2020 Lexus LS 500h hybrid

The V6 engine combined with Electric motor power the Lexus into a hybrid world that is environmentally conscious but still uncompromising on the driving and performance front. The Lexus's interior is some of the most intricate and well-made cabin one can see in a sedan. Although it may not be as spacious, it is better equipped than most other hybrid sedans you can find in the US.

The opulent Japanese finesse oozing car goes up against the Germans and the American underdog. Both the BMW and Porsche challenge the Lexus in terms of interior features and comfort. The Tesla Model S adds in the performance front as well, along with technology that seems to be way ahead than anyone, let alone Lexus, can comprehend. With such a stiff competition racked up against it, will the Lexus LS500h hold its ground?

The Lexus 500h is a well-equipped car that has the best of both worlds and combines the hybrid and old school petrol engine to make it a complete package. The hybrid powertrain consists of a 3.5L V6 paired to an electric motor, both delivering the about 350 hp to the rear wheels. However, it is the interior where the LS500 shines out. The panels can be made from a wide range of materials, from smooth leather to wood. The 16-way power-adjustable seats come with heating and ventilation, providing optimum levels of comfort. Complete with 19-inch wheels and Z-shaped headlights carved around a wide grille, the styling of the car is something few other sedans can compare to.

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The only trim shall be able to satiate most people. The well-appointed trim can be made better with a few optional packages like the Advanced Safety Package and the 2,400-Watt Mark Levinson Audio System.

We found the non-hybrid V6 engine was slow to respond to pedal pressure, but the hybrid's electrical assist at low speeds may alleviate that condition. Handling is stable neither sporty nor floppy. -Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

Lexus employs a 3.5L V6 engine coupled with an electric motor to muster 354 ponies and 295 lb-ft. Of torque. A 4-speed automatic CVT transmission is the last piece of the puzzle. This powertrain looks impressive though the pedal response is rather slow and underwhelming, a serious flaw that can't be overlooked. The smaller V6 feels underpowered and the lack of power is felt almost immediately.

Sitting comfortably at the bottom of the table the Lexus makes no attempt at proving its sportiness as the people at this company has always focused on luxury. Luxury over performance is what the Lexus offers and it delivers on this front.

Acceleration

Even after being a well-endowed car the V6 coupled with dual electric motor does not translate into good power or acceleration figures. The 5.2s time on the clock may be impressive on

The Tesla Model S takes the cake in this parameter and leaves the German rivals behind by quite a good time. With the Tesla being 1s faster than the Lexus the American repeat history and overcome the Axis powers.

Ride and Handling

Ever since their inception Lexus has dedicated itself to bettering what the German counterparts did the best. Now fast forward in 2020 and you have the Japanese not even trying to one-up everyone. Although the Lexus might be a supreme vehicle on paper, in reality, its driving dynamics are rather lackluster.

The pedal response is rather slow and frustrating which ruins the whole ride experience. So if driving was the Achilles heel of the car then the size of the heel is gargantuan and much more significant than previously thought. Also considering the fact that most of the people will give this car to their chauffeur it is worth noting that the Hybrid engine manages to give great MPG.

Braking

Equipped with not the biggest brake discs in the segments but the highest curb weight it is no surprise that the Lexus takes 113 ft to come to a halt from 60mph. The 14-inch brake discs in the front and 13 in the back make the Japanese Mastercraft stop in 113ft which is impressive considering the fact this is the heaviest of the bunch

With Japanese wizardry at its side, the Lexus manages to outrank the BMW on this front but the Stuttgart special is indeed special with the braking distance of 104 ft.

Offering better mileage than a normal not so environmentally conscious car the Lexus falls behind appallingly short of its competition. With the Tesla and the BMW outshining the Lexus by hundreds of miles. Considering the fact this isn't an all-out electric vehicle the fact that it has a combined mpg of 26 is appreciable.

The amazing figures achieved by Tesla and BMW are awe-inspiring and the right step in the future. The Porsche Panamera doesn't fall far behind, with a combined EPA rating of 51 MPGe.

"The LS traditionally prioritizes comfort over performance, and the 2018 model is no different. The seats offer a dizzying array of adjustments, with heating, cooling and massage functions. The suspension shrugs off rough roads, and the cabin is as quiet as a tomb."- Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

This is one parameter the Lexus wins hands down. What might be lacking in the exterior is more than made up for whilst looking at what's inside. With the origami-esque intermingling and intricate metal thread work the door handles and the surrounding area exuberate an aura of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Dimension wise the Lexus comes in the bottom half of the table and lags behind the BMW and the Porsche. The Lexus's interiors reek of opulence and handcrafted luxury that seemingly blends with each other

Cargo Volume

At the heart of a sedan is its practicality and the Lexus is only second to the Tesla Model S in this regard the Lexus offers the required space very graciously.

With the Tesla Model S offering the most space, the Lexus lags behind it with about half as big a trunk due to the space required for the internal combustion engine. Other hybrids pretty much fall in the same ballpark, with the Porsche Panamera offering the least cargo space at 14.3 cubic feet.

The Lexus LS has made memorable styling progress. That two-door comes off with a distinct Aston Martin flair. The LS sedan has a more elegant shape, one that's less suggestive. It flaunts Z-shaped headlights and a version of the tremendous hourglass-shaped grille now stamped across the Lexus lineup." -The Car Connection

Dimensions and Weight

The Lexus has a special vibe going on for it with its distinctive front grille. Its either make it or break it with this one. The Japanese finesse combined with efficiency also makes its presence felt as soon as you look at the car.

The longest wheelbase ensures that the cabin is big spacious and roomy. Surpassing each car when the length and height are considered it is safe to say that this is one big car. Cutting through the air with the precision of a katana the Lexus LS 500h manages to capture one's attention too.

Safety Features

• Driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags, front thorax side airbags, knee airbags, and Sideguard head curtain airbags
• Front passenger occupant detection
• Power central locking system with safety unlock feature if airbags deploy
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and brake assist
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with secondary collision brake assist and traction control (ASR)
• Anti-theft alarm system with immobilizer
• Tire-pressure monitoring system
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) in rear seats
• Electromechanical parking brake
• Safety belt reminder for driver and front passenger

Lexus LS 500h vs BMW 740e

The Lexus might one-up the German on the interiors front but when all else is considered the Beemer offers a better ride, Better mileage, and better acceleration. So the BMW is the clear winner here. With the class-leading MPG, the BMW is the choice for the environmentally conscious.

Lexus LS 500h vsTesla Model S

The American underdog stands tall with its claim of great mileage and does live up to the expectations. The Tesla Model S is better at everything except the interiors when compared to the Lexus. Elon Musk definitely knows what he is doing with this car. Only lagging behind by a hair the Tesla Model S may not be the best looking car but it sure acts like one.

Lexus LS 500h vs Porsche Panamera E hybrid

The Porsche Panamera is the German rival that does everything effortlessly and still manages to be the best at what it does. The German rival manages to outclass the Lexus on the acceleration and fuel economy and there aren't many things that you may be considered while buying a hybrid.

The Lexus offers a great value for price car but like all Lexus, the curse of being at the bottom half of the table does not leave this car behind too. With competition offering more mileage and better technology, the Lexus can only harp about its interiors.