Lexus LS

The Lexus LS (from its last model year, likely 2024) was typically offered with highly refined and reliable powertrains, focusing on smoothness and efficiency. The most common options in India were: 3.5-litre V6 Twin-Turbo Petrol: This engine produced around 416 bhp and 600 Nm of torque. It was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. 3.5-litre V6 Multi-Stage Hybrid: This powertrain combined a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of approximately 354 bhp. It utilized a unique multi-stage hybrid transmission.

Both powertrains deliver exceptionally smooth, silent, and effortless acceleration. The twin-turbo V6 offers strong, linear power, while the hybrid variant prioritizes refinement and fuel efficiency. In real-world performance, the LS provides ample power for highway cruising and city driving, with a focus on seamless power delivery rather than outright sportiness. Fuel economy for the petrol variant would be around 8-10 kmpl, while the hybrid could offer significantly better figures, typically 12-15 kmpl in mixed driving conditions. For a purchase, check the service history meticulously, especially for hybrid variants, to ensure battery health and system integrity. Listen for any unusual engine or transmission noises.

Ride and Handling

The Lexus LS (from its last model year, likely 2024) was engineered to deliver a supremely comfortable and isolated ride, a defining characteristic of the model. It featured adaptive variable air suspension, which allowed it to glide effortlessly over most road imperfections, providing an incredibly plush and serene experience. This system excels at isolating occupants from rough surfaces, making it an ideal vehicle for long-distance travel, even on challenging Indian roads.

Handling is composed and stable, prioritizing comfort and refinement over sporty dynamics. The steering is light yet precise, making urban navigation surprisingly easy for a large sedan. At highway speeds, the LS feels utterly planted and confidence-inspiring, with minimal road or wind noise entering the cabin. Panic braking performance is strong, with powerful brakes providing ample stopping power and a reassuring pedal feel. For a purchase, meticulously check the air suspension for any leaks, sagging, or unusual noises, as air suspension component failures are common in older luxury cars and repairs can be extremely costly. The overall ride and handling remain a strong selling point for a pre-owned Lexus LS, offering unmatched comfort.

The interior of the Lexus LS (from its last model year, likely 2024) is a testament to Japanese craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, offering an exceptionally luxurious and serene cabin. The design is opulent, featuring exquisite materials such as premium leather, intricate wood veneers (e.g., Kiriko glass or laser-cut wood), and brushed metallic accents. The dashboard features a large central infotainment screen, complemented by a digital instrument cluster.

Seating is for five occupants, with the LS renowned for its unparalleled rear-seat comfort. The rear seats often feature extensive power adjustments, ottoman support, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, making it a true lounge on wheels for chauffeured passengers. Space in both front and rear is generous, ensuring supreme comfort for all occupants on long journeys. Cargo space is practical for a luxury sedan, with a boot capacity of approximately 430 litres, capable of accommodating multiple large suitcases. For a purchase, check the condition of leather upholstery for wear and tear, verify the functionality of all complex electronic features including seat adjustments, climate control, and rear entertainment systems, as repairs on these can be very costly. The fit and finish are exceptional and generally hold up remarkably well over time.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the Lexus LS (from its last model year, likely 2024) typically featured a large, high-resolution touchscreen display (expected to be 12.3 inches). The system was intuitive and responsive, controlled via touch or a remote touch interface on the center console. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.

The system included integrated navigation with real-time traffic updates and supported advanced voice control. The digital instrument cluster provided customizable driving information. Lexus Enform services offered a suite of connected car features, though their active status in a used vehicle would depend on subscription. For a purchase, verify the system's responsiveness, screen clarity (checking for dead pixels or scratches), and the functionality of smartphone mirroring features. Ensure all speakers are working correctly, especially if equipped with a premium Mark Levinson audio system, as repairs can be expensive.

The exterior design of the Lexus LS (from its last model year, likely 2024) exudes a distinctive blend of bold styling and elegant proportions. The front fascia features the signature Lexus spindle grille, a commanding and polarizing design element, flanked by sharp, L-shaped LED headlights that give it a unique visual signature. The overall design is dynamic, with sculpted lines and a sleek, coupe-like roofline despite its sedan form.

The side profile showcases its long and low stance, emphasizing its luxury and presence. Large alloy wheels (typically 19-inch or 20-inch, with various designs) fill the wheel arches, complementing its sophisticated appearance. The rear design features intricate LED taillights that mirror the front's L-motif, and subtle chrome accents. Dimensions for the 2024 model were approximately 5,235 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,450 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,125 mm. Potential buyers should inspect for body panel alignment, paint condition, and any signs of accident repair, which can be expensive to rectify on a luxury vehicle with complex bodywork.

Safety in the Lexus LS (from its last model year, likely 2024) was a paramount concern, reflecting its position as a flagship luxury sedan. The vehicle's robust construction, utilizing a blend of high-strength steel and aluminum, provided excellent passive safety. The LS consistently achieved high safety ratings from international bodies, indicating strong occupant protection.

The LS comes equipped with a comprehensive array of passive and active safety features. Standard passive safety includes numerous airbags (expected to be 10 or more), ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Active safety features, while not listed individually, would have included a wide array of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) as part of the Lexus Safety System+. This suite typically included adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and a 360-degree panoramic view monitor with parking assist. For a purchase, ensure all safety systems are fully functional and check for any warning lights on the dashboard, as ADAS sensor or module repairs can be very costly on a luxury vehicle.

As a luxury sedan now available only on the used market, the Lexus LS (from its last model year, likely 2024) competes against other pre-owned ultra-luxury flagship models and certain new luxury sedans in India. Its primary rivals in the used market include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8 L.

The used Mercedes-Benz S-Class is known for its opulent interior, cutting-edge technology, and a more overtly prestigious image. The LS differentiates itself with its unique Japanese luxury aesthetic, a focus on unparalleled quietness and reliability, and its exceptional rear-seat comfort. The used BMW 7 Series provides a more driver-focused experience and a sportier character, appealing to buyers who enjoy driving their luxury sedan. The LS counters with its superior ride comfort and a more serene cabin ambiance. The used Audi A8 L offers a sophisticated design and quattro all-wheel drive. Compared to new luxury sedans, the LS offers significantly more luxury, space, and refinement for a similar or lower price point on the used market. However, it carries the disadvantage of being an older model and, crucially, is subject to the NCR vehicle ban, which limits its usable life.

The Lexus LS, from its last model year (likely 2024), presents an outstanding proposition in the used ultra-luxury sedan market in India. It offers an unparalleled level of comfort, exceptional refinement, and a reputation for bulletproof reliability, making it a true value-for-money proposition for those seeking top-tier luxury at a depreciated price.

For buyers in India seeking a prestigious, supremely comfortable, and reliable luxury sedan on the used market, the Lexus LS is undoubtedly worth considering. It provides immense luxury and advanced features, often surpassing new cars in lower luxury segments on comfort and build quality. However, potential buyers must factor in the NCR vehicle ban: petrol cars can operate for only 15 years from the date of purchase. For a 2024 model year LS (petrol), this means it would be usable in NCR until 2039. This limited lifespan is a significant disadvantage compared to purchasing a new vehicle. Given the current date (July 3, 2025), a 2024 petrol LS still has significant usable life outside NCR, and a good 14 years within NCR. The Lexus LS remains a strong choice for those seeking ultimate comfort and reliability in a used luxury sedan, provided they account for its age and the regional regulations.