First Look Review: The 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid is timeless elegance

As the brand’s inaugural launch, the LS will always hold a special place in the Lexus line-up. The full-size sedan, currently in its fifth generation, is available in gas and hybrid variants. Recently, I explored the design, features, comfort and space of an ‘Obsidian’ unit of the 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid, and this is what I found out about the Mercedes S-Class rival:

Design

I think no full-size sedan beats the beauty of the 223-series Mercedes S-Class, but the 2024 Lexus LS 500h presents something different in a segment that European automakers currently dominate. Its edgy exterior showcases its Japanese roots and helps it stand out. I like the striking, triple-beam LED headlamps and the coupe-like profile, and while I’m not a fan of the Spindle grille, it serves as a sign of the car’s sophistication and immaculate craftsmanship.

The 20-inch split-20-spoke alloy wheels are finished in Dark Gray Metallic. These fancy wheels are a USD-200 upgrade, and complement the dark black paint. Overall, I believe the full-size hybrid sedan has a good road presence in this configuration.

The production of the 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid takes place in Tahara (Aichi Prefecture), Japan. After spending some time closely looking at its exterior, I noticed that its panel gaps, consistency, and paint quality were from the top drawer.

Interior

The interior of the 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid adopts a simplistic design compared to current industry standards, and in my opinion, that’s a good thing. Instead of extra and unnecessarily big screens, intricate design and artwork define the interior of this car. The fluid lines on the dashboard are made of magnesium alloy, and they remind me of the koto, the traditional Japanese harp.

The significant use of white in the upholstery imparts a sense of calm in the cabin, while the Laser Special Wood trim further emphasizes elegance and delicate Japanese craftsmanship. These come standard in the 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid. I like the analog clock on the driver’s side of the 12.3-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen infotainment system as well. The latter offers cloud navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay integration, and wireless Android Auto compatibility.

Lexus equips the 2024 LS Hybrid with Mark Levinson 23-speaker, 2,400-watt Reference Surround Sound with QuantumLogic Immersion. As an audiophile, I think that’s one of the features I’d enjoy the most when traveling in this hybrid sedan.

The 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, but in my opinion, it isn’t nearly as impressive as what I find in German full-size luxury sedans. A 24-inch head-up display is included in this car to help the driver keep their eyes on the road. Also part of the standard equipment are 28-way power-adjustable front seats with multifunction massage and cushion extender and 18-way power-reclining outboard rear seats with memory.

I’m six feet tall, and given the lower roofline of this low-slung hybrid sedan, I expected ingress not to be comfortable. That said, the doors opened softly, and getting in and out required no extra effort.

When I sat in the driver’s seat, I first checked for all-around visibility, which, despite its sleek design and sporty greenhouse, allows a decent view of the surroundings. The steering wheel, featuring an electrically adjustable column, was grippy and upholstered in dual-textured leather. With the seat set comfortably to my driving position, my head was almost brushing up against the headliner. The lumbar support was ample, while under-thigh support felt it could have been better.

In the back, right behind the driver’s seat that was adjusted for a six-foot-tall person, I had sufficient legroom and abundant knee room. I felt the default angle of the backrest was relaxing for me. While the under-thigh support was comfortable, headroom was limited, with less than an inch to spare beneath the headliner.

Specifications

The 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid employs a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a permanent magnet synchronous motor, both powering the rear wheels. The transmission is a combination of a CVT and a conventional 4-speed automatic gearbox. Full-time all-wheel drive with a Torsen limited-slip center differential is standard.

Packing 354 horsepower, the 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and achieve a top speed of 136 mph. According to the EPA, it can deliver a fuel economy of 22 MPG (city)/29 MPG (highway)/25 MPG (combined) and can be driven 555 miles on a full tank.

TopElectricSUV says

While the 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid offers a lavish interior and excels in quality, comfort, and convenience, its price is steep given the performance and technology onboard.

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