2021 Lexus LS 500: The best car made that no one buys.
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 มี.ค. 2021
- The updated for 2021 Lexus LS500 rolls into the hangar in this combo TECH REVIEW, FIRST DRIVE REVIEW & round of our famous #OptionsGame and MotoMan presents the case for the Lexus LS . . . far beyond the changes for 2021 . . . as to why it is still very important in an SUV crazed world.
#Lexus #LexusLS #LexusLS500
Subscribe AND CLICK NOTIFICATIONS now to experience our adventures in the car world.
th-cam.com/users/subscription_c...
For more information, watch our 2021 Mercedes Benz S Class TECH REVIEW @ • The 2021 Mercedes Benz...
- or -
2021 Porsche Panamera 4S FIRST DRIVE REVIEW @ • The 552 HP 2021 Porsch...
Check out our Lexus playlist:
• Lexus
Follow us at our socials to get behind the scenes video clips, pics and more:
Facebook - / motomantv
Twitter - / motomantv
Instagram - / motomantv
MotoMan. Storyteller of Transport, Travel & Inspired People
Check out our long form interview show, INSIDE THE MOTOMAN STUDIO, where we talk to the key people shaping the car world!
Available NOW on all our streaming platforms as well as a PODCAST!
Subscribe. Rate. Review at:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
play.google.com/music/listen?...
open.spotify.com/show/6f0DUte...
tunein.com/podcasts/Automotiv...
Download our MotoManTV App!
Apple iTunes/iOS:
itunes.apple.com/us/app/motom...
Google Play/Android:
play.google.com/store/apps/de...
Amazon App Store:
www.amazon.com/Kythira-Studio...
MUSIC courtesy of Kevin MacLeod/incompetech.com, Michael Bliss, Evan Schaeffer - / evanschaeffer & Jahzzar - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
A stunning vehicle in person. I love the fact that there aren't many on the road. Understated luxury.
The most underated car in history
Why does every car reviewer immediately jump in to a luxury sedan, drive it like a race car, then offer insight as to why it's not as good as they think it should be - as a race car? When I get into a luxury car, I want everything i touch, feel, and see to be the best. I want the audio to be perfect, and I do not want to hear anything from outside. Basically, for a review of a luxury car, I want you to be stuck in traffic for two hours, or go on a 6 hour road trip and when you are done, let me know how you feel. I could care less about "Sport +", traction control in turns, etc. IT IS A BIG LUXURY SEDAN.
Hey Bob, I agree with you 100% and mate for that reason I have made a comprehensive review driving around town in the 2020 Lexus LS500 and EVEN whilst sitting in the back and getting driven :D. I've also made comparison videos of the LS500 vs the 2020 BMW 740Li, and even against the Mercedes Benz S-Class. Mate I would love to have your feedback along with anyone that shares your opinion. PS, I ofcourse do a test of the handling and performance but that is not the decision maker of the car's capabilities. Look forward to hearing from you in the comments, Serg
@@SergCarReviews I agree 100%! I miss the old days when Rolls-Royce would not declare their engine's power output, but rather stated the power and performance is "adequate". That's luxury. The power, handling, and performance is "adequate". Now, let's talk about fit, finish, materials, construction quality, opulence, options, etc. - that's luxury and Lexus gets it.
i agree, i hate it when reviewers judge a Luxury car's ability to turn a corner like ANYONE is trying to rip a corner in a car like that. you put it beautifully
You are 100% correct - that is why I bought a 2015 LS 600hL for the simple fact of cursing - comfortably.
Exactly! Why do I want to be drag racing around in a luxury car? I would rather be riding in a car that’s out of touch with the outside world,unless I roll the window down.. I want a luxury car to drive like a luxury car..
