2022 Lexus LS 500h hybrid

The Lexus LS 500h is available in a single trim. There's an RWD and AWD system available. The AWD model comes at a premium of $3,250 to the base price of $90,500 for the RWD configured LS 500h. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the hybrid system is connected to two effective motors, which is driven by a lithium-ion battery pack. The hybrid setup returns 354 horsepower. Transmission duty is carried out by a four-speed automatic gearbox. 

The base model can be combined with a Sport package that adds other equipment like power-adjustable front sport seats with faux-suede inserts, glass or carbon-fiber roof, performance brake pads, and parking sensors. The Dynamic Handling package adds upgrades like 21-inch wheels, a rear spoiler that automatically deploys at certain speeds, a faux-suede headliner, and carbon-fiber doorsill plates.

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Since the sedan is only available in a single trim, we are left with just a choice between RWD or AWD. We would go with the AWD LS 500h coupled with the Dynamic package that adds performance specs like 21-inch wheels, rear spoiler deploying automatically at maintained speeds, carbon-fiber doorsill plates, and a faux-suede headliner.

Under the hood of the 2022 Lexus LS 500h, the buyers will find a 3.5L V6 with a combination of two electric motors. The total output is 354-hp and 257 lb-ft of torque. The engine feels a little underwhelming as compared to the regular LS 500 that fits a 5.0L V8 engine. Anyways, the transmission duties are done by a Continuously Variable Transmission(CVT). 

The electric motors in the Lexus LS 500h are non-existing, as they hardly enhance the performance. Consequently, the Lexus LS 500h is sluggish, also owing to the lethargic CVT transmission. It does 0-60 mph in over 5-seconds. The 2022 Lexus LS 500h AWD model will be offered with the all-new Lexus Teammate advanced driver assistance technology. The RWD models won’t be receiving significant updates compared to the AWD model. 

*2021 model specifications used

The 2022 Lexus LS 500h won’t give you a rush of adrenaline as it is lethargic compared to other rivals. The BMW 7 Series hybrid turns out to be excitingly quick despite the hefty curb weight. If you are searching for an occasional V8 rumble, the Audi A8 L hybrid is the only option. While the Mercedes Benz S-Class is an extreme powerhouse with more than 500-horses, it only manages to outperform the Lexus by a negligible difference.

How does the 2022 Lexus LS 500h Handle?

The 2022 Lexus LS 500h is not a sporty sedan, which can be seen from its performance numbers. In terms of handling, the steering is very light yet quite responsive, but not as engaging. But does it has to be engaging, when you’re meant to enjoy the luxury of the rear seats and let your chauffeur drive you around?

The engine specifications and performance are slightly disappointing in comparison to the regular LS model and the competitors. The electric motors are like dead weight, though they do boost the efficiency, but have no significant impact on performance. The ride quality is smooth, and the sedan floats over the bumps to deliver a seamless ride without any disturbance. Don’t expect the LS 500h to be agile, sporty, or thrilling, it just serves as an exemplary road machine for the rich.

Being a hybrid, the 2022 Lexus LS 500h is fitted with two electric motors that assist the engine in enhancing the efficiency of this luxurious sedan. At the end of the day, the Lexus LS 500h delivers a surprising 28 mpg combined, which is an exemplary digit for the segment. With a 22.2-gallon fuel tank, one can easily stretch more than 600-miles on a full tank on average.

The figures above speak for themselves, Lexus LS 500h compensates for the punch in performance with a significant boost in its efficiency. Lexus’ MPG figures surpass the rivals with a vast margin. Although, considering the significantly higher performance figures of the rivals, the low MPG figures are acceptable. Moreover, all the rivals offer similar gas tank capacities, except the BMW with its puny 12-gallon fuel tank, which is highly disappointing.

Interiors are where the luxurious sedans showcase fancy upholstery, eye-sparkling designs, and plush cabins. The 2022 Lexus LS 500h is distinctive and stands out to others. It utilizes a combination of the traditional principles of “Omotenashi” and modern techniques, the result is an overwhelming, dead-gorgeous interior. On every surface you touch, there’s either premium, soft-touch leather, wood, or metallic accents. The eyes won’t miss out on the delicately handcrafted Kiriko glass interior door trim, which looks stunning. Once inside, you’d praise the traditional Takumi craftsman that enhances the vibrancy of the LS cabin with his craftsmanship.

