2023 Lexus LS Review

It was almost 33 years ago that the Lexus LS shook up the full-size sedan class that was dominated by European cars.

It had and continues to have qualities that are similar to them – high luxury, power, comfort, and exclusiveness.

But what has always made it stand out is its unmatched reliability and longevity, and excellent aftersales. These are some of the qualities that the LS has always possessed.

The following is a review of its latest model, the 2023 LS to see if it too can hang with the finest limos in the world.

Features

The Lexus LS is currently in its fifth generation. Lexus’s flagship model offers three trim levels, one of which is exclusively available as a hybrid.

This year’s model sees some upgrades to the infotainment system.

Powertrain and Numbers

The 2023 Lexus LS500 and LS500 F Sport come with a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6. It delivers 416 horsepower and 442 torque.

Car and Driver praised the versatility of this setup: “It sounds refined and powerful while under heavy throttle but hushed when cruising.”

Another option on the menu is the 2023 LS500h. It is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 working in unison with a pair of electric motors to make 354 horses.

Rear-wheel drive is standard on the gas models while all-wheel drive – standard on the hybrid – is optional.

A 10-speed automatic is standard, which has received a lot of praise from testers.

Consumer Reports stated that it encourages you to step on it: “When driven hard, the transmission upshifts quickly and smoothly.”

If you opt for the LS500h, then you get a state-of-the-art CVT gearbox paired with a four-speed auto to get the best of both worlds.

The fuel economy is top-notch, which is commendable for a limo such as this.

Of course, the hybrid does the best here with its EPA rating of 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

The LS500 models do 18 mpg city and 29 on the highway, pretty good for a six-cylinder engine with two turbos. AWD brings the numbers down to a reasonable 17 mpg city; 27 highway.

The interior of the 2023 Lexus LS outclasses all its competitors.

It is a haven of luxury and comfort – Kelley Blue Book described it best as “Silent, silken, sumptuous.”

It also called the build quality “superb,” with Lexus’s attention to detail being “fascinating.”

Consumer Reports also lauded the build quality: “There’s no question the fit and finish inside the LS is exquisite. Everything feels solid and put together well.”

The high comfort levels are astounding as well. This roominess is amazing whether you’re driving it or are being driven around in it.

According to The Drive, “room for relaxation is generous and the interior design is soothingly clean.”

As it’s a full-size sedan, the 2023 Lexus LS does extraordinarily well in the cargo department. You get 17 cubes of trunk space on the LS500 and 15.2 on the LS500h.

Edmunds described it as ”one of the largest in the class” while Motor Trend stated that it’s “large for the competitive set.”

As a bonus, loading is very easy thanks to the hands-free powered trunk lid – a standard offering.

2023 Lexus LS500
The entry-level 2023 LS500 comes with many bells and whistles.

You get dual-zone climate control, push-button ignition, remote start, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

The front seats are 16-way power-adjustable and have heating and ventilation on them.

You get a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with Lexus’s premium 12-speaker stereo system. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, and so is WIFI hotspot.

There’s quite a bit of safety equipment offered.

You get automated emergency braking (w/pedestrian detection), lane-departure warning (w/lane-keeping assist), and adaptive cruise control (w/lane-centering assist).

You also get blind-spot monitoring w/rear cross-traffic alert, and a backup camera.

2023 Lexus LS500 F Sport
This model adds some sporty styling to the cabin.

These come in the form of an F SPORT perforated leather-trimmed shift knob, a heated steering wheel, and perforated leather–trimmed interior.

You also get a custom instrumentation panel and aluminum panels.

2023 Lexus LS500h
Along with the hybrid engine, the 2023 LS500h also comes with many high-end add-ons in the interior.

You get to choose between Artwood Organic Gloss, Artwood Herringbone, or Laser Special Black premium wood trims.

There’s also a wood- and semi-aniline leather-trimmed center console, semi-aniline leather-trimmed door armrests, and interior trim.

The additional technology includes quad-zone climate control, heated rear seats, a 28-way power-adjustable front seat, and even a passenger-seat power cushion extender.

The passenger seats now have remote adjustment, plus you now get power side-window sunshades and lift-up buckles.

This model also brings about a panoramic view monitor, a 24-inch head-up display, and a 23-speaker stereo tuned by Mark Levinson.

2023 Lexus LS500

2023 Lexus LS500 F Sport

2023 Lexus LS500h

Exterior and Driving

The Lexus LS looks as fine as ever and can catch anyone’s attention from a mile away. Its exterior features a blend of aesthetic and aerodynamic designs.

Atomic Silver, Caviar, Eminent White Pearl, Iridium, Manganese Luster, Matador Red, Mica Nightfall Mica, and Obsidian are the exterior colors offered on it.

You’ll also enjoy driving the LS as it is fast and handles excellently. Motor Trend said that it has “plucky handling and brisk acceleration.”

But it is also a brilliant vehicle to be driven around in thanks to the high comfort levels. Edmunds stated that “this is a sedan meant to be enjoyed as a smooth and luxurious cruiser.”

Reliability and Warranty

A big perk of buying a Lexus LS instead of some of its German rivals is its high dependability.

While JD Power doesn’t rate cars of this size, Consumer Reports gives its readers the green light to buy the 2023 LS.

The reviews from its current owners are also positive, with no major issues being reported.

You also get a nice set of warranties for this car.

Lexus gives you a limited warranty of four years or 50,000 miles, and a powertrain components warranty of six years or 70,000 miles – hybrids get their own exclusive warranty.

Lexus is also one of the select few brands to offer complimentary maintenance one year or 10,000 miles.

Verdict

In conclusion, the 2023 Lexus LS can be described in just one word: flawless. You get it all from high power, speed, and fuel efficiency, to lots of standard luxury and technology.

Excellent driving dynamics and comfort levels are also to be expected on this vehicle. The great aftersales sweetens the deal even further.

To get the 2023 Lexus LS in Mason OH, Morrow OH, and Loveland OH, check out Performance Lexus here.