Three days ago, I took a brand new 2023 LS500 F-Sport for a test drive. I own a LS400. I am "The Target Demographic" for this car. I arrived ready to buy...cash! The driver position was excellent. The 10-speed transmission was invisible. The interior had the fake vinyl imitation leather, which was disappointing. The infotainment was identical to my RX, but without the mouse and with a touchscreen, something that is ok after you've set it up, but how many times have I had to "pull off of the freeway" to find something which caused a dangerous driving condition with the amount of driver focus required. My beloved CD player, which has been a part of this car since the LS400, is sadly deleted, R.I.P. But what was the "make-or-break feature" for pulling out my checkbook for a cash purchase? The test drive was down & back on the dealership's street...a beautiful, city street. "The Ride" consisted of a constant stream of tiny bumps in this non-bumpy city street. I repeated this complete route as soon as I got back into my own car, which felt ZERO small bumps in the road. This is a deal-breaker! Why? Why is the ride so bad after Lexus changed the suspension starting in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and today in 2023? How can so many changes result in such a bad result? Is this why Lexus sells about 200 LS500 cars/month in the US? That's a paltry 2,400 units/yr in the US. Why not fix the real problem: the runflat tires (extremely low profile tires with super, super thick sidewalls, which give no compliance). If you can not sell this car to me, as I am the target demographic, then who are you selling to??? Please, Lexus, listen.
I agree 100%, Lexus' attention to detail and the fit-and-finish are second to none. Nice review!
I agree, very reliable, finesse, comfort, enough power, superior engineering (just love that), smooth ride (THAT is an understatement :)), amazing long distance car. Everything I care about
You have figured wrongly. The.+2018 Lexus LS gets a 1 out of 5(they don't award "0" for reliability), a 46 out 100 and vert last place in the segment Consumer Reports. The Lexus halo car has fallen so far!
@@normt430 CR are apparently being paid to say nonsense like you are
@@dinobot_maximize CR is not-profit. They survey their subscribers who value reliability and value. This is neither.
If it’s truly unreliable as reported by CR. What are they reporting that’s faulty and why hasn’t there been an outpouring of complaints fromLs500 owners? No Lexus owner would be quiet if their LS was unreliable.
@@normt430 consumer reports 😆🤤🤤🤤🤤😆🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤😆🤤🤤 .... Ok
I've owned two LS models and currently have an LS430. Fantastic car. MB, BMW, and Audi make wonderful cars but there is a reason they depreciate so badly. The cost of ownership. Take care of an LS and it will pretty much run forever and won't break the bank.
I envy you! Enjoy your awesome car dude!
No one buys the A8.
I loved the ride on my LS 430. Only had two issues, one with the headlight beams kinda falling down and the trunk struts. All my Lexi were memorable for comfort and reliability.
@@waverunner7063 No one is buying the Lexus LS either...and havent in several years
You wonder how Mercedes sells 3X-4X more S classes and at a much higher price
What year is your LS 430?
I love my 2014 lexus LS460L with 53k mi. When I win the lottery I will get an LC 500 convertible. Love the v-8.
why you need to win the lottery, your ls was not cheap. That means you can earn that 60-70k for a used lc500
This lexus is a stunningly beautiful car particularly in that red colour.
I have a 2013 GS 350 AWD in "Riviera Red" with similar dark chrome wheels (Lexus calls them "Super Chrome"). It's a great color combination.
Lost my beloved ‘08 LS460 in an accident. Replaced w/ the ‘20 LS 500 F Sport in Atomic Silver. It gets better and better every time I get behind the wheel. I’m in love all over again, oh, and that spindle grille? It grows on you to the point where you’ll find it stunning!
I too own an LS430 (to second Gary S. Cochrane). And Motoman, you really hit the nail on the head with your account of the 2020 LS interior. I sat in one at the dealership last year while having my 430 serviced, and to quote Ferris Beuller, "It is SO choice...If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up." Pictures don't do it justice. You can feel the quality and craftsmanship oosing out from everywhere the moment you plant yourself in the driver's seat.
What year is your LS 430?
Bought a 2019 LS500 AWD w/lux package with 28k miles and couldn’t be happier 🤤 Kids love it when I take them to school. My little executives.
Love this car. There aren't many around, so when you see one it stands out.
Love the LS. I love the S-Class too, but nowadays driving an S makes the driver look like a chauffeur! Thanks for the video Motoman!
