Lexus LS (2012 – 2018) Review
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Lexus LS (2012 – 2018) Verdict
Looks good for a large car with sharp exterior styling. Refined and spacious interior. Incredibly refined. Extremely reliable.
2 stars for 4.6V8; 5 stars for hybrid. Chauffeur car to drive. Poor fuel economy. High list prices. No diesel option.
Find out more about the Lexus LS (2012 – 2018)
The LS is the halo model of the Lexus range, combining sharp styling with a high quality limo-like interior. As a result, the LS is an opulent passenger experience, with a luxurious cabin bolstered by impressive refinement.
Sadly, the LS 4.6V8 falls short, with an unrewarding drive and poor fuel economy. It also carries a huge price tag, which makes it poor value compared to its German rivals.
The LS range consists of two models - the LS460 and the hybrid LS600h. Both are packed with high tech kit, including four-zone climate control, air conditioned seats and automatic rear window sun shades. There's also a huge 12.3-inch screen integrated into the dashboard, along with a DVD player and 19-speaker sound system.
Spanning more than five metres in length, the LS is huge inside, which makes it well suited for limousine duties. The deeply cushioned leather seats are comfortable and the LS has excellent sound proofing, which makes the cabin a relaxing place to be.
However, compared to the Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the trim looks little dated while some of the buttons and switches feel like they have been lifted from a 1980s TV set. Against thatyou ahve to set the far better reliability of the Japanese car compared to the Germans. Leus consstently come top of the JD Power ratings.
The entry level LS460 is powered by a 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine, with 387PS, which is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The V8 is quick and will launch the two tonne car from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. The LS460 is also available in F Sport trim, which lowers the ride height, uprates the brakes and adds paddle shifts along with a limited slip differential to improve traction in corners.
The petrol-hybrid LS600h gets four-wheel drive as standard, with a 5.0-litre V8 engine delivering 445PS. For city driving, the hybrid is impressive, with the electric motor pushing the LS along with a quiet hum. Unfortunately, fuel economy for both models is poor, with the LS460 returning a claimed 26.4mpg and the hybrid LS600h offering a meagre 32.8mpg.
Things don't improve on the road and the LS feels numb and cumbersome, while the steering lacks any real sense of engagement. The suspension also has a tendency to roll and pitch under heavy loads, although things improve on the motorway, which mean the LS is an accomplished high speed cruiser.
It's a chauffeur car, not a sports car. Best experienced from the back seat.
Reviews for Lexus LS (2012 – 2018)'s top 3 rivals
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Lexus LS (2012 – 2018) handling and engines
- Engines range from 460 to 600h
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 22–26 mpg
The Lexus LS is offered with two powerful engines, but both are thirsty on fuel and high on emissions. The petrol-hybrid LS600h is the better of the two, with four-wheel drive linked to a 5.0-litre V8 engine, delivering 445PS.
Well suited to city driving, the hybrid is almost silent at low speeds, with the electric motor powering the LS up to 20mph. There's also plenty of acceleration, thanks to 520Nm of torque from 4000rpm. Head onto the motorway and the quiet and refined drive continues, with air suspension soaking up the bumps. However, the CVT transmissions can be vocal under hard acceleration and the brakes have a tendency to be rather sharp, which makes smooth braking rather difficult.
The LS460 is powered by a 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine with 387PS that's linked to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Like the hybrid, the V8 is quick and has 493Nm or torque from 4100rpm. Although the V8 lacks the silent smoothness of the hybrid at lower speeds, it does feel accomplished, with low engine noise and no CVT whine. But it too suffers from biting brakes.
The LS460 can be given a sporty makeover with the F Sport trim, which lowers the ride height, uprates the brakes and adds paddle shifts along with a limited slip differential to improve traction in corners.
The hybrid and petrol engines will cover 0-62mph in a respective 6.1 or 5.7 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. That's not bad for a car that's over five meters long and weighs more than two tonnes, but the LS does struggle to hide its large dimensions, especially in the corners.
Not only is the Lexus cumbersome in tight bends, but the overpowered steering makes it difficult to get any sort of connection with the wheels or the road. As a result, the LS feels numb and uninspiring, which makes it a disappointing car to drive. The air suspension also has a tendency to roll and pitch under heavy loads and lower speeds, which can be rather unpleasant for your passengers.
