and American individual I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good videos ! I respect the country Japan ! Great engineers !!!!!

@waverunner7063 4 ай бұрын

What does your nationality have to do with anything lol

@swtexan6502 4 ай бұрын

Thanks, David. In my opinion, Lexus are the most beautifully engineered cars on the road today.. You'll never convince me otherwise.

@riazhaq3523 4 ай бұрын

Love how you drove the car past the Toyota HQ and reviewed the car in the Toyota Kaican carpark. So fitting for the vehicle. I was there back in June 23. They cancelled the factory tour which was very disappointing so I’m obviously gonna have to go back 😂. I doubt my poor Japanese wife will come next time 😂.

@hurstbear 27 күн бұрын

I just turned 83,000 miles on my 2010 LS460L. I really love this car bc of the ride, handling and quietness. Just did a 600 mile. Trip and it was amazing and 23 mpg. Thanks for showing us the latest iteration. Would love n assembly line cider of the LS if you can get it.

@aross924 4 ай бұрын

I have been tracking these on the used market and there are a lot of good deals.

@Hillsnow-vw6ut 4 ай бұрын

Great video! Would be interested in seeing the LS assembly line like you did for the LC.

@ravipeiris4388 4 ай бұрын

Wonderful presentation ❤.

@E_Rice 4 ай бұрын

Awesome! Thank you, David. You're right no one covers the LS anymore with any depth so I appreciate this video. Also, You drove the FSport version so I'd assume that the Ultra Luxury version is even more of a comfortable ride. While in Japan, can we please have coverage of the Lexus ES as well? I thought Lexus moved the production of the ES back from Kentucky to Japan, so I that's why I am asking.

@p7272 4 ай бұрын

I was in the gym today near the window and I saw a black LS drive by and that front end is just gorgeous!!!

@bbsal4031 3 ай бұрын

I have a 2011 LS 460 l. It has 105,000 mi on it, this car even for its age is still spectacular. It's powerful, super quiet it literally floats. I hope to have it for many years and after this one I will buy a newer one. Most beautiful ride I've ever owned.

@erickonassis6310 4 ай бұрын

This is my next car, ordering one this spring, already built it on the website. White F Sport

@jcf.lexus.6092 4 ай бұрын

Lexus # one ❤

@DaveSoCal 4 ай бұрын

I worked for 23 years for Lexus dealers in the U.S. and I’m a car guy. The problem is you can’t tell the difference between the ES and LS at a quick glance

@aross924 4 ай бұрын

Very true.

@erickonassis6310 4 ай бұрын

That is true.

@350zlover2 4 ай бұрын

Your right in some ways but the side profile let's everyone know you are in something special.

@josephnessschmoe2864 4 ай бұрын

Yea we're missing the V8, it's very handsome with no balls. :) I'm in a LS460

@Pamsophydee 4 ай бұрын

The LS is a beautiful car. Thanks for the great video

@AKSD1985 4 ай бұрын

Great videos as always. Can you do a video on the 2004-2006 ls430. I have a 2004 LS430. It would be good to see your expert opinion on that car.

@350zlover2 4 ай бұрын

Numerous auto experts says the LS430 is one best made vehicles in the world!

@Jumpman-hc2cb 4 ай бұрын

My GS runs smooth and I would like a LS one day…

@Lena-vw6ye 4 ай бұрын

What I love about my LS500 is that it is very rare to see on the road. After owning one for almost a year, I have only seen it 1 other time, and a bunch of ES350's. With the color black, it honestly looks like a rare black shark in the night and when you do see it, you end up staring at it until it leaves cause you probably won't see it again for a while.

@rajeshmaharaj637 11 күн бұрын

Perfection!

@smrtguy77777 4 ай бұрын

If you’re looking for something that will compete with a Mercedes S class or BMW 7 series then the current LS falls woefully short. Toyota just does not care enough about this car, most of the money is going to SUVs nowadays.