Haha that's too true! I've driven and reviewed all of them for months at a time. The BMW makes the boldest statement, The Mercedes close second and the Lexus by far the least! But it's just so good to be so understated and driving on a cloud while getting my back massaged for me 😂
s coupe
Lol
Yesterday at a local carmeet I get to see this baby (2018 mode year awd version) in person and a quick drive at night. I love the ambiance and the styling of this car and the mark lev audio is the best ever put out so far with all the LS models.
A very under appreciated car, the peace of mind this thing provides makes the idea of owning a luxury sports car attractive to a person who can’t afford to have their car in the shop every 6 months.
Your comments regarding the back half of this LS is spot on.
I agree... the side view from the rear door handle to the rear bumper of my LS460L fails to flow
Definitely one of the best car-brands out there!
Love the technical aspect of your reviews.👍👍
The loss of the V8 would be easier to take if the engine was no longer in production. But to build the V8 only to deny it for the Lexus flagship - downright painful! When this current generation of the Lexus LS was announced with V6 power only, I could almost feel the excitement drain out of the room. Even today, that lack of powerplant choice still haunts the LS 500
lexus wants you to upgrade to the LC 500 if you want the v8...
@@veeman2939 the lc500 is beautiful but they we are talking 2 door vs 4 door. You have to get the awd v6 to get close to the off the line jump of a rwd v8 but it is still not that close to the v8 to me
I agree. He said " it replicates " the V8 which to me means " fake V8 ". This car is supposed to be a luxury car but the interior is cramped, the sitting low, it is trying to " replicate " a sports car not an elegant luxury flagship sedan. No wonder it is not selling. Might as well get a Porsche Panamerica.
The twin turbo v6 performs like a v8, if not better
@@veeman2939 , to me... _downsize_ is *not* an upgrade
LEXUS LS 👌🏻 IT´S BEST LUXURY SEDAN 😎👍🏻
Work of Art inside and out! Great review as always! 👍
Just love your reviews and point of view. I agree, they should continue with THIS. Absolutely stunning car. The suspension is a work of art. My wish will just be one thing ; V8. Thanks again, great video, as always
Hi MotorMan, you should have also mentioned how the LS 500 would still be running like a new car when an S Class would be falling apart with mega service bills. All new cars are reliable when in warranty. The true test is when it's out of warranty and has done many miles. Love the show!
most people that buy these cars won’t be keeping them long term so the reliability doesn’t really matter. In every other category the Germans are better
The old headlights were so beautiful 🥰 I miss them 😢
Mr Moto Man: you do a great job with these reviews....love your stuff and sense of humor.
Thank you, Joe!
Cant wait til the LSF with 660hp comes out. LS is an amazing vehicle.
Makes me want to run to the dealership and have a look-see. Nice review.
this segment is tough... their customers are literally worth tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, so reliability is meaningless. they're all going to either lease a new one every 2-3 years, or theyll buy it and trade it in. the cost matters little. so they'll just buy a mercedes S class and call it a day. it's in the used market 10 years down the road that the two cars start to show their differences.
Very well put
Hmm I think the buyers for this car are less wealthy than that and do care about longevity and reliability and great value for performance and engineering
@@captainkesh my girlfriend's father owns an s class and her mother owns a GLS. she was shocked when i told her these cars are known to be unreliable. they don't even burden themselves with knowing that info because they replace it everytime a new model comes out.
@@wl2486 exactly that's how Merc drivers roll.
@@wl2486 that's kind of what I mean about Lexus drivers. There tend to be wealthy and practical but not crazy wealthy where money is of zero concern.
I have owned a 1994 LS400, loved it! A 2005 LS430, really loved it! And now I own a 2010 LS460 and cannot think of any other car to own! The LS460 has the older style grill which I really like. I really hate the new LS500 from a style perspective. The grill is hideous looking but everything else is great. I am ready to upgrade but can't get pass the looks. So for now it's a eleven year old car for me.
The F trim really wakes up what's already a very sleek, exciting package. Nice cars, these!
Definitely a superior luxury sedan no one buys. Own many a Ls400,Ls430,and a LS460. Amazing vehicles. Going to be buying a new LS500 soon. Can't wait. Also own a LX. A Amazing SUV that no buys.
