The 2020 Lexus LS500h AWD Is An Indulgent Hybrid (But There’s That Twin-Turbo V6 Too…)
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- The LS sedan was the first Lexus built from the ground up to be a Lexus. 30 years and five generations later it still coddles its owners. And unlike the first one, it can now be had with a “multi stage” hybrid powertrain. Does this tech make for a better luxury sedan? Tom Voelk drives the slightly updated 2020 LS500h AWD, which means it has the hybrid system instead of the twin-turbo V6 and all of the wheels are driven (it’s also available with rear-wheel drive).
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About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (and he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting). But really, all you need to know is in the videos. Watch a few and you'll subscribe.
At the end of the piece (around 13:10) the video freezes for 20 seconds or so. Not sure why. Fortunately it's the audio that's important, the video is just me yammering away. I'd reload it but it means having to toss all of the comments so I'm going to just let it ride.
You look like Sarah Connor , that lesbian woman who played in the (Terminator Dark Fate) @ 0:03.
Nice job not bowing to authorities, and standing up for your rights to unlawful search. Much respect. The moment people forget their rights, is the moment we begin to lose them. Loved the video as well, but hoping for a turbo review soon!!
That end story is hilarious! Better call you Ron Swanson 😂
Tom, the new LS is stunning beyond words, and having sat in one recently at the dealer, much more inviting inside than its German rivals. Also, it was VERY hard to leave the cabin for me. 😍 If I had to describe it in one word?
Sumptuous.
Hi Tom,
Great video as always.
Just thought I'd mention, there are some video glitches at 13:10 and 13:35. Not sure if it comes from the rendering on your side before uploading to UA-cam or whether it is a UA-cam problem.
Weird. Things were good on my end...
@@DrivenCarReviews I was also going to make the same comment...the video freezes around 13:10, but the audio continues. Great review though!
Oddly, it freezes so you can't see the photo of the place you weren't supposed to photograph in SF. Like you're cursed to never show that place again! Bwahaha!
I wonder how affordability has changed for the brand since its launch. Sticker price increases vs. income of target market.
@@DrivenCarReviews I had the problem with the glitches as well...video stopped during your explanation of the Presidio.
Sharing your channel with others because you deserve way more subscribers. Thank you for your comprehensive yet straight forward videos
Thanks Colin. I'll call you if I ever need an agent.
Driven Car Reviews your the man Tom!
Tom: There is an issue with the video at the end (when you're talking about the ticket)
Yep. Don't know why. Uploading again is not an option. I've learned the hard way that YTs algorithm REALLY doesn't like that.
@@DrivenCarReviews Great review as always!
@@DrivenCarReviews YT is just awful. They clearly steer viewers toward more established channels. A lot of content providers are leaving the platform because of it, but that comes with its own set of challenges.
@@DrivenCarReviews perhaps that ranger has taken a little revenge! lol
Great video thank you Driven Car Reviews!! Love the Lexus!! Gorgeous on the outside and absolutely gorgeous on the inside. I love the wood and suade on the doors!!
I like Lexus. Got one for the wife but every time I try and buy one for me I cross shop it with a German competitor and the Germans win. I like some performance in luxury cars and at a $90K price point plus for the LS or LC you have a lot of competition that usually out performers the Lexus. For instance a V8 in the LS would have been great! The day I know I am going to keep it more than 4 years Lexus will most likely win but for now 7 series, S classes and A8's win. Great review! Why did they make a hybrid?
Would rather have the updated Genesis G90 with a silly NA V8 and dish wheels. Oh and a user interface that doesn't punish like the Lexus
Photo permit for a taxpayer funded park?
Seems unreasonable.
Lexus interior is so beautiful.
Lexus exterior is so overstyled.
If you want me to pay extra for a hybrid?
You will need to make it go at least 100 miles on battery only. With another 300 on gas. Charged up by the gas motor or plug.
Former lexus owner.
Terry Smith Seems to me the interior is terribly over-styled as well. So much going on. There is very little restraint shown in the details or materials.
I totally disagree about the styling. I think the exterior is just right. The interior should lose the crystal and replace it with wood or carbon fiber on the F Sport trim. Other than that, the car looks fantastic. Any vehicle in this class MUST have a special look. If it doesn't most buyers will pass it right by.
Another great review. That colour combination is perfect for that car, my only dislike is the huge front grille.
It's good you share the filming with your twin brother.