@commandertopgun 4 ай бұрын

WOW I always love the LS lEXUS, EVERY EDITION, which i will buy a 2024 model this year, and a couple of the other earlier editiond/generations, thanks for review & praise, & you didn;t have to sell me on it lol- awesome positive review ,i always was impressed by lexus, from since it's inception 30 yrs + on now., incredible..

@oscarc.1852 4 ай бұрын

I love your channel, and I adore Lexus. I’m in the market for a LS, but I’m not sold on the new drive train which isn’t naturally aspirated. I may opt for the older V8 models…

@OscarFalcon-zy9vw 4 ай бұрын

I own both a Lexus LS 460 and an LX 570. I love both! But no question the LS is a much more sophisticated ride. Incredible comfort ! Extremely reliable. 4 years and not a single problem.

@KirkA4978 4 ай бұрын

I went with a Land Cruiser heritage to go with the 460 f-sport. They get used for different things, so it's hard to even compare them.

@SuperSnakePlissken 4 ай бұрын

I currently own a 2017 LS 460. I love the car and hope to have it forever. Currently, I have 139,219 miles as of today. It has been flawless and only done maintenance so far. With that said, there is nothing about the 3.4L twin turbo V6 that intrests me. I have driven in one that is owned by a colligue and it is nice but not nice enough to get rid of my 460. The mpg is exactly the same from my observation while in his car, and I hear and feel no difference in the 460 vs the 500. Hell, the seats are practically the same. With that said, the Lexus LS brand is the best full size luxury vehicles on the planet.

@gordonnguyen7160 4 ай бұрын

The Japanese version got blade scan headlights which is the matrix system and nanoe that they didn’t offer it in the United States and Canada

@waverunner7063 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for this video. I think Lexus misread the US market with this generation and some people were turned off by the styling and mission. I wonder what the next gen will be like.

@blackjack21477 4 ай бұрын

LS should have been a full fledged luxury sedan and the GS should have been reimagined as a proper 4-door coupe sports car. Instead, they merged the two and screwed both over. Smh lexus, you can have so many great cars but unfortunately lack the BALLS to make them

@robertmaybeth3434 4 ай бұрын

I spent almost 6 months looking at the used Lexus ES 350's and couldn't decide on one, even after several test drives. But I noticed the LS 460 and owned one within a month of starting the search. Lexus clearly lavishes every innovation and engineering flair on the LS models and it shows - the total package is pretty much an automotive masterpiece and I am always surprised by admiring looks I get when driving it. I'm not too keen on the LS 600's. Even a twin-turbo V6 just isn't the right combination for a car of this class especially if the alternative is a 460 with the V8.

@pinkipipe 4 ай бұрын

Love this car

@GoogleUser-qp8mb 4 ай бұрын

Nice video! I totally agree that the LS is the THE BEST Lexus by far in so many ways. Unfortunately, other Lexus products are just rebadged Toyota, built cheaply with a fake-premium look and high noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). It’s evident in the power windows, seats and sunroof movements. Aside from LS, LC and GS, ride quality on other Toyota/Lexus products are too mushy, sacrificing handling and they’re about 8-10 years behind the competitors (German, British, and American) in technology in powertrain and electronics these days. Toyota really needs to bring their A Game back on like they had in the 90’s.

@shreyasghanta 4 ай бұрын

Too expensive. I wish they put v8 in the vehicles instead of v6 turbo. That would justify the price tag.

@bobbykhan4699 4 ай бұрын

You have not driven this car! It feels and performs better than the gas-guzzling V8 of the past models.

@TheBjjones 4 ай бұрын

@@bobbykhan4699 The 5tth generation LS should've had the same V8 powertrain Akio Toyoda placed in the LC500, his pet project car.

@82phalanX 4 ай бұрын

Given your experience with Toyota/Lexus, how does this LS compare to the Century for ride quality, refinement & build quality?

