Lexus LS500h: prices and specifications revealed

Lexus has announced prices and specifications for its new flagship LS 500h. The new model costs from £72,595.

The fifth generation of the luxury saloon comes exclusively as a petrol-electric hybrid featuring the Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System that made its debut this year in the LC coupe.

Four equipment grades are available: LS 500h, LS 500h Luxury, LS 500h F Sport and LS 500h Premier. All-wheel drive will be available for the Luxury and Premier models. On-the-road prices start at £72,595.

The entry-level model features 20-inch cast alloy wheels, triple-LED headlights with Automatic High Beam, Lexus Premium Navigation with a 12.3-inch EMV display and 12-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control with nanoe air quality control and a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor with pedestrian alert. The front seats have 20-way power adjustment, smooth leather upholstery and integrated heating and ventilation.

The Luxury model benefits from four-zone climate control with Climate Concierge and nanoe technology, a bespoke 23-speaker Mark Levinson QLI Reference Surround audio system and integrated heating and ventilation for both front and rear seats. Fine semi-aniline leather upholstery and 28-way front seat adjustment are also included in the specification.

The LS 500h F Sport is distinguished by its dedicated alloy wheel design and lower-profile tyres, spindle grille with intricate mesh pattern of L-motif elements, visible black brake callipers stamped with the Lexus name and jet black plating details for the side sills, front bumper and boot lid. In the cabin the three-spoke steering wheel and shift selector have a perforated leather finish and there is an F Sport combi meter with a moving ring design that uses display technology first developed for Lexus’s LFA supercar. The F Sport seats are finished in smooth leather. On the technical front the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management is extended to include control of the F Sport’s Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Dynamic Rear Steering.

The LS 500h Premier offers a Shiatsu massage function that is provided for the rear seat and in the front seat Relaxation Package; a rear-seat entertainment system; and rear seats with 22-way adjustment and an extending ottoman leg rest. It also benefits from Lexus Safety System+ A, Lexus’s most sophisticated package yet of active safety and driver assistance systems.

All versions of the new LS 500h are equipped with Lexus Safety System+ active safety and driver assistance systems, including Pre-Collision Safety, Dynamic Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and an Adaptive High-beam System (Automatic High Beam for the entry-level model).

In addition, the new LS 500h Premier will introduce systems that deliver more advanced accident prevention and automated driving functions. The Lexus Safety System+ A includes new Lexus CoDrive and Lane Tracing Assist systems, together with more sophisticated Pre-Collision System that includes Active Steering Assist (a world-first) and pedestrian detection.

Orders for the new LS can be placed now, with first deliveries to customers early in the new year.