If the all-new Lexus LS continues to do well in reviews, then cameos like the one it had in that Black Panther Super Bowl ad probably won’t be needed anymore.
Think for a moment about how many excellent choices await you in the full-size luxury saloon segment. It almost feels as though there isn’t a wrong pick to be made, not with automakers such as Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Jaguar around.
Yet, the Lexus LS has always stood out with its conservative but elegant design, excellent comfort, strong reliability and good resale value. The all-new car looks to build on that, while offering you a much more dynamic-looking product to play with.
After spending some time with the 2018 LS, Kelley Blue Book’s reviewer appreciated the car for its modern exterior and labelled its cabin “fresh, inviting and properly luxurious.” He was particularly impressed by the comfortable front and rear seats and overall attention to detail.
On the road, if you’re a stickler for straight line performance, you’re better off going with the regular LS500 model, as the electrified LS500h is slower to 60 mph (96 km/h) by half a second. Another downside to the hybrid is the considerably smaller trunk, which is to be expected in such a configuration.
The steering feel isn’t particularly sharp, so if that’s a priority, you might want to look at the Germans. Otherwise, you are likely to enjoy driving the 2018 LS, since it’s certainly quick enough and keeps body roll to a minimum.