WHAT'S NEW: 2022 LEXUS LS 500
10/30/2021
Lexus
As the iconic sedan that has set the tone for all other luxury automakers, the Lexus LS is positioned by Brand Holder and Master Driver Akio Toyoda as, "a model that gives rise to transformation through the spirit of constant innovation and by providing new technologies and value for the times." For 2022, the flagship Lexus LS 500 continues this trend with additional in-cabin refinement and the addition of standard Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 on all models.
The 2022 LS 500 will have an MSRP of $76,000 and is expected to arrive in dealerships in late 2021.
Enhancing the Drive
The LS's fundamental dynamic character, as defined by the Lexus GA-L platform, makes it the brand's most capable sedan flagship to date. Subtle tuning of its control surfaces, the steering and the braking controls help give it more control, poise and help elevate driver confidence.
The key refinements on the latest LS include evolving the tuning of the suspension and chassis to help achieve a smoother, more comfortable ride without sacrificing any of the current model's dynamic character. Several subtle, key underpinning modifications were made to enhance ride comfort. To this end, the suspension features revised spring and damper rates for improved damping performance. To better control vehicle body roll in turns, the diameters of the front and rear anti-roll bars have been optimized.
For added suppleness and enhanced handling stability, the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) employs revised linear solenoids and control valves designed to provide low damping force via their enlarged internal flow path. In addition, the operation of the LS's available ride-height-adjustable air suspension function that helps facilitate ingress and egress has been enhanced.
Impressive Powerplants
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 enhance 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(R) limited-slip center differential to further enhance grip, traction and cornering stability. The torque distribution can vary from 31% front / 69% rear on dry roads to as much as 48% front / 52% rear on slick surfaces.
Next-Level Interior
For 2022, a new Haku interior ornamentation option is available as an option on models equipped with the Luxury or Executive Packages. The creation of Haku foil is a Japanese technique that has been passed down over 400 years. It is made by meticulously flattening a piece of metal until it becomes as thin as one ten-thousandths of a millimeter. The Haku foil is so extremely thin that it must be applied by hand with exquisite craftsmanship, achieving a delicate shine reminiscent of moonlight reflecting over ocean waves.
On Executive models, the available Kiriko Glass ornamentation and available hand-folded pleats on the door trim perfectly illustrate the brand's "innovative elegance through Japanese craftsmanship" and exemplify a true handcrafted approach. The striking cut glass ornamentation - a world first in a production vehicle - draws inspiration from Japanese Kiriko glassware. Traditional Kiriko patterns are created using a technique that involves hand-cutting clear colors and delicate lines in a piece of glass, which are then repeatedly polished to a soft glow.
For 2022, the Mark Levinson(R) 23-speaker, 2,400-watt Quantum Logic(R) Immersion Reference Surround Sound Audio System is now available on base LS models, while the standard 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen provides additional control options for both driver and passenger. All LS models come standard with Apple CarPlay(R) compatibility that allows guests to access the same familiar interface of their iPhone(R) through the LS's 12.3-inch touchscreen display. It also features Android Auto(TM) 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.
Integrated into the LS 500's cabin is the next-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI). In addition to the 12.3-inch-wide touchscreen and navigation display, the LS can incorporate an optional 24-inch color heads-up display (HUD) that projects a variety of information onto the driver's forward view. Dynamic Navigation, included as a three-year trial on all LS models, offers three key enhanced features that include Dynamic Map that features cloud-based map updates, Dynamic Routes that offer alternate routes based on the conditions ahead and Dynamic POI Search that automatically sorts Points of Interest results based on relevance. The digital rearview mirror features a larger high-resolution display for improved visibility of the area behind the vehicle.
While the LS is an exceptional driver's car, Lexus has optimized it as a car to be driven in, lavishing considerable attention to the rear seat. There are options for both heating and massage in addition to the Executive Package, which adds a passenger-side seat that can be reclined up to 48 degrees, an angle chosen for its precise level of comfort.
Because this generation LS is lower than previous versions, Lexus equipped the available air suspension with an access function. Activated by unlocking the car with the smart key, access mode automatically raises the vehicle to make it easier to step into or get out of the LS.