The title is spot on unfortunately. Lexus is one of the most popular brands here, but the current LS didn't take off despite the love for previous LS generations. I can count on my hands how many current gen LS I saw since it came out a few years ago. The inferior CT6 & generic A8 are more common for some odd reason. Lexus even introduced a $25k cheaper LS350 (N/A 3.5 kicking 310hp) to no avail.
Anyway I digress, I know I say it every time you get an LS on the shoe, but man oh man, I love the Kiriko Glass trim. Kudos to the design and materials teams on that one. Now if only we can get Seiko to do something similar for their Grand Seiko line.
I agree regarding the interior, the new screen is not good.
The exterior has grown on me a lot since it first came & I like the finish on the F-Sport wheels.
As always, excellent work, M.
awesome video and take. I love my LS460 with the naturally aspirated V8. It's not too much technology and so forth for me the car is just about perfect. by the way EXCELLENT driving on those roads. that was awesome, just wish there was another camera to capture you on those roads. I will go ahead and give you a follow on facebook!
He attention to detail is on another level that why I love lexus and I trust that brand
Brilliant take on the best luxury vehicle in its class.
Dammmmm
Great Review !
As the owner of a very low mileage ‘08 LS460 L. I so strenuously agree with the presenters view that they mustn’t stop producing this car, for all the reasons so eloquently expressed!
Great great presentation indeed !
A very very good review.
Very good review entwined with great perspectives and detail. Just by a stroke of luck I stumbled onto this channel while seeking a comparison the two cars as I noticed a difference in the 2021 front bumper intake which now has grill coverings flush rather than recessed , the latter being my preference . Another detail which you highlighted which I think might be one update too many is the infotainment screen, when I saw it in the 2021 car I was distracted by the touchscreen and yes it does look better recessed rather than just sitting there . I can't help but think Tesla influence has creeped into the design boardroom in that particular area only difference being at least the former is not the size of a dinner tray.
Very disappointed to see traditional OEMs adopting for a moving car an inherently flawed UX design. Why is it inherently flawed? Safety.
You’re a master at this car review thing. Keep it up Motoman!
Thank you, Ced!
I want to see that GREAN car!! Holy moly, it’s beautiful!
1938 Lagonda V12.
Nice car. Nice review.
Thats what I felt too about the rear of this lexus. I was like front is good but after B pillar it kinda doesn’t match the front of it.
There’s a big reason why most don’t buy.. the cost of a fully loaded LS500 RWD is about $98k and AWD is $100+k. Many people can find many other alternatives to buy when we’re talking cost north of $100k.
I believe that the '20 LS's headlights and dash looks better, great review.
Agreed.
Couldn't agree more! '18 - '20 LS looks much better. I believe it was a cost-cutting decision, as the new headlights are easier to fit and panel has simpler shape. And that new touchscreen looks so out of place, terrible!
Please comment on the difference in maintenance between the LS 500 and a bmw and Mercedes.
Best ever!!! Can’t wait until I get mine!!
I have a Lexus LS 500 I love it hat there aren’t many around. I rides like a dream 😴
After testing out all the big luxury sedans, for price to luxury ratio, Lexus has it hands down. On top of that, they are the most reliable. I had the choice of the LS or the S class mercedes, coming from an E63s, and I have to say, for the daily driver, I really enjoy the LS500. For a weekend roar will be the E63s
Beauty !
I can't wait to buy it in 5 years!
This is a tough one for me. I really love what Lexus does and my wife drives an RX. The problem is that the Japanese are almost conservative to a fault. The reliability is off the charts, but the competition from the Germans and even the Americans is just so much better that the engineers at Lexus really need to step it up. I know that the refresh of the IS was very well done overall especially with the IS500 F Sport Performance line. If they put a V8 back in the LS which I think they will and call it the F Sport Performance line, I think it will sell better.
It's easy to be reliable when you don't take risks. Germans do, Japanese don't.
Yay! A sedan review and not a minivan. 🤓 I have the ES. I’ll get the LS when the money comes.
The ES is such an amazing car! Its so understated for what it is! I've done a review on the ES along with the LS and ofcourse there is a difference but ES awesome car nonetheless!