@philipbaio2237 4 ай бұрын

Hi, I have a 2003 LS 430 best car I ever owned never had a problem just want you to know maybe next year I’m buying a brand new one

@m.g9282 4 ай бұрын

I love my 07 LS!!!

@galanwakebe5143 4 ай бұрын

Would like to see your interview with them and have a house tour to the public

@Sossaup 4 ай бұрын

I have a Honda but I just love Lexus

@baldheadlogic 4 ай бұрын

Great LS Review. I am just surprised that the LS500 never offered the 5.0L V8 to match its name…Just my two cents.

@Ricky_H 4 ай бұрын

素晴らしいです。　ただ一点…LCにｖ８を積んでいる反面、ＬＳにｖ８の設定がないのが残念です。　時代の流れと言えばそれまでですが…

@mziwendukuntsele671 4 ай бұрын

It's the Audi A8 that competes with the Lexus LS, not the Audi A7.

@nfrancis11 4 ай бұрын

Lexus/Toyota, please continue making the LS luxury sedan. I plan on buying the next gen LS at the end of that generation when I'm close to retirement (8 or 9 years from now). Also please keep the turbo gas engine. Don't need to go EV only just yet.

@mrd.808 4 ай бұрын

Got any AutomotivePress bumper stickers or t-shirts??? I will buy❤

@MrBazsi888 4 ай бұрын

LS is maybe the only high tier car where you get performance luxury precision presence and reliability. Only what is missing is the long wheelbase LS500hL or LS600hL

@MrLuba6a 4 ай бұрын

mine seems veeeery long ,specially on this island Tenerife! I know of one/two parking places I can go in...otherwise I look for outside parkings and they are sooooo small...

@MrBazsi888 4 ай бұрын

@@MrLuba6ai need longer rear passenger leg rooms.

@emikami1 4 ай бұрын

This LS500 already longer wheelbase than the long wheelbase version in the past LS and also has a longer in overall length than the long wheelbase version. Essentially copying the trend set by Mercedes S class and BMW 7 series in size. But reality, the sales probably dropped if anything because it is already too long for most people. I'm old school so what I think is missing is a spare tire over this run flat stuff that makes the ride worse and make a short wheelbase version of it. Not being able to get some luxury items like wood steering wheel on the F-Sport model is another miss. Advanced Park might be nice to have in the F-Sport model.

@swron_rules 4 ай бұрын

I just wish the newer Lexus LS’s were as good and reliable as the ls 430s and 400s.

@MrLuba6a 4 ай бұрын

and how do you know LS500h isn't as good?

@mo9749 4 ай бұрын

I currently own a 2018 ls500, I put 113k on the odometer. So far so good. Bulletproof Lexus reliability. I have 0 complaints.

@erickonassis6310 4 ай бұрын

It's been out over 6 years, no problems

@s.patterson5698 4 ай бұрын

The only things I don't like about Lexus is the front grille and the horizontal dash setup look. The horizontal look just reminds me of the grandfather near retirement look. I lean toward a more vetical dash setup which is getting hard to find nowadays.

@You-All-Pokai 4 ай бұрын

How about LS430 compare to ?

@AUTOMOBILZ 4 ай бұрын

Owner of a 2013 LS460L, and a 2019 LS500 Fsport awd. I love the 500 more, but the 460 is roomier and has the buttery V8. I have no gripes with the 500 except it should have got the 5.0, the V6 is great but you have to offer a V8 in this segment……..at least as an option.

@jsirkerp 4 ай бұрын

One of the only flaws of the LS is the spindle grille. I would like a more traditional and elegant one IMHO.