Looking the Part
The LS offers a host of interior creature comforts for driver and passengers alike, and yet the careful attention to exterior detail ensures the LS is majestic at a standstill or while in motion. The front of the LS is adorned with an updated front bumper that features a redesigned front fascia, while the lower radiator air intakes are squared to express a sturdy stance. The color of the spindle grill has been changed to a dark metallic for a more elegant appearance befitting a flagship product. New three-projector LED headlamps feature a vertically stacked layout. The deep headlamps and squarish sub-radiator grilles positioned to the outside help to form the confident nature of the vehicle's stance.
The 2022 LS 500 will be offered with nine exterior colors options depending on grade: Ultra White*, Eminent White Pearl*, Atomic Silver, Manganese Luster**, Iridium*, Obsidian, Caviar, Matador Red Mica and Nightfall Mica.
*Available for an additional $500 charge
*Available for an additional $595 charge
F SPORT Package
In the F SPORT version of the LS, the garnish of the sub-radiator grilles wraps around to the sides 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 allow 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.
Advanced Safety Features and Driver Support
For 2022, all LS 500 models will come standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which brings a suite of key active safety features to the vehicle. For starters, the Pre-Collision System (PCS), which includes Frontal Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection, features an enhancement to the lens camera and millimeter-wave radar elements to expand the response range. At intersections, the system has the capability under certain conditions to recognize an oncoming vehicle when performing a left-hand turn, or a pedestrian when performing left and right-hand turns, and is designed to activate typical PCS functions if needed.
All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) can be activated above 30 mph and is designed to perform vehicle-to-vehicle distance controls down to 0 mph and can resume from a stop. DRCC also includes a feature that allows for smooth overtaking of slower vehicles. If traveling behind a vehicle going slower than the preset speed, once the driver engages the turn signal, the system will provide an initial increase in acceleration in preparation for changing lanes, and, after the driver changes lanes, the vehicle will continue acceleration until it reaches the original preset driving speed.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA) is designed to help notify the driver if it senses an inadvertent lane departure at speeds above 32 miles per hour via steering wheel vibrations or audible alert. It can also take slight corrective measures to help keep the driver within the visibly marked lane. When DRCC is set and engaged, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) is designed to provide slight steering force to help steer to the center of the lane to assist the driver with staying in the lane using visible lane markers or a preceding vehicle. LTA alerts the driver with a visual warning and either an audible alert or steering wheel vibration.
Additional Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 features include Intelligent High Beams, which detects preceding or oncoming vehicles and automatically switches between high beam and low beam headlights. Road Sign Assist (RSA) is designed to acquire certain road sign information using a camera and navigation maps when data is available and displays them on the multi-information display (MID).
Lexus Safety System+ A encompasses an expanded response range of the Pre-Collision System (PCS). It includes Front Lateral Side PCS, which employs a lateral side radar designed to detect vehicles approaching diagonally in front of the Lexus. If the system determines a collision may occur, it warns the driver to perform evasive maneuvers. Additionally, Brake Assist is applied if the system determines there is a high probability for a collision, helping the driver avoid a collision or mitigate the impact force to occupants and the vehicle. Front Cross-Traffic Alert (FCTA) is designed to, under certain circumstances, warn the driver of vehicles or bicycles approaching from the left or right at intersections.
Lane Change Assist is added to Lane Tracing Assist. Lane Change Assist allows the vehicle to perform a driver-triggered and monitored lane change using the front camera, millimeter wave radar, front side radar sensor and Blind Spot Monitor sensor when Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist are in use. Lane Change Assist uses driver activation of the turning signal as a cue to engage, supports lane changes by monitoring the surrounding road environment and, at the appropriate timing, controls steering as well as acceleration and deceleration.
Lexus Enform for Safety and Convenience
Lexus Enform Safety Connect comes with a three-year trial with access to Lexus Enform response centers 24/7/365. With Lexus Enform Service Connect trial, the vehicle can send alerts for specific factory recommended maintenance, simultaneously alerting a preferred Lexus dealer. The Lexus App can be used to set push-reminders and alerts for maintenance and service issues. Lexus Enform Remote (three-year trial subscription included) mobile app lets you lock and unlock doors, start the engine and climate controls, check the fuel level and more all through your smartphone, smartwatch or Amazon Alexa-enabled devices at home.