I want it to have a plug-in hybrid offering with a similar EV range as the X5 45e. I want it to have a RWD-biased AWD system, and I think it would be great if the LS had a fibreglass carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic body and chassis and body.
As far as colours go, I think they need to give buyers more freedom to spec it how they want to. I love the colours on offer from Genesis.
Correct me if I am wrong, but I see plenty of Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Lexus, Toyota, Volkswagen, BMW, Nissan, Volvo, Mazda, BMW, Audi, and even Chevy, Buick, and Cadillac vehicles being reviewed on this channel, but I never see any Honda or Acura vehicles. Any particular reason why?
Beautiful
Fun, Fast n Reliable
The only Lexus line up that personally I prefer it without the f sport trim.
To be honest I was thinking while watching this.. your reviews are the best ones that most people won’t watch for some reason.. Don’t stop making them! Hello from Sri Lanka! 👍🏽👍🏽
Such awesome videos!
I can only encourage Lexus to keep up the good work. There's real integrity there. $98 grand, though ... ?
Honestly I’d say Lexus has had a good sense of identity since 2013 my LS460 looks completely different from the S550 or 750i from when it was new… now about the V8 thing I don’t think that should be a thing on the F-Sport.. simply put the F-sport line is a visual and handling upgrade not a power upgrade the only way you’d see a V8 in the LS500 is if the LS got a full blown F model which won’t happen all though it would definitely get attention and be an interesting entry to the enthusiast market
I'd love to have a LS 500, maybe one day.
I wish the upcoming IS500 would come to Australia, and with a manual. Would have been my next car :(
Mate you and me both!! I love the IS and been driving them for a couple years (and ofcourse reviewed them as well) and I'm so annoyed Aus isn't getting it. Much needed to compete with every Tom, Dick and Harry who owns a C63!
I heard that it may get a twin turbo v8 sooo that’ll be really exciting
The 2020 grill was MUCH BETTER LOOKING than the 2021. The vertical grill was stunning!
The active stabilizer bars should be standard on all LS trims.
Pull the fuses to switch the traction control off.
Those that compares Acura to Lexus its like comparing a slice of pie to the whole pie, Lexus is on another level!
Instead of lowering the back end (which would hurt interior room), I would rather make the tail longer
I missed where we optioned for an additional model...to go from a base (8:00) of 39.6 to 99 fully loaded, we must have another LS tucked in there somewhere.
They must have misspoken. $39,6 is close to the base price of the Avalon-based Lexus ES. The LS starts at over $70,000.
Really good deals to be had on used ones.
Used and one year old demos!
Nice Car I Love Lexus
Their interior game is top notch, I wish this design finesse trickled down more to Toyota interior design.
*EDIT: That tacked on screen did ruin the wonderful first gen design of this interior.
The new Toyota Mirai rides on the same platform as the LS just a shorter wheelbase version.
The interior doesn't make the vehicle. Especially in thr luxury segment where it places last with a 46 out of 100 in CR ratings and rankings.
Totally agree on the screen critique. That new design is very un-Lexus.
These remain great cars although twin turbo engine as opposed to NA v8 is unfortunate.
I wanted it . But it was just out of reach in price . I had to settle for the last GS F sport Blackline. It’s not the LS f sport . So let’s just say I got the Newest ,outdated car on the market. But I love it and Lexus. Maybe one day this one. Whoohoo
F sport performance with v8 please
But we were a little bit left without the answers to the questions; how big are the improvements on comfort, quietness compared to the previous update? This was the biggest problem according Lexus themselves. Great video still!
According to TH-cam's Savagegeese, the refresh nicely addressed the comfort and quietness complaints.
Why not turbo the old 4.6L V8 on the LS?
The LS is an exceptional vehicle. But I’m a V8 guy .
The rear headroom is already not great. If they lowered the greenhouse they might need to do a bit of finagling.
Like you said, just needs and 5 litter V8 and better OLED set up and display.
beautiful car
One day I will buy one if these in the used market. I was blown away on the quality and design when I sat in one. My family members are buying up LX570s like crazy and I just don't get it. They pay $100,000 for a truck with the interior quality of a $50,000 car. Even the land cruiser feels better built than the LX. They laugh when I say buy a LS.