The best LS Hybrid is LS600hL , It had a 4-Seater Opt. And 5.0 V8.
I like that Lexus and Genesis, unlike BMW & Mercedes offer a choice of AWD or RWD instead of forced AWD.
US thing appareantly, RWD versions are still available in Germany.
Their are non awd Mercedes in the US. Awd is optional on almost all Mercedes models except for the G wagon and GLS
Great review as always Tom! Well wishes are sent from Canada!
Where in Canada?
Lexus doesn't dominate as it did with the LS430; looks, ride and technology are just OK. Germans take all the top spots, but when you see the low prices for used 7 series, you wonder about dependability. Acura even worse, of course, the Legend was good in the 80s and 90s, but the Accord is a better car than the recently departed RLX. And since the Q45, Infiniti has not had the touch. All the excitement about the Cadillac CT-6 and again for the Blackwing V-8, now both gone. What was the strategy? Koreans have good luxury cars and good interfaces, not so much the best as good enough with no deal breakers. Good to focus on interfaces, and it's time to rank the semi-autonomous packages. Oh, and massages.
Frankenstein neck bolts! I never heard anybody talk about that but I've always thought that. It's my only problem with the Interiors of these Lexus.
That trunk is real small. I love the interior color. Looks like a 1980s Lincoln from the glory days mixed with expensive spa decor. Also Lexus makes the hottest rims on their cars
At least with the PHEV battery in the trunk of our 2018 CT6E we can put a roller bag on long ways too. We have below floor storage for tire inflator and extra room even after plug-in battery cable is loaded. But that is hybrid battery life today in large sedans.
Great video as always. I think the LS500 is one of Toyota's better designs. I am also a fan of the spindle grille. I think I would not go for the hybrid model, but if you can afford a $100K car, what's another $4K? I hope your Evil Twin wasn't still in the back seat when you took Mrs Car Guy to DQ. Unless he was buying 😄
Great video , thank you driven car reviews!! Gorgeous Lexus, love the exterior with the nice interior trims pieces!!
Tom, as a long time Lexus owner, I really appreciate your experience and comments with this LS. I've become accustomed to the not so great touchpad in the infotainment system. But, the rest of the car is fabulous! Oh, by the way... your wife is a trooper for helping you out with these videos.
Until lexus redesigns their infotainment controls, I just couldnt see myself buying one. I wouldn't want to spend that kind of money on a car just to make it more inconvenient. The goal should be making things simpler. I'm not sure what's worse, the fact that interface ever made it to production or that lexus has committed to it for almost a decade
Wherever you live, that place looks so nice with the trees and greenery and the houses look nice too. Heavenly, if that's where you live you're lucky
O K where is this place?
I love Lexus
I’m a Toyota loyalist
I mean I just bought a 2020 Camry hybrid
BUT the Lexus track pad thing sucks ass! People have been complaining about this for years so idk why they haven’t changed that
Please, let's keep some sedans around! I'm sick of SUV's. As always, a great review.
A general comment on hybrids. I’ve owned a couple hybrids and have some hybrid owner friends. We don’t really care about making our money back. We care about carbon emissions. That’s just our philosophy.
At 26 mpg combined it doesn't really matter as Toyota failed this one!
I Miss a Mercedes CLS Test.
Other than the first generation, I don't think that Toyota has captured what people want at this price point with the LS
Selling a little over 400 per month there is better choices. Just like Toyota large SUVs and trucks thr new stuff from others costs less and offers more.
Can you review an Audi A8?
I would just get a reg 500 not the hybrid ... And ppl still can't get over the interface if u can work a laptop you can work that track pad ... Imo ... set up the climate and seats the way you wanted and just leave it alone you supposed to be driving not playing with the radio and playing with the seats... you supposed to set all that up in your LS before you drive that's I think that's the whole point of why is set up the way it is ... But eventually they have a new interface without the pad ...
I’ve never seen these cars with a different interior color
... Signature color. Dark(er) conveys more luxurious intentions
Actually, darker colors tend to be more popular. My Lexus has the same mocha brown interior as this LS has. I've seen a number of lighter colors on this and all of the other models in their lineup.
This car pampers more the person seating in the back than the driver, Tom! Better have a chauffeur... ;-)
Good cliff hanger ending
Happy to hear you invoked your rights .... get a w... (won't spoil it)
Good job, as always!
