THE 2021 Lexus LS 500 is now on sale to South African customers, benefiting from design and technology advances that deliver ever greater refinement, comfort and safety. The changes reinforce its status as the flagship saloon in Lexus’s range of cars.

Lexus has advanced the relentless evolution of its flagship LS sedan, applying meticulous engineering improvements to renew the benchmark for refinement and quietness while even further leveraging incredible Japanese craftsmanship.

The new LS adopts wide-ranging yet intensely-focused improvements - the result of Lexus engineers obsessively poring over the smallest details from powertrain and suspension components to tyre construction.

Significant engineering changes were dictated by the new Lexus Driving Signature initiative, a philosophy that applies detailed tuning and component upgrades to deliver a new standard of vehicle control, balance and driver confidence.

The 310kW 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine in the LS 500 benefits from enhancements that deliver greater responsiveness and reduce noise. In the LS 500, the earlier production of engine torque leads to greater acceleration response from lower speeds in particular.

Improved shift timing for the 10-speed automatic transmission, and a wider acceleration range for each gear, results in less-frequent downshifts and improved refinement. Quietness has also been improved by lowering the maximum available engine speed during the take-off phase of acceleration.

The new LS also adopts Active Noise Control and Engine Sound Enhancement tuning, while a revised engine-mount interior, alters damping characteristics to further reduce powertrain noise and vibration.

A series of suspension changes further complement the hushed new engine and transmission tuning measures while enhancing handling capability.

Its 3.5-litre V6 engine has been designed specifically for the new LS, providing both high power and excellent fuel efficiency.

The engine is indicative of the more dynamic approach taken by Lexus, offering V8-level power without sacrificing fuel economy whilst minimising noise and vibration.

The LS output figures are 310kW and 600Nm of torque at 6000rpm. The engine’s long stroke and optimised stroke-to-bore ratio contribute to high-speed combustion and the efficiency of the twin turbos, helping the LS post a projected 0-to-100 km/h acceleration time of 5 seconds.

For both the F Sport and Luxury variant, the driver is able to tailor powertrain response and feel by selecting Normal, Eco, Sport and Sport S+ drive modes, with just enough of the exhaust note being audible to enhance the sporty feel.

Torque converter lock-up is activated in all ranges, except when starting off, to provide a direct feel, while at the same time supporting fuel efficiency. Top speed for the LS is electronically governed to 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is listed as 10 litres per 100 kilometres.