2021 Lexus LS 500 F Sport – Sophisticated Fast Luxury Sedan. 2021 Lexus LS 500 F Sport – Drive, Interior and Exterior. Color: Atomic Silver. Please Consider Subscribing.
0:00 Interior and Exterior
2:00 Facts and Figures
3:25 Drive
The 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine on the LS 500 offers the output one would expect in a flagship sedan: 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. In the pursuit of refinement goals, the engine features a newly developed piston with a lip shape on the piston top to help realize low emissions and quiet operation when the engine is cold. The wastegate control on the twin-turbo engine has also been updated to provide stable opening and closing of the valve to improve performance efficiency. The 10-speed automatic transmission also receives attention, as its shift logic is re-calibrated to aid in keeping the engine in a more responsive area of its power band.
In RWD form, the LS 500 delivers a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds. The driver can tailor powertrain response and feel by choosing from Eco, Comfort, Normal, Custom, Sport S or Sport S+ modes. The available AWD system features a Torsen® limited-slip center differential to further enhance grip, traction and cornering stability. The torque distribution can vary from 31 percent front / 69 percent rear on dry roads to as much as 48 percent front / 52 percent rear on slick surfaces.
The LS 500h (the “h” referring to hybrid) uses a Multistage Hybrid System that combines a naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with two electric motor/generators powered by a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery. For 2021, an even more dramatic powertrain improvement has been made to the Multistage Hybrid System, as the system is now tuned to utilize a new battery strategy and drive more power through the electric motors upon acceleration. The Multistage shift software has also been updated to take advantage of this electric power appearing earlier in the powerband. Combined system output of the internal combustion engine with the electric traction system is 354 hp, enabling the LS 500h to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds (RWD).
In the F SPORT version of the LS, the garnish of the sub-radiator grilles wraps around to the sides so as to underline the vehicle’s wide stance. Other elements that help to accentuate the F SPORT’s more dynamic image include a dedicated color for the spindle grille and 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/45RF20 front and 275/40RF20 rear tires in either summer performance or all-season compounds.
Lexus took full advantage of the new GA–L platform’s inherent driving agility when developing the F SPORT package. Handling enhancements via the latest iteration of the VDIM system allows for integrated management of these chassis dynamics as a single system. In addition, larger front and rear brakes — six-piston aluminum monoblock calipers with ventilated 15.7-inch rotors in front and four-piston calipers with 14.1-inch rotors in back — assure confident stopping power. The available Dynamic Handling Package on gas F SPORT models adds Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system, Active Rear Steering and an Active Stabilizer Suspension.
Special F SPORT rocker moldings, along with the aforementioned 20-inch wheels, accentuate the rakish LS profile. Lexus infused the F SPORT persona throughout the cabin, starting with the perforated-grill pattern on seating surfaces and Naguri aluminum trim elements. F SPORT 28-way electric/pneumatic seats with passenger-seat power cushion-length extenders brace occupants when driving through curves, ensuring exceptional comfort no matter the length of the drive.
The new 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen provide additional control options for driver and passenger. All LS models for 2021 come standard with Apple CarPlay® compatibility that allows guests to access the same familiar interface of their iPhone® through the LS’s 12.3-inch touchscreen display. It also features Android Auto® compatibility, allowing guests to access their Android device interface via the multimedia system. The LS also offers Amazon Alexa compatibility, as LS owners can ask Alexa for the same access to information and thousands of skills available through Alexa at home. Users can also control compatible smart home devices such as lighting, thermostat and security systems. Alexa can even sync to the navigation system to provide on-the-go recommendations.