I said the W word with a smile and a wink. Not the first time I'be been asked to leave a photo location. Won't be the last.
I'll take the G90
I'll keep my 2018 CT6E with almost 100 mpge!
Great video, love Lexus and the LS is super!!
500 bucks is super extreme. Yes you dodged a good one.
Hybrids are worst for environment...It can never equalise the carbon cost of manufacturing the complex system.
Can you point to a direct study or source for that information?
There is other socioeconomic issues too. You can't tow a mosquito with an hybrid power train ..So now either you need another vehicle or rent other vehicles to move around ..Which you won't have to worry in non hybrid power train.
I love your videos so thanks for keeping em coming during quarantine. Stay healthy!
Loved the bit with your spouse!
I like this LS generation. However, I don't see the point of this hybrid system on this car especially since it is not a plug-in. Lexus needs to bring back a V8...JMHO...
The LS is such a beautiful car, but I would stick with the TT V6. The fuel economy numbers for the hybrid are pretty disappointing, definitely not worth the price premium. Plus the turbo sounds better, is far less complex and quicker than the hybrid.
Out Cadillac CT6 plug in is seeing almost 100 mpge!
@@normt5463 That's like comparing apples to dynamite. The fuel consumption performance of short range plug-in R|EVs depends *entirely* on how you use them. If the bulk of your driving is shorter trips within its electric only range, of course you will get great overall mileage. However, if you drive 100 miles per day like I do, a short range plug-in EV like the CT6 will do very poorly, since it will be using the gas engine the vast majority of the time. It all depends on your personal usage.
Everybody made fun of the BMW giant front grill. How come nobody says anything about this Lexus monstrosity?
Does Mrs. Car Guy fit in the trunk?
Still needs a V8. They have a beautiful 5.0 liter. Lexus should use it in the LS.
I will not purchase this vehicle. No V8 no sale!
Diminishing returns on a car after $75k? Didn’t know I was that poor. At least you guys are frugal with Dairy Queen.
Weird looking Toyota
What a great car, good review.👍 from BC 🇨🇦
I'll stick to my S-class, thank you very much.
Yeah, 2+2 is a big loss for that extra rear seat.
Great content gentlemen! But I cringe when I see people seat on the edge of the recliner it causes unsightly wrinkles at the edge of the seat
Perhaps helps to be of a certain vintage to appreciate these great evaluations vs some those of other reviewers, but that's fine.
Another great review. Congrats on beating that ticket! I've heard other auto journalists say that the Lexus infotainment user interface is so bad, they can't recommend these cars. Wow. It's really amazing how much the Japanese struggle with luxury user interface design, and how good the Koreans are at it. Lexus needs to study Genesis when it comes to infotainment. Keep it simple, please.
Buy a used one and the payback for the hybrid will be much sooner.
Wow, what a NICE TOY FOR BILLIONAIRES. As a hard working MD physician who worked 40 years plus with stock investments, and retired last year, this vehicle's cost heads towards my annual income in retirement. There is no way I can afford this vehicle. I tried to "build" this vehicle on the Lexus website. It was a frustrating process of uh, you can't have this package without adding this other package in an unrelenting fashion. I got up to a price of $85,000 and gave up in frustration. There is a package called "executive package with Kiriko glass." Had to research that term, and found out it is an elaborately etched glass, the kind you find in lovely crystal drinking glasses and countless other glass objects. $23,00 for this option??? Oh, its not just the Kiriko glass, its all the other luxury items combined. and if even if you choose that package, you still don't get the Lexus safety package or the top of the line audio system. If I could figure out the "build" thing this vehicle would likely be nearly $100,000.
SO: I'm keeping my 2013 Lexus ES 350 which runs fabulously. Indeed I even decline to buy a new Lexus 300h hybrid; it is outrageously expensive compared to the latest Sonata hybrid. The 500h AWD will likely lose over $20,000 in just one year in depreciation. At my stage in life I just cannot afford that kind of depreciation. To repeat, this is a great TOY FOR BILLIONAIRES. Oh, unless you're a CEO of a multi-million dollar company and deduct the lease from taxes, thereby MAKING THE REST OF US PAY FOR THEIR INDULGENCE. What a sick system.
There are always monthly payments to help spread things out. Just saying Raja...
