What We Like
Feels lighter on its feet compared to the turbo and hybrid models
Linear power delivery
A very honest piece of work
Naturally aspirated engine is a rarity
What We Dislike
Its stiffer setup could be a problem for current customers
Rare is the car that answers a question you never asked yourself until you've driven it.
In this regard - Lexus LS - the fifth iteration flagship sedan from the luxury Japanese marque, is a fitting and perfect response to, "What would a remarkable car with strong sensiblities and an emotional sensation be like to drive?"
The new Lexus LS350 is a smooth criminal on the tarmac
Point to note
The Lexus LS is an atomically dashing proposition. Created based on the simple promise of being undeniably reliable and unquestionably luxurious, the flagship sedan you see here reprises the carmaker's traditional craftmanships with a newfound swagger and stance that are hard to ignore.
Sporting a longer, wider and lower posture over its predecessor, the LS wears an aggressive and dominating spindle grille in a very natural and cohesive manner without coming across as overdoing it.
Expect the usual impeccable attention to details in the cabin
Tailored for greatness
What will inevitably astound anyone stepping from any other flagship sedans into the Lexus LS are the Japanese's eye for design, impeccable attention to details and imaginative grandeur. By all accounts, the car here is a game changer.
Inviting leather, quality craftsmanship and a bright, airy cabin exude a sense of peace and tranquillity. Whether as an impulse or a long-reigning sentiment, there's no denying just how peace lends itself so easily to the LS.
Mated to the 3.5-litre V6 engine is a 10-speed auto gearboxThen there is the enormous 24-inch head-up display that's capable of projecting a wealth of information and data onto the windshield in front of you while control knobs highlight the driver-centric character that Lexus has been endeavouring for.
In this regard - Lexus LS - the fifth iteration flagship sedan from the luxury Japanese marque, is a fitting and perfect response to, "What would a remarkable car with strong sensiblities and an emotional sensation be like to drive?"
Point to note
The Lexus LS is an atomically dashing proposition. Created based on the simple promise of being undeniably reliable and unquestionably luxurious, the flagship sedan you see here reprises the carmaker's traditional craftmanships with a newfound swagger and stance that are hard to ignore.
Sporting a longer, wider and lower posture over its predecessor, the LS wears an aggressive and dominating spindle grille in a very natural and cohesive manner without coming across as overdoing it.
Tailored for greatness
What will inevitably astound anyone stepping from any other flagship sedans into the Lexus LS are the Japanese's eye for design, impeccable attention to details and imaginative grandeur. By all accounts, the car here is a game changer.
Inviting leather, quality craftsmanship and a bright, airy cabin exude a sense of peace and tranquillity. Whether as an impulse or a long-reigning sentiment, there's no denying just how peace lends itself so easily to the LS.
Going the distance
Like the rest of the LS models in its stable, the LS350 sits on top of the GA-L architectural platform that also underpins the mouth-watering Lexus LC Coupe. However, unlike the its siblings, the LS350 sports a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine that churns out 311bhp and 380Nm of torque.
While these figures are significantly lesser than the Lexus LS500 Turbo, it is by no means lacking.
The naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 sends 311bhp and 380Nm of torque to the car's rear wheelsAs a matter of fact, we enjoyed this model the most. It feels lighter on its feet, with a nose that turns in with more agility. The fact that the new platform lowers the car's centre of gravity helps in the handling aspect as well.
Drive it a notch down around town and the LS350 doesn't disappoint. Putting power to the pavement via the rear wheels is a silky smooth shifting 10-speed automatic gearbox that never misses a beat. Paddle shifters are available, but with a respectable acceleration timing of of 6.5 seconds from a standstill to 100km/h, you're better off leaving the car to its own devices.
The 480 litres of boot space will haul your bags with ease
Take me home where I belong
With a design that's more revolutionary rather than evolutionary and its cabin classy rather than cool, the Lexus LS350 is still very much an uber luxury Japanese car.
The new flagship model is not just about performance, sharp handling or rich character, even if it should rightfully be. Instead, with this particular variant, unlike the LS500h and the turbo models that we have tested, it feels like a job that's downright honest and versatile - perhaps more so rather than just another ordinary transportation appliance.
Although the competition is catching up with the recently launched Audi A8 and the segment-leading BMW 7 Series still going strong, there is no doubt that the Lexus LS has what it takes to be the leader of the pack.
Like the rest of the LS models in its stable, the LS350 sits on top of the GA-L architectural platform that also underpins the mouth-watering Lexus LC Coupe. However, unlike the its siblings, the LS350 sports a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine that churns out 311bhp and 380Nm of torque.
While these figures are significantly lesser than the Lexus LS500 Turbo, it is by no means lacking.
Drive it a notch down around town and the LS350 doesn't disappoint. Putting power to the pavement via the rear wheels is a silky smooth shifting 10-speed automatic gearbox that never misses a beat. Paddle shifters are available, but with a respectable acceleration timing of of 6.5 seconds from a standstill to 100km/h, you're better off leaving the car to its own devices.
Take me home where I belong
With a design that's more revolutionary rather than evolutionary and its cabin classy rather than cool, the Lexus LS350 is still very much an uber luxury Japanese car.
The new flagship model is not just about performance, sharp handling or rich character, even if it should rightfully be. Instead, with this particular variant, unlike the LS500h and the turbo models that we have tested, it feels like a job that's downright honest and versatile - perhaps more so rather than just another ordinary transportation appliance.
Although the competition is catching up with the recently launched Audi A8 and the segment-leading BMW 7 Series still going strong, there is no doubt that the Lexus LS has what it takes to be the leader of the pack.