In terms of interior capacity, the LS 500h is quite generous in all matters. The front doors are big, and it’s easy to climb into the front seats. The dashboard is elegantly decorated such that you’ll have to take a few seconds to adore it. The rear seats offer airy headroom and legroom. Overall the cabin can accommodate five, but with four, the experience enhances. The Lexus LS 500h can be garnished with additional options to match it to your needs.

In terms of top-notch material quality, each of these luxurious sedans leaves no stone unturned. They compliment their owners with extensive rear row headroom and legroom for being chauffeured around. In addition, they can be added with rear-seat packages that replace the rear center seat with an armrest, and the corner seats can be turned into a recliner with massaging functions. The interior highlights of the 2022 Lexus LS 500h can be summarized as:

• Heated leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters
• Dual-zone climate control
• Power moonroof
• 16-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats
• Semi-aniline leather-trimmed door armrests
• Passenger-seat power cushion extender
• Quilted-stitch perforated semi-aniline leather interior trim

2022 Lexus LS 500h: Infotainment and Connectivity

While Lexus has disappointed most buyers for outdated infotainments in the past, the 2022 Lexus LS 500h is here to answer the criticism with a recently updated system. It gets a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen replacing the previous display with a remote touchpad as the only option to access the menus. Although the interface still feels outdated with a slight lag and complicated menu layout. It is no match to BMW’s leading iDrive infotainment or even Mercedes’ MBUX with massive screens. 

Technology-wise, the 2022 Lexus LS 500h will feature the Lexus Teammate Advanced Driver Assistance technology. It’s a Level 2 autonomous functionality that allows for driving on limited-access highways with a partial hands-free, eyes-on-the-road operation. The Lexus hybrid also incorporates other features like:

• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
• Amazon Alexa
• Navigation
• Wi-Fi hot spot
• 12-speaker stereo
• Bluetooth
• Optional 23-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound stereo

In the first glimpse, the 2022 Lexus LS 500h looks stunning and aggressive at the same instance. The wide chrome grille adds character with sharp “tick marks” LED DRLs looking bold and intimidating. From the side, the 2022 Lexus LS 500h adds sporty character to the luxurious sedan, something that lacks in this class. The rear sports the sharp-designed LED taillights connected with a chrome line and the Lexus badge in the middle.

The overall looks are similar to other LS models, but the hybrid will fetch the buyers stylish 20-inch split-10-spoke wheels. These wheels also feature noise-reduction technology alongside a Vapor-Chrome finish. Besides that, the hybrid model looks similar to other models. The sedan weighs 4,850 lbs and stands 6.6 inches above the ground.

In terms of numbers, the BMW 745e xDrive stretches the longest, but there’s no significant margin amongst all the rivals. The high ground clearance on the Lexus LS 500h reflects more practicality and versatility, especially on rough patches of roads. Some of the notable exterior features of the 2022 Lexus LS 500h include:

• LED headlights and taillights
• Power moonroof
• Hands-free power trunk lid
• Panoramic glass roof 
• Air suspension

Safety has become one of the most crucial aspects while analyzing a car, and a car with no safety measures will be panned hard by the people and the critics alike. Neither the NHTSA nor IIHS have tested the Lexus LS 500h. However, there is an array of safety features that makes this Lexus Sedan one of the safest cars in the class. Some of the notable safety features include:

• Lexus Safety System+
• Blind-spot monitoring
• 10 Airbags
• Lexus Safety Sense 2.0
• Lexus Enform Safety Connect
• Parking Assist

The 2022 Lexus LS 500h is an exceptional luxury sedan, but it’s no match to the German rivals in terms of cutting-edge tech features. On the performance part, the Lexus hybrid is lackluster, but it proves to be highly efficient. The interiors are elegant and vibrant and feature painstakingly detailed craftsmanship. The LS 500h has always been a more practical choice as compared to its German counterparts. Moreover, if you desire a slew of party tricks alongside some flamboyant nature, you may have to look elsewhere.