Tom - On the LS being the first pure Lexus design...I was in Australia in 1991, and specifically remember seeing one - and it was badged Toyota. (LS400? 430?). One of my friends parents had one, and we got into a long discussion about people in Canada and the USA not willing to pay more than ($30,000 at the time?) for a Toyota no matter what it contained, or how it was built....Anyhow, I remember finding out that that particular model had been in non - north American markets for a few years before 1991. So, I believe it as well started life as a Toyota. Not that unusual, Japanese manufacturers have a huge range of products we don't get to see (Hilux, Century, etc.) as well as brands long ago removed (Pugeut, Renault), or never were (Proton, Skoda, etc.)
It was designed from the ground up to be a Lexus, the cornerstone of Toyota's new luxury brand in the US. Lexus did not exist in Japan or Australia in 1989. It was badged as Toyota "Celsior" in some markets. Gotta sell in volume to make a profit. I thought Lexus came to Australia fairly early, in 1991 or 92 but I'm not sure. Interesting that the Lexus brand didn't come to Japan until the mid 2000s I believe.
Larry Cheek
As always, Tom, you've produced a well thought-out and engaging review. And aesthetically, Lexus has served up a remarkably pleasing, well-integrated design. But conceptually, the car is a dinosaur. It's too big, too heavy, too thirsty, too encrusted with unnecessarily complex technology, and above all, too expensive.
On the subject of diminishing returns, I'd say the principle kicks in not at $75,000 but at $45-$50,000-the cost of a decently equipped BMW 330i or Audi A4. Cars like these are plenty luxurious but small enough to offer more reasonable use of resources-and a more engaging driving experience in the bargain.
what a lovely neighbourhood, anyone know where that is?
Folks compare the spindle grill to a Darth Vader helmet. Not surprising - the Star Wars helmet was based on samurai design. Makes perfect sense for Japan/Toyota to have samurai philosophy as the leading edge of its elite care fleet.
I just wrote a story for The New York Times about grilles- www.nytimes.com/2021/01/07/business/new-cars-huge-grilles.html?searchResultPosition=1
Hey Tom. Great video and I'm glad Lexus is going to ditch the touchpad in future models. FYI, there's an issue around 13:12 where the video freezes for a while (audio is fine). Now you've made we want a Dairy Queen...
Tom, can you please do an audio comparison between the top luxury sedans i.e. S Class, A8, 7 Series, Panamera, and the LS500h.
I seriously love your work and effort making these vids!!! You are on a whole another level compared to the bunch out there!!! Like your take and view on things that other miss and instead start nagging about how round the tires are! You also keep your vids short and consist yet full of useful information and thoughts! I also like how calm and smooth you talk instead of yapping and stressing while stretching your vids by repeating yourself 65435 times over to the magical 22-25 min length full of headache where after watching the vid you kinda ask yourself: "what the hell did I just watched"???? keep the vids coming Tom, you're doing a fine job! You really deserve more subs!
If you’re not giving away trade secrets, it would be interesting for you to do a feature on how you do the segments with your adorable Evil Twin. Recording, doing the timing of your respective speaking parts, etc. Thanks again for the great work!
CD player? but no, 8-track ... pass
In Toronto these are used as airport limos. I've seen them with over 500K . They replace them at 800K and if needed they grab the transmission and engine from a wrecked Camry hybrid and swap them in. These will last way more than 15 years for an average driver.
one of the top reviewers
This is a very nice Lexus, but I believe they should’ve doubled the battery capacity, given the car’s size.
You did exactly the right thing when confronted by the park ranger. Deny deny deny and ask for a warrant. Smart thinkin!
still no Android Auto? save lot of money and settle with ES if you really want Lexus sedan. I and my family have been Lexus owners since 90's but we are moving on as we can't get use to the front-end even after 6+ years on our current RX and low-end entertainment systems [poor display and no Android Auto].
Moving on to what?
Lexus mucked this one up: engine is loud as hell, interior is cramped and ride is not smooth.
Ps have you ever reviewed the SC 430?
I drove it but the video I shot became corrupted and I couldn't produce a video. And I don't remember much about it after all these years, sorry.
@@DrivenCarReviews No worries at all!! I would love to watch haha! I love your videos and I am a Lexus fan!
@@DrivenCarReviews no worries :)
Yeeeah no thanks! I’ll take the G90
For My money the Mercedes Benz S class is hands down a much better car
I m curious, do rich (i m not talking about wealthy) people care less about the reliability of their cars? Or they may not care at all because they've got 5 other cars? Or they don't own one long enough for anything to break.
