2021 Lexus LS Facelift Makes European Debut, Will Be Hybrid-Only In The EU

Today Lexus holds the European premiere of the facelifted LS flagship sedan, which had its world debut in early July.

As with the U.S.-spec model, Europe’s 2021 Lexus LS brings an updated design, new technologies and fresh equipment. We’ve already covered the styling part and there’s nothing new to add since the Euro-spec Lexus LS looks virtually identical with the North American model.

Unlike the 2021 LS sold in the U.S., however, the European model gets a single powertrain choice, the LS 500h hybrid. Customers in western and central Europe are denied the LS 500 variant powered by the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine, but that’s not entirely unexpected given the EU’s strict CO2 emissions rules.

See Also: Does The 2021 Lexus LS Look Fresh Enough Compared To The Outgoing Model?

Mind you, eastern European markets (Russia, Ukraine and other former Soviet republics) continue to get the V6 unit which has been improved with a revised shifting schedule for the 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine has also undergone adjustment of the fuel injection control, while a new lip design on the upper surface of the pistons ensures a rich fuel-air mixture around the spark plugs and reduced noise, particularly when the engine is cold.

Back to the hybrid model, Lexus says the LS 500h offers more responsive and even smoother driving performance thanks to updates to the lithium-ion battery. The latter now provides an increased level of assistance to the electric motor and an expanded range of operation. According to the Japanese carmaker, the acceleration is smoother and more linear, while the engine is able to operate at lower rpm for a quieter running.

As with the U.S. model, the 2021 Lexus LS sold in Europe also features revisions to the tires, the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), the anti-roll bars and even the construction of the seats to improve comfort.

From a technology standpoint, the facelifted LS gets the fully automated Advanced Park system with a memory function that recognizes and stores details of spaces the driver uses regularly. The system is enabled by clearance sonars and the Panoramic View Monitor camera which offers a 360-degree view of the area surrounding the car.

Also new are the digital rearview mirror, BladeScan Adaptive High-beam System (AHS), and pedestrian detection function for the 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor. The infotainment system has also been upgraded and is controlled by a new 12.3-inch touchscreen angled towards the driver. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.

The 2021 Lexus LS will go on sale in Europe and the UK in late 2020.