A Week With: 2022 Lexus LS 500 AWD
Nowadays luxury vehicles, or vehicles claiming luxury status, come in all kinds of shapes and sizes — even luxury pickup trucks.
But the most popular image of a luxury vehicle that comes to one’s imagination is, more often than not, a top-of-the-line luxury sedan where you can get lost in the back seat like the Lexus LS 500.
Since it first made its mark in the global industry more than 30 years ago, an elegant sedan has served as the anchor and halo vehicle for the entire Lexus line-up, and the LS 500 with its clean lines and plush interior carries on the tradition in style.
The Lexus 2022 Lexus LS 500 also is equipped with the very latest driver’s assistance, safety and connectivity features, which are included to justify the car’s six-figure price tag. Six-figure price tags seem to have become common in the luxury segment.
Exterior
The 2022 Lexus LS 500 is designed around a long, low, classic silhouette, giving the car an elegant if traditional profile. The exterior design is complemented by the design of the LED light fixtures at the four corners of the vehicle, and the bold, hourglass-shaped front fascia, holding the Lexus’ badge, which seems to have gradually grown in size throughout the years.
But LS 500’s profile also is amplified by the sleek sheet metal down the sides and over the hood. The roofline slopes neatly into the rear quarters, emphasizing the vehicle’s power, which is also part of the luxury package, like the 19-inch wheels with their own unique designs.
Interior
Competition in the luxury segment is intense and manufacturers spend good money on the interiors in an effort to catch consumers’ attention. Lexus stylists have done an impressive job on the LS 500 cabin, with its art deco flourishes on the dashboard and inner doors, setting the tone for design of the car’s the space.
In addition, the materials used throughout are quality, including the leather on seats, while the wood accents are first rate. The layout of the controls is helpful. The displays are well done, with a large screen for entertainment and navigation or both as well as a head up display, which helps keep the driver’s eye focused. The cabin is exceptionally quiet out on the road, while the view from the driver’s seat is excellent. The rear seat, thanks to the long wheelbase, has an enormous amount of space.
Powertrain
The 2022 LS 500 is equipped with a turbocharged, 3.5-liter V-6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission, which can product 416 horsepower. The LS 500 also is equipped with all-wheel-drive and paddle shifters so the driver can wind it up a bit before popping the car into a higher gear. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has given the LS a combined fuel economy rating of 21 miles per gallon, including 17 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. I am sorry I did not have chance, this time, to take it on a long road trip.
Safety and Technology
For the protection of the driver and passengers, the 2022 LS 500 is equipped with 10 airbags and Lexus Safety Sense with pre-collision warning and pedestrian alert. It also has a backup camera and a panoramic view monitor in the 12.3-inch center stack screen.
It also is equipped with blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance and dynamic radar cruise control. It is also equipped with voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Sirius Radio. The Lexus LS 500 also is equipped with a Marc Levinson sound system, a panoramic moon roof and 16-position driver’s seat.
Driving Impressions
Given the combination of 416 horsepower and adaptive variable suspension built into the car, the 2022 LS 500 delivers a very nice ride. The 10-speed transmission moves through the gears with ease out on the road so they are virtually invisible to the driver. The smooth ride, ease of steering and solid brakes along with power and performance make this big Lexus fun to drive over all kinds of road surfaces.
I have had the opportunity to drive other iterations of the top-of-the-line Lexus under everyday situations over the years and the ambience and quiet cabin also made for more relaxing motoring. The 2022 Lexus 500 carries on the tradition in impressive fashion.
2022 Lexus LS 500 AWD Specifications
| Dimension | L: 206.1 inches/W: 74.8 inches/H: 57.5 inches/Wheelbase: 123 inches |
| Weight | 4,696 pounds |
| Powertrain | 3.5-liter V-6; 10-speed automative, AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 17 mpg city/27 mpg highway/40 mpg combined |
| Performance Specs | 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque |
| Price | Base price: $39,185; As tested: $109,855 including $1,075 destination charge. |
| On-Sale Date | Available now |
Wrap Up
If you want to impress your neighbors or clients, this certainly is one of the vehicles to consider and even at $110,000, it could be less expensive than some of the other available options. This is a unique vehicle with a style and ambience that makes it tough competition for high-end German luxury cars such as the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S and E class, which could soon start fading into history. The 2022 LS 500 also remains a great piece of the automaker’s art.
2022 Lexus LS 500 AWD — Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lexus LS 500 a good executive sedan?
The Lexus LS 500 does an admirable job as an executive sedan. It has an exquisite cabin filled with high-end materials, many premium features and good value in this prestigious segment.
Does the Lexus LS 500 have a difficult user interface?
The addition of a 12.3-inch touchscreen is a big improvement for the LS, but many vehicle settings are still buried in complicated menus. An easier-to-use button layout would help greatly. There’s plenty of space for four passengers, with lots of headroom and legroom.
What kind of engine does a Lexus LS 500 have?
The standard LS 500 works with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 that pumps out 416 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. RWD is standard while AWD is optional, but regardless of the drivetrain the engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
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