2021 Lexus LS 500 F Sport Sedan

In the days of electrification, the Lexus LS 500 F Sport has thrown in a big V6, which makes up for tough competition in the class. to It goes against the established rivals like the Audi A8 L, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and the Genesis G90. However, against its competitors, the Lexus does lack the refinement that German counterparts vaunt of. But how does it perform in a cramped and competitive segment, let’s find out? 

The F Sport trim of the Lexus LS 500, is a trim that sounds sporty and also looks sporty, but the performance it delivers, does not justify the moniker it carries. The engine is the same as the one available in the standard trim, and you get a slightly stiffer suspension setup and you also miss out on the available interior upgrade package which can be had on the standard trim. This trim comes for $79,600 and comes as standard with an RWD drivetrain, and AWD is also available for an extra cost of $3,250.

With the LS 500 F Sport sedan, Lexus offers two optional packages including the Lexus Safety System+ A Package which adds features such as the enhanced adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and front cross-traffic alert. Optionally, buyers can also opt for the Dynamic Handling Package, which as the name suggests improves the riding experience by introducing a four-wheel steering system for better performance. However, this package does cost a bomb and will rob you of around $8,000. 

Which trim should you buy?

There is not much calculation that you have to do while choosing the trim since the Lexus LS 500 sedan is a single-trim offering which filled to the hilt with class-leading specifications. This trim is built for someone who loves the sporty look and feel of the car but does not want to miss out on the luxury and comfort. However, you do have to decide on whether to opt for the RWD or AWD variant. Additionally, our only suggestion is to equip your sedan with the available Lexus Safety+ A Package that at around $3,000 improves the safety prowess, significantly. 

The engine in the 2021 Lexus LS 500 F Sport is a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 which makes 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine works effortlessly and offers ample off-the-mark power, and overtaking power as well. The 10-speed automatic does its work perfectly and the availability of ten ratios allows for an effortless drive all along on high speeds. As standard, the power generated by the duo of the engine and transmission unit is sent directly to the rear wheels of the sedan. However, buyers do get an option to install an all-wheel drivetrain setup by shelling out additional cash. 

Starting off the mark and idling along on the highway at top speeds, the gearbox manages everything with ease. 60 MPH comes up in 4.6 seconds which is at par for the class, as these big chariots might look big and luxurious, but are equally fast. However, it power punches through the mid-range, and the Lexus leaps ahead of its competitors taking just over 13 seconds to breach the quarter-mile mark. 

Each sedan available in the segment is distinct in its setup and features a unique engine under its hood. While the Audi and Mercedes-Benz, both make use of a hybrid powertrain in conjunction with their respective V6 and inline-6 units, the Genesis G90 is the only V8 option available in the segment. However, its torque output of 383lb.-ft is the least rated in the segment. 

Both the Lexus and Audi have almost identical 0-60 times. However, the Audi A8L does have the most amount of power available on the tap and also has a higher top speed of 155 MPH that is identical to the Genesis. Lexus, however, is the fastest to cover a distance of a quarter-mile. On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz that is the slowest to the 60mph mark, picks up the pace to clock 13.8 seconds in the quarter-mile sprint, making it quicker than most of its competitors. 

How well does the 2021 Lexus LS 500 F Sport handle?

Being an F Sport trim, one might expect it to match the handling characteristics of the German rivals that have quite a sporty handling in a luxury car, but the thing that makes the LS 500 different from the rest of the rivals is the fact that it drives like it should, with comfort. Even with a stiffer sport suspension system, the 2021 Lexus LS 500 F Sport is a delight to drive. 

Even with ‘Sport’ in its name, the driving dynamics are nothing sporty, it drives like a land yacht. It comes with a light steering, and when put in the drive mode, it brings some weight to the steering which helps it to go around turns and let the driver have some fun, but it does not sway away from its roots. It drives like a luxury limousine. 

2021 Lexus LS 500 F Sport Braking Performance

The braking performance in the 2021 LS 500 F Sport is not as impressive as seen in most other rivals. It offers good braking power at city speeds but takes a while to come to a stop or is not as responsive as it should be at higher speeds, however, the pedal feels responsive and offers the bite which would not let one notice the sub-par braking performance. 

