2021 Lexus LS Arrives In The US And Is More Refined Than Ever

The time for the facelifted 2021 Lexus LS to arrive in North America has finally arrived, following the model’s global debut back in July.

The first examples of the new 2021 Lexus LS will arrive in dealers across the US this month, with prices starting from $76,000 for the LS 500. The hybrid LS 500h models will follow in early 2021 and their pricing will be announced closer to their launch.

Lexus opted for a number of small improvements across the board to make the 2021 LS an even more comfortable vehicle without sacrificing its handling characteristics.

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

On the outside, the 2021 Lexus LS features an updated front bumper with lower radiator air intakes, a dark metallic finish for the brand’s spindle grille, and new three-projector LED headlights. The rear end gets piano black trim within the taillights instead of chrome. Lexus also offers the new Iridium color option for the 2021 LS.

F Sport models get a dedicated color for the front grille and an extended garnish on the sides of the front bumper, as well as 20-inch alloy wheels. The sportier variant of the Lexus LS also gets larger front and rear brakes, and an optional Dynamic Handling Package that adds a variable gear-ratio steering, active rear steering, and the Active Stabilizer Suspension.

Updated suspension for an even plusher ride

The revisions include new spring and damper rates, larger front and rear liquid-filled bushings for a plusher ride, and “optimized” front and rear anti-roll bars. In addition, Lexus has revised the solenoids and control valves of the adaptive variable suspension for “added suppleness and enhanced handling stability”.

The 2021 LS 500’s twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 now features new pistons that feature a lip shape on their top for lower emissions and quieter operation when the engine is cold. Also updated is the wastegate control for better efficiency. The 10-speed automatic transmission gets a recalibrated shift strategy that helps keep the engine in its powerband.

The 3.5-liter V6 produces 416 HP and 442 lb-ft of torque, allowing the LS 500 RWD to achieve a 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Customers can still opt for an all-wheel-drive system, which features a Torsen limited-slip differential.

As for the 2021 LS 500h, the hybrid powertrain has been further tuned to utilize a new battery strategy and offer more power through the electric motors during acceleration. The shift software has also been updated to take advantage of the new changes. The total system output here is rated at 354 HP, with the 2021 LS 500h offering a 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds.

A cabin made for comfort

The cabin of the 2021 Lexus LS has also received a number of updates; these include things like additional foam material in places like armrests, seat cushions, center console armrest padding, and other touchpoints. The front seats now feature revised seat springs and thicker cushions, as well as stitching patterns designed to enhance comfort.

The controls on the steering wheel and center console are now finished in black for uniformity and improved visibility, while Lexus offers a new Palomino Leather interior option, as well as the new ornamentation options Black Laser Special and Open Pore Black.

There’s also a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa, operated either via touch or the Lexus remote touch interface. A 24-inch color heads-up display is optional while the digital rearview mirror now has a larger high-resolution display for better visibility.