The LS isn't cheap to run either, with both engines rating poorly for emissions and fuel economy. The LS460 offers a claimed 26.4mpg while the hybrid LS600h provides a meagre 32.8mpg. Emissions are also high and the LS460 coughs out a hefty 249g/km of CO2 while the hybrid emits a more respectable 199g/km.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 460 | 26 mpg | 5.7 s | 249 g/km |
| 600h | 33 mpg | 6.3 s | 199 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Lexus LS (2012 – 2018)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
90%
Real MPG
22–26 mpg
MPGs submitted
4
Lexus LS (2012 – 2018) interior
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 5090–5210 mm |
| Width | - |
| Height | 1455–1480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2970–3090 mm |
The LS is a big car, measuring over five meters in length. As a result it has a cavernous interior and both the LS460 and the hybrid LS600h will carry five adults, although the rear centre seat is a little uncomfortable, due to the raised floor. However, for the most part, the seats are what you’d expect from a luxurious limousine, with deep, plush leather and excellent support for the lower back.
Finding a decent driving position is easy enough, thanks to the comfortable and electronically adjustable driver’s seat. The driver also gets a clear view of the road and the wing mirrors give plenty of side visions.
The dashboard is dominated by a wide 12.3-inch screen, which is situated in the centre, just beneath the windscreen. The display is clear and illustrates all of the car’s media, climate control and navigation settings.
The infotainment system is easy enough to use, but lacks the finesse of those employed by Audi and Mercedes-Benz. We found the controller to be fiddly to use and annoying after a while, due to the fact it would skip along and miss our intended channel choice. We also disliked the switchgear, with some of the buttons and dials feeling like they’ve been lifted off an old 1980s TV set.
The LS does get an impressive amount of technological kit, with a DVD player, automatic rear window sun shades and dynamic lighting. Rear passengers can also control the 19 speaker audio system via a set of dials on the large centre arm rest, which also operate the powered seats and sun blinds. The LS600h also gets a nine-inch monitor in the back, along with reclining shiatsu massage seats.
Both the LS460 and the LS600h are designed to pamper its passengers and as a result both are spacious and comfortable in the back. Rear passengers get plenty of head and leg room, although the LS600h sits on a longer wheelbase, which gives it slightly more space in the back.
Lexus claims the LS is one of the quietest cars in the world and there is some merit in this bold statement, with the minimal road or engine noise. In fact, at low speeds, the LS600h is almost silent and ideal when sitting in traffic. But on challenging B roads, the LS struggles as it waddles around tight bends and crashes over pot holes. However, the LS improves on the motorway, with the air suspension soaking up the bumps and minimal exterior noise.
Boot space is decent in the LS460, with 560 litres, while the fitment of the hybrid system restricts the LS600h to just 420 litres. We also found that the rear seats in the LS600h could not be flattened, due to the proximity of the batteries.
Standard equipment:
LS460 has 18-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint, Five driving modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Sports Plus and Snow, air suspension, automatic rear window sun shades, rain sensing wipers cruise control, dynamic Illumination System, front seats 10-way electrically adjustable with memory, electric lumbar support (driver: 4-way, passenger: 2-way), 12.3-inch display monitor with full map navigation, 19-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system, with DVD player, USB, AUX, and Bluetooth, DAB, rear parking camera, steering wheel mounted controls for audio, phone, voice command and a glass sunroof.
LS600h adds 19-inch alloy wheels, blind spot monitor, lane keep assist, hybrid drive mode select – EV, ECO, Normal, SPORT S and SPORT S+, and rear seat entertainment via 9-inch colour monitor located in centre console.
Lexus LS (2012 – 2018) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 5090–5210 mm |
| Width | - |
| Height | 1455–1480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2970–3090 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 2020–2440 kg |
| Boot Space | - |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Full-size spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £71,995–£101,510 |
| Insurance Groups | 48–50 |
| Road Tax Bands | J–L |
| Official MPG | 26.4–32.8 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until March 2018
| Limousine | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| LS600h Saloon 5.0 L Premier Rsr E-Cvt 4dr | £100,695 | 32.8 mpg | 6.3 s |
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| LS460 Saloon 4.6 F-Sport Auto 4dr | £74,495 | 26.4 mpg | 5.7 s |
| LS460 Saloon 4.6 Luxury Auto 4dr | £71,995 | 26.4 mpg | 5.7 s |
On sale until January 2015
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 600h L Premier Night View CVT Auto 4dr | £101,510 | - | - |
Model History
July 2012
Lexus revealed its new LS model
Comprising the LS 460, LS 600h and, for the first time in its history, an F Sport version of its flagship model.