The brakes for the fifth generation have been increased in size and are now 15.7-inches rotors in the front and 14.1-inches rotors at the back. ABS is standard equipment and so is traction and stability control. Being a tad bit lighter than its competitors, the Lexus LS 500 F Sport comes to a halt at 114ft. 

With decent-sized brakes with less weight, Lexus manages to have a stopping distance that in this particular set of competitors is the least which explains that it is a safer car than the rest. Audi A8L is the heaviest and also has decent-sized brakes, but it takes the longest distance to come to a stop at 118ft. With 14.2 and 13.4-inch brake rotors at the front and rear, the Genesis G90 takes a foot shorter to achieve a similar feat.

If you are concerned about the fuel economy figures, then you can opt for the hybrid version, which offers better fuel efficiency, but when you buy a luxury sedan, fuel economy might not be your top concern. EPA estimates that the V6 engine with the RWD drivetrain has MPG figures of 18/29/22 for city/highway/combined driving conditions, while with the AWD variant, efficiency falls by a notch or two. 

The 2021 Lexus LS 500 F Sport comes with a standard 21.7-gallon fuel tank which is slightly smaller than the 22-gallon fuel tank that comes in the hybrid. The smaller fuel tank allows for a range of 630 miles when filled up to the brim on the highway and with the standard RWD drivetrain.

Amongst the available competition, Mercedes-Benz S-Class emerges as the most fuel-efficient car averaging 24 MPG and also has the biggest fuel tank this makes it offer the best in class range of 442 city miles and 641 highway miles. On the other hand, Genesis, Audi, and Lexus have identically sized fuel tanks but both the 2021 G90 and 2021 A8L average lower mileages of 19 and 18 MPG, respectively, and consequently, fall short on range considerably. 

As soon as you step inside the 2021 LS 500, you will notice that there are a lot of features and subtle hints that remind you of the country of origin of the brand. It comes with a mixture of black and red upholstery with Kirko glass trim, which is a clear homage to Japan. To live up to its “luxury sedan” stature, Lexus fills the vehicle abundantly with quirky features and comfort creatures. These include a dual-zone climate control system, a heated steering wheel, and interior air filtration. Additionally, buyers can also equip the sedan with an optional heads-up display, a digital rearview mirror, and all-weather carpet lining. 

Inside the F Sport trim, you will find that the front seats come with better and tight upholstery which provides a sporty feel. The front bucket seats are extremely comfortable and improve the riding experience by providing both power adjustability and heating and cooling functionalities. However, at the back, while the company claims you can seat 3 people, in reality, it would be a tight squeeze because of a hump that eats up into the middle leg- and knee room. So, it is better that the rear bench is occupied by two adults, especially during long journeys. 

Unlike other rivals in the class, the LS proves to be a vehicle that is meant to be driven and not to be driven-in as rear headroom is not as good, and with the optional panoramic sunroof, it further goes down from the standard 37.3-inches to 36.8-inches. While legroom at the rear might not be as generous as the competitors, Lexus ensures the availability of better cargo space. With a trunk volume of 17 cu.-ft, the 2021 LS 500 F Sport is the perfect companion for your family, when out on a weekend trip. 

When compared to the competitors, the Genesis G90 has the maximum available legroom upfront, but at the rear, it is the Audi A8L that steals the show. With ample space, the Audi feels as if it were developed as a chauffeur-driven vehicle. But it, alongside the Mercedes-Benz, fails to impress with its less voluminous trunk that can hold just under 13 cu.-ft. 

While the Lexus and Genesis are more practical sedans that do indulge in flamboyance, the Merc and Audi, which embody German craftsmanship do have a slight advantage over the competitors. So, if luxury is the name of the game for you, then there is no doubting that German sedans do make for viable options. 

Some of the standout interior features are as follows:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 28-way Power-adjustable front seats
• Heated front and rear seats
• Active noise cancellation
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Leather Upholstery

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The first thing that you notice when you step inside the 2021 LS 500 F Sport is the new 12.3-inch infotainment screen that supports touch functionality and the absence of the finicky mousepad track controller. The touchscreen display is an improvement over the outgoing model, however, it is not the most intuitive system available in the segment. Though it does get designated buttons for ease of control and access to functions, the system in itself lacks refinement. However, we expect it to improve with the upcoming models.