I'll have to ask some of my rich friends about that. Frankly, I think the concern about reliability is way overblown. I've owned cars from brands well down the list and had few if any issue with them. And I've known people that own "reliable" brands that have had a number of issues with their cars. There are very few brands that I would dismiss because of reliability reputations.
@@DrivenCarReviews Agree 100%. The internet forums/discussions are full of rumor and irrelevant examples (IMS issue on Porsche for example.) One of my friends acquired a BMW 5 series; he's had absolutely zero issues with the vehicle. He takes it for the routine annual maintenance at the dealership. All in all not too bad, still looks brand new. He's had some issues with the runflats tires, but thats no big deal, and an easy fix. Don't get too caught up with rumors/anecdotal data.
Frankenstein's neck bolts have to go. Eyesore in an otherwise beautiful car.
I like ghost-doors: does it have ghost-doors? 🇦🇺💐🇺🇸
Lexus there is No Substitute 😎
I was about to comment "do they ask for your medicare card at the dealer?" when the 1:39 shot showed up and I was like this: O_O wow!!!..
2:31 what happened to your voice?
Why would you need a permit? Talk about a nanny state
Yup, stay out of California!
Cool leather jacket Tom!
Um, wouldn't 295Hp and 177hp = 472 combined? Or am I missing something in the way hybrid systems work?
My math can be bad but yes, you're missing the way hybrids work.
The only sedan which makes my heart beat!
At $100,000 and Lexus offering the lowest tech in the segment you should have a heart attack! Terrible efficiency too!
Strange country
Tom! Nice video, as always.
Question: you drive more brand new cars than most people. When you get back in your (used) cars, do you perceive more NVH? Do the new cars spoil you a bit and make you want to replace your engine mounts and suspension bushings every two years? :)
I ask because a brand new Camry probably feels plushier and nicer than an unloved used Mercedes, due to wear items.
Nope. Actually, my 4 year old ELR is as tight as the day I bought it. The Miata is pretty creaky but at 30 years old, it has full permission to do that.
@@DrivenCarReviews Impressive quality on the ELR, I admit that I am surprised. I think in your position, I would be obsessed with NVH and try to get my cars as quiet as I can.
My 7 series is nearly 30 years old too and needs a rear muffler. The part with installation is probably less expensive than one lease payment of this Lexus LS, so I'm ok with that ;)
@@ClassicBMWFanInQuebec You know, GM makes some good cars. The ELR happened to be saddled with an outrageous price tag and no marketing. At all. Yup, I'd spring for a new muffler rather than 48 payments.
Thanks for the review, Tom.
I'm considering the LS500 to replace my GS-F in six months. My only concern is that it might be too big for me and not to get too enjoy the back seat.
What exactly do you plan to be doing in the backseat? ........
Ohhhhhhhh!!!!!!😎🤐🤫😏
So far its a no for me on this one. The tech package and interior setup is wonderful and I really like the small gear shifter but the track pad along with the other tech devices scream extra costs if they break. Anything with a track pad is just a liability for drivers and anyone with an old laptop will know this from experience. In terms of luxury sedans , this is nice but that price tag says otherwise. For a 100k , I'd rather get the long range tesla performance with all the fixings.
Hybrid system isn't worth the complexity or cost. Stay with the V-6. Thanks for the great review!
This is a V6. Just electric motors instead of turbos
What was their sound on the video at 2 minutes 10 seconds. 💨😂
That's one big car
Hey Tom! I have newfound respect for how you avoided the photo permit citation. You seem like a fairly straight laced guy but turns out you have some street smarts too!
I've been around the block a few times. These are not the droids you're looking for...
Driven Car Reviews
You can go about your business. Move along.
Mr. Tom Voelk, you look like Sarah Connor, that lesbian who played in the (Terminator Dark Fate) @ 0:03.
Great video and great car!
Great channel tom, thank you.
Exterior is too futuristic but interior is too old
3:25, the kind of money 😂
Heaven? Let's try hades!
Sophisticated lines and a sleek and sexy figure. That grill may be controversial, but to me it looks stunning. The only thing preventing Lexus from challenging the Germans may be their awful infotainment, itself miles behind that of what is in a regular Toyota.
Love your $500 ticket story. Cue: "Guns of Brixton."
Ok Tom
First!
Sadly, over $100k and it just doesn’t look expensive ¯\_(ツ)_/¯