2024 Lexus LS 500h Review: Traditional Luxury in a Tech-Driven World
The Verdict: The 2024 Lexus LS 500h offers a refreshingly straightforward luxury experience in an era of overcomplicated German sedans. While its hybrid powertrain delivers impressive efficiency and its cabin provides exceptional comfort, dated tech interfaces and conservative styling prevent it from leading the segment.
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Traditional Luxury in a Digital Age
In today's luxury sedan market where Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series models feature space-age interfaces requiring near-engineering degrees to operate, the 2024 Lexus LS 500h stands apart with its refreshingly analog approach. Lexus' flagship sedan remains committed to tactile buttons, intuitive controls, and what we might call "considered luxury" - prioritizing substance over flash.
Now in its sixth year with only minor updates since its 2018 redesign, the LS faces stiff competition from:
- Genesis G90 - Offering superior value and more contemporary styling
- Mercedes S-Class - The tech benchmark with its hyperscreen interface
- BMW 7 Series - Featuring radical new design language and iDrive 8.5
- Audi A8 - With its predictive active suspension and virtual cockpit
Yet for certain buyers - particularly those who value simplicity and reliability over cutting-edge gadgetry - the LS 500h presents a compelling alternative to these German marvels.
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Exterior Design: Familiar Lexus Styling
The LS 500h's exterior design language will be immediately familiar to Lexus enthusiasts. The current generation's styling cues - particularly the prominent spindle grille and lower roofline - debuted back in 2018 and now appear somewhat dated compared to:
Strengths
- Excellent build quality with tight panel gaps
- Distinctive lighting signatures front and rear
- 19-inch alloy wheels standard (20-inch optional)
- Available F Sport package enhances aggressiveness
Weaknesses
- Overly familiar design lacks freshness
- Hybrid models lack F Sport appearance options
- Smaller greenhouse reduces visibility
- Conservative styling compared to Genesis G90
Design Evolution
Lexus has since toned down the spindle grille treatment on newer models like the 2024 RX and TX SUVs, making the LS appear somewhat stuck in the brand's design past. The organic, flowing shapes contrast sharply with the more formal, angular Genesis G90, which presents a more contemporary interpretation of luxury sedan styling.
Interior: Sanctuary of Simplicity
Step inside the LS 500h and you're greeted by what might be the most user-friendly luxury cabin on the market today. While competitors bury functions in submenus, Lexus maintains proper buttons and knobs for:
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- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Audio system volume and tuning
- Seat heating/ventilation controls
- Drive mode selection
Key Interior Features: 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson premium audio, semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats, power rear sunshade, and ambient lighting with 16 color options.
Material Quality & Craftsmanship
While the LS cabin doesn't quite reach the handcrafted feel of a Mercedes-Maybach or the tech-forward aesthetic of a BMW 7 Series, it offers excellent material quality with:
- Available Shimamoku wood trim (hand-pleated by artisans)
- Optional Kiriko glass ornamentation
- Thick, noise-reducing glass throughout
- Premium leather surfaces on all touchpoints
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Space & Practicality
Compared to segment leaders, the LS offers:
| Measurement | Lexus LS 500h | Genesis G90 | Mercedes S-Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Headroom | 37.1 in | 38.9 in | 38.3 in |
| Rear Legroom | 38.9 in | 42.8 in | 43.8 in |
| Trunk Space | 17.0 cu ft | 12.5 cu ft | 18.7 cu ft |
Powertrain & Performance
The LS 500h's multi-stage hybrid system combines a 3.5-liter V6 with two electric motors for a combined 354 horsepower. This advanced setup differs from conventional hybrids with:
- 4-speed automatic transmission paired with CVT-like operation
- Enhanced electric motor torque at low speeds
- Smoother transitions between power sources
- Improved highway fuel efficiency
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Real-World Fuel Economy: During mixed driving conditions, we achieved 30 mpg - exceeding the EPA's 25 mpg combined estimate and coming remarkably close to the 29 mpg highway rating.
Driving Dynamics
Lexus has tuned the LS 500h for serene comfort rather than sporting pretensions. Key characteristics include:
- Exceptionally quiet cabin (58 dB at 70 mph)
- Pillowy ride quality in Comfort mode
- Minimal body roll for such a large sedan
- Precise but light steering feel
The hybrid system does exhibit some low-speed hesitation when transitioning between electric and gasoline power, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. This occasional indecisiveness represents the system's only notable dynamic flaw.
Technology & Safety Features
While the LS avoids the overcomplication plaguing German rivals, its tech suite includes:
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Lexus Safety System+ 3.0
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Lane tracing assist with lane centering
- Dynamic radar cruise control
- Road sign assist
Lexus Teammate Advanced Drive
This hands-free driving assistant represents Lexus' most ambitious technology but falls short of competitors like GM's Super Cruise. Our testing revealed:
- Overly cautious lane change behavior
- Excessive nanny-like monitoring
- Frequent disengagement on curved highways
- Lacks the polish of more mature systems
Multimedia Interface
The 12.3-inch touchscreen runs Lexus' updated (but still aging) infotainment system featuring:
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Built-in navigation with traffic updates
- Voice command functionality
- Available 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio
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Pricing & Value Proposition
The LS presents an interesting value equation in the luxury sedan segment:
| Model | Base Price | Key Differentiators |
|---|---|---|
| Lexus LS 500 RWD | $80,685 | Standard twin-turbo V6, most affordable entry |
| Lexus LS 500h AWD | $115,560 | Hybrid powertrain, all-wheel drive standard |
| Genesis G90 3.5T | $90,450 | More standard features, longer warranty |
| Mercedes S-Class | $118,900 | Class-leading tech, most prestigious badge |
Cost of Ownership Considerations
The LS 500h's $35,000 premium over the standard LS 500 makes financial sense only for:
- High-mileage drivers prioritizing fuel savings
- Buyers in regions with hybrid incentives
- Those seeking the smoothest possible powertrain
- Environmentally conscious luxury shoppers
Final Recommendation
The 2024 Lexus LS 500h occupies a unique niche in the full-size luxury sedan segment. It's the ideal choice for buyers who:
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Should Choose the LS 500h If:
- You prefer buttons over touchscreens
- Reliability is your top priority
- You value serene comfort over sportiness
- Hybrid efficiency appeals to you
Consider Competitors If:
- Cutting-edge tech is essential
- You frequently transport rear passengers
- Brand prestige matters greatly
- You want the latest design language
While the LS 500h can't match German rivals in technological sophistication or the Genesis G90 in value, it remains a compelling choice for traditional luxury buyers seeking an uncomplicated, reliable flagship sedan with hybrid efficiency. Its dated aspects become virtues for those overwhelmed by modern luxury's complexity, making it what we might call the "anti-S-Class" - and for certain buyers, that's exactly what's needed.
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