What does Mr. Notaras say every time he bids us farewell at the end of each episode?
I'll not butcher the spelling of the original German, but it translates to "See you later."
Beautiful car. Can’t wait to pick one up in 5-10 years when it depreciates 😎
lol yup by that time my gs will go to my daughter
lol yup by that time my gs will go to my daughter
I never see these in Houston. When I do it just looks so big
Facts , you'll only see is250s all day everyday
They should make the executive package avaible with this and swap the v6 for the v8
That twin turbo engine needs to find its way into a smaller lexus product.
Not a smaller one. Just a much lighter one. Like a thousand pounds less
That's the engine they should have put in the Toyota Supra not a crappy BMW V6
@@nathanlopez5667 you mean inline 6
I completely agree these cars are beautiful in the flesh stunning even and no one talks about it it’s the most beautiful sedan granted the rear is a bit more simpler then I would like but 90% of this vehicle is bang on.
But a 40% out of 100 is a fail and that is what Consumer Reports gives it.
@@normt430 think about that... Does that make sense to you ?
@@Toyota4Life yes, 46 out 100 in Consumer Reports rankings and and 1 out of 5 in reliability and 2 out of 5 in owner satisfaction. Couldn't give me this over a CT6!
@@normt430 Lexus LS has never been a 40 out a 100. Always has been a excellent Quality automobile centers introduction. Also this car is 10x better build quality then any Cadillac especially the CT6
@@Toyota4Life nah, a big miss for the halo model today.
www.motorbiscuit.com/the-lexus-ls-might-not-be-as-reliable-as-you-would-think/
the reason is right there, it looks exactly the same as the ES
hey MotoMan just wait until you drive the 2022 Lexus IS500 Featuring 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque from its naturally aspirated 5.0L V8
...always next.year...
@@normt430 it comes out this fall, so not not next year...
@@2AbleFly yes, 2022.
The pre-refresh headlights with the trapezoid projectors and the DRL with the multiple points made the car look so much more distinct. The new headlights look very generic and what I presume to be the cornering light looks weird and tacked onto the headlight as an afterthought.
For someone who actually notices a lighting tweak is sad for this last place in segment and Consumer Reports rating of 46 out of 100.
@Meer San the Lexus LS is a lover of a car and has never ranked well against the competition since 2018. Most of the reviewing media hate the LS for what it has become, complacent Toyota.
@@normt430 is a walking consumer report lmao
@@WatchKek oh, but Toyota reliability...notice that mantra is mentioned no more?
@@normt430 Are you insinuating that Toyota products no longer are reliable? That accusation somewhat sticks to the LS, but independent data sources like Consumer Reports' owner survey show that most Toyotas still hold up extremely well.
I have the ls 460, great car but ain’t buying another one since they last forever lol
I’m getting the 2022 in burgundy!!!
When the ls 460 was out i wish Cadillac had made a car just like that, now looking at the 2020 ct6 i wish the ls 500 was that 🤔😂
Price unbeliaveable
To switch all safety systems off: Go to Fuse Box, and pull ABS and Traction Control fuses.
You'll not only be less safe, you'll probably disable something else you didn't mean to disable. Everyting on modern cars is interconnected.
This whole class of cars has become a chauffeur car...so much space and luxury in the rear seat. For a driver, the class lower than this is the one to go to (like Lexus GS, MB E class, BMW 5 series....)
Especially because the LS is severely lacking in rear seat room for its size, a critical mistake.
I wish Lexus would make a LS 4 door convertible. This would be the ultimate cruiser!
That would certainly be unique . . .
Beautiful car if I could afford it I would have one.
My 2009 LS makes 385 HP and I only use 20-30% of it in my daily drives. 30 more HP is no big deal
Had a 2006 LS 430 for 10 years (loved it), and I've now had my 2018 LS 500 F Sport for 2 years, and the 500 blows the 430 off the map. It's not even close. Stop pining for the V-8.
290 HP vs 416 HP, and night and day my friends. BTW, the exhaust note on the 430 was nothing special either.