The revamped infotainment system of the LS 500 F Sport comes with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth Connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The standard available sound system is a 12-speaker premium Lexus sound system, but for an extra cost of $1,940, you can opt for the available 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system which is surely worth the price and is quite a good system for all audiophiles.

Some of the highlights of the infotainment system are as follows:

• USB audio ports
• Speed-sensitive Volume Control
• 12-speaker Lexus premium sound system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Amazon Alexa
• Rearview camera
• 4G LTE Wifi hotspot

2021 sees slight updates to the exterior of the Lexus 500. The updated features include a new front bumper and squared air intake at the front. The spindle grille remains intact in this model as well, however, its color has been changed to dark metallic. LED headlights have been replaced with three-projector LED lights, and rear light clusters have also changed color from chrome to piano black. A Distinctive feature of the F Sport model is the lower radiator grille that wraps around to the side profile for a more aggressive stance. It also has bigger 20-inch wheels and a power moonroof is standard. 

Each sedan, as expected, bears an opulent fascia and has a streamlined design with defined lines and curves to its name. The Genesis G90 looks distinct and being a by-product from the luxury division of Hyundai, it impresses the buyers with its striking design. However, it is the smallest car, which explains the uneven distribution of space inside and a smaller trunk. Lexus, on the other hand, has the highest ground clearance of 6.6 inches, which makes it a better choice to take over rough roads, and can be driven without worrying about the expensive paint being scraped off from the bumpers when going over high bumps. 

Some of the standout exterior features are as follows:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• LED projector-beam headlights
• Signature LED DRL lights
• Fog Lamps
• Optional Paint Protection Film
• Premium Paint

Expensive cars like the 2021 Lexus LS 500 are not subjected to the crash test or safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA. Unlike other manufacturers, however, Lexus has been well known for producing quite safe cars, and coming from a brand like Toyota there is no doubt about the fact that these cars will be safe, as the brand has a history of making the safest cars, and boasts of top-notch reliability ratings. 

Along with such a good reputation, Lexus also includes a lot of safety features as standard and quite a lot of modern and advanced safety tech and features are also available in the LS 500 as standard fittings. Features like ten airbags, traction control, stability control, and ABS with EBD are available as standard, while the Lexus Safety System +A Package adds to the list of available features. 

Some standout safety features of the 2021 Lexus LS 500 F Sport include:

• Forward collision warning
• Lane departure warning
• Rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera
• Lexus Safety System+ 2.0
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Low light pedestrian detection
• Daytime cyclist detection
• Lane trace assist
• Road sign assist
• All-speed adaptive cruise control

2021 Lexus LS 500 F Sport vs Audi A8 L 60 TFSI Quattro

The 2021 Audi A8L gains ascendancy over the Lexus by offering higher power and delivering better performance. It also gets better space on the inside and feels rather luxuriously built, but it does not match the ride quality that Lexus has on offer, and is also quite low in terms of fuel economy. Its big-budget price tag only adds to its problems and by providing class-leading specifications and affable performance at a rather affordable price, the Lexus LS 500 F Sport emerges as the better option amongst the two. 

2021 Lexus LS 500 F Sport vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Amongst the two available sedans, Mercedes-Benz is an epitome of luxury that houses the best-in-class features. But in its segment, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is exorbitantly priced and feels far-fetched even for someone opting for the LS 500 F Sport. Consequently, the Lexus’ lower price sticker and better ride quality, do make a favorable case in its favor. While we would recommend buying the S-Class if budget is no constraint, the Lexus LS 500 F Sport also makes for a competent choice.

2021 Lexus LS 500 F Sport vs Genesis G90 5.0L Ultimate

Lexus in every term is better than the Genesis, it has more space, better fuel economy, and while it might be a little short on power, it still is faster than the Genesis G90. In simple words, it comes with everything that Genesis offers but does all that in a slightly better way. 

The 2021 Lexus LS 500 F Sport is the best on offer from the brand. While it stands in a highly competitive class, Lexus has been quite intelligent with the car they which makes it give a tough fight to the rivals in the class and for the price you pay, which is quite less than the rivals, it has a lot on offer and is not only a value for money car but is also one of the best choices in the class.