@garyclark6747 4 ай бұрын

David’s next purchase is telling of this cousin. 🏎️💨 12:02

@MrLuba6a 4 ай бұрын

wonderful video! I would say I am a proud owner of Lexus LS500h,2020 model,but unfortunately I have one problem which no one seems to know how to solve:I do not have Apple Car Play!!! Damn!!! In USA they made an imediately upgrade ,but here, in Europe,no one seems to care! So,while you are there,in the hear of Lexus,can you ask them why I can NOT have Apple Car Play installed in my car,which I love so much ?WHY? Or you can help me with the right email or contact,so I can ask them myself? Here we also have every bad custom service and if Lexus Japan knows it,the CEO will make harakiri ! Lexus should never been sold here,in Spain,specially on Canary Islands.They even deprive me from my warranties,though I have done all the maintenance servises of the car since I bought it...Horrible story. But I love the car and all you mentioned in this video I totally agree !!! The best sedan on the World. Punctum 🙏❤

@CACressida 4 ай бұрын

The problem with the LS is they took away the LS styling and now its hard to distinguish a new LS and ES from a distance. Every previous gen LS looks like the boss' car. LS needs to be redesigned to blend some Century styling with Lexus design language.

@elementkx 4 ай бұрын

The 2nd Gen SC convertible is the most beautiful Lexus ever.

@wayneh1562 4 ай бұрын

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

@FrankGallagherr 4 ай бұрын

I’ll take the LC500 convertible

@christopherstreet2214 4 ай бұрын

I wish they would make a lwb version

@josephnessschmoe2864 4 ай бұрын

Its only lwb

@kewl820607 4 ай бұрын

Is Lexus LS getting discontinued?

@TheBjjones 4 ай бұрын

If the LS "is still an important vehicle," then why is Akio Toyoda & Lexus letting the halo LS flounder into obscurity?

@verlaryder 3 ай бұрын

My conspiracy theory is Toyota wanted former middle and senior aged LS and Avalon owners to buy more profitable SUV's so to crush their sales it gave those sedans harder seats, a stiffer ride, more complicated electronic controls and lowered their roofs to make enter and exit more difficult.

@yumpinyiminy963 4 ай бұрын

Why would you want a F Sport LS? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of buy a LS?

@MrStevenAttila 4 ай бұрын

Why V8 is not possible these days? 😕

@Eric_the_Hiking 4 ай бұрын

It's a timeless design only if they remove the clock from the dashboard.

@papagen00 4 ай бұрын

In terms of quietness and smoothness, the 2013-17 LS is much better than the 2018-24 LS.

@AllEyezOnRod 4 ай бұрын

Bring back the GS350! F Sport RWD with 400 horsepower and Triple beam with a refresh similar to the IS500 minus the light bar in the rear.

@charley95sheridan44 4 ай бұрын

I have an 18 GS F-Sport I bought new and never getting rid of it.

@AdrianDmax 4 ай бұрын

rumors says that there's no future plans for Lexus LS, so sad

@bikerz3857 4 ай бұрын

Please go to the Lexus plant that makes the RX350

@rgm33 4 ай бұрын

I'm not sure this design is what I would call timeless. It looks ok from some angles and weird from others. Most of the LS500's I have seen look awkwardly high off the ground, maybe because they were awd. The interior is also not my favorite, as I think the current Lexus interiors don't look as premium as they should, except the beautiful LC. If this car had the 5 liter V8, it would be a lot more interesting, not to mention simpler and more reliable.

@pt192 3 ай бұрын

I don’t understand how the smaller ES actually has more leg room. Seems like the LS is a waste of length. 😢

@miguelmanroe 4 ай бұрын

The gs is the wright size

@bluesky3694 4 ай бұрын

I would buy this if it had more power.

@daniyar_ala 4 ай бұрын

This year Lexus will release next gen LS

@theofficialpeterkim 4 ай бұрын

It’s a great car, but the better tax breaks are with their bigger suv like the LX570/600.

@toroloco4097 4 ай бұрын

The first thing Lexus has to do is have personnel who are suitable for the job and who treat customers well, such as the West Kendall dealer, that doesn't work, bad attitude from the moment you enter the lobby and the attention and quality has still been lost.