THE 2020 LEXUS LS500H IS PROOF JAPAN CAN STILL BUILD A WORLD-CLASS LUXURY SEDAN

EV Channels Review

The 2020 Lexus LS500h is presented as a compelling, albeit slightly flawed, contender in the luxury sedan segment, particularly for those seeking Japanese craftsmanship. The reviewer highlights the exceptional rear-seat experience, especially with the executive package, describing it as unparalleled in a Japanese car and rivaling business-class air travel with its extensive adjustability and comfort features. The exterior design is noted as a significant improvement over previous generations, with a lower, wider stance and distinctive styling, though the rear is considered somewhat plain. Inside, the LS500h boasts high-quality materials and meticulous build quality, but the infotainment system's trackpad controller is heavily criticized as frustrating and outdated, despite the inclusion of Apple CarPlay. The hybrid powertrain, while offering decent fuel economy (averaging around 25 MPG in testing) and a quiet, serene ride, is deemed less powerful and less engaging than the gasoline-only V6, with the reviewer suggesting the V6 might be the better choice for most buyers due to the hybrid's higher cost and lack of performance character. The reviewer concludes that Lexus still knows how to build a world-class luxury sedan, offering significant value compared to German rivals, but points out areas for improvement, such as interior lighting and the infotainment interface, to truly compete at the highest tier.