The new LS continues Lexus’s development of its model line-up, following on from the recent introduction of the new GS. It displays an even greater refinement and an evolution of the advanced technologies and superior quality that have been integral to each generation of the vehicle since the original model was launched in 1989.
The most obvious changes are to the exterior styling, where the new LS adopts the distinctive Lexus spindle front grille design, but the development of the model goes much deeper to include improved driving dynamics, better sound insulation and more sophisticated and effective preventive safety systems.
In all more than 3,000 changes have been made to the current LS, including three world-firsts and 15 “Lexus-first” features and technologies. It has not been a case of change for change’s sake either: Lexus has responded to customer feedback throughout every aspect of the car’s development. The aim has been to raise the bar even higher in terms of refinement, comfort, driving performance, technical excellence and, above all, quality.
The LS’s exterior has undergone a comprehensive redesign. Reflecting the direction next-generation Lexus models will take, it adopts the distinctive spindle front grille arrangement that has become a feature of all new models since the introduction of the CT 200h last year. This underpins a stronger Lexus brand identity, coupled with greater road presence.
The sharper, distinctive front-end treatment further serves to broadcast the significant advances made in the new LS’s driving dynamics.
In a first for Lexus, all lights – headlights, rear lamps and fog lights – are available with LED technology. The new shape vertical fog lights include new L-shaped, seamless light tube daytime running lights.
Lexus’s work to enhance the dynamic performance of the new LS extends right back to the production line and the introduction of advanced technologies that have increased the car’s body rigidity, including the use of laser screw welding and adhesive body bonding techniques. The result is a more comfortable ride, but with no loss of handling agility.
It has also developed the LS’s Adaptive Variable Suspension with a new four-wheel interlock control, which suppresses roll, pitch and heave vibration at all four wheels simultaneously. Damping response has been made smoother and more highly controlled to give a flatter, road-hugging ride.
Revisions to the steering deliver noticeable improvements in accuracy and turn-in response, and the braking system has been adjusted to give more immediate power and better pedal feel. Even the length of stroke, angle and contact surface of the brake pedal has been tweaked to make braking more responsive and comfortable.
The new LS gains another Lexus first in the form of its Drive Mode Select, offering five switchable driving modes: Eco, Comfort,Normal, Sport S and Sport S+. These provide easy adjustment of vehicle systems to help deliver the driver’s preferred balance of economy, comfort, performance and handling characteristics.
A number of vehicle systems that were previously operated independently have now been consolidated within the Drive Mode Select for ease of use. Changing modes is quick and easy, using a dial selector on the front console.
The new F Sport grade combines more sporting exterior and interior design elements with genuine dynamic enhancements, including lowering of the ride height by 10mm, Brembo 6-piston calliper front brakes and paddle shift controls.
The rear-wheel drive LS 460 F Sport model further benefits from the addition of a Torsen limited slip differential and paddle shift controls that incorporate automatic throttle blipping on downshifts.
The F Sport sounds the part, too, thanks to an intake sound generator on the engine that amplifies the vibration of the intake pulse and introduces it into the cabin.
Refinement, comfort and progressive features
Building on Lexus’s established, peerless standards, the new LS lays claim to being among the quietest and most comfortable cars in the world.
Comprehensive improvements have been made to engine, road and wind noise sound insulation, and, in a Lexus-first, new hollow chamber noise reduction wheels can be fitted, which cut the amount of noise experienced in the cabin.
The seats have been further improved and, in a world first, the front and rear seat climate control and the steering wheel rim heater can be automatically co-ordinated and incorporated in the new Lexus Climate Concierge system, which uses an array of up to 13 sensors around the cabin to deliver prompt and precise heating and cooling, across four cabin zones.
The interior is lit by the world’s first Advanced Illumination System with new soft white interior lamps and dynamic instrument panel lighting that moves and changes in intensity in line with vehicle start-up and switch-off.
As well as focusing on greater refinement, the interior also presents further advances in Lexus’s human-machine interface technologies. The award-winning Remote Touch Interface gives easy and intuitive control of the car’s infotainment systems, via a 12.3-inch multimedia display – a screen large enough to present two types of information simultaneously.
The Lexus Navigation system benefits from powerful HDD capacity and internet connectivity, making it one of the fastest and most accurate systems on the market. All UK versions will be fitted with a 19-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Surround System, and the rear seat entertainment system has been upgraded to include a Blu-Ray disc player.
