2019 LS Hybrid: The Rolls-Royce of Lexus
By Yuan Chen × Vaughn Lowery
If you are in the market for an elegant yet bespoke type of vehicle, you definitely should consider the 2019 Lexus LS 500h. As of late, we decided to take this extremely luxurious sedan on a drive around the NYC metropolitan area to rendezvous with our east coast counterparts. Unlike the 2019 Audi A8L, 2019 BMW 740e or 2018 Mercedes-Benz S650, 2019 Lexus LS 500h is a vehicle which is filled with passion, performance and a boat load of technology.
Design
The design team was inspired by traditional Japanese design and culture for the 2019 Lexus LS 500h, offering meticulous craftsmanship with an array of appointments and newly pronounced spindle grille. Outside – the silhouette is sleek and athletic. Inside – the art wood herringbone, ambient lighting and hand pleated trim (reminiscent of origami) makes everyone who enters the cabin feel like Japanese royalty.
“I want those who see the grille to appreciate the design and to wonder at its creation. I want them to be amazed at first glance.”– Lexus Takumi craftsman Yasuhiro Nakashima
It’s astonishing how the company’s master craftspeople were able to fabricate their idea from a single piece of mesh (interlocking L-shaped pieces) into a reality. The complex process of its mouth started with the designer’s pen, and then a computer rendering took it further. But most importantly, the fine-tuning of the final production mold utilized Lexus Takumi craftsman Yasuhiro Nakashima’s highly trained hand. He helped it become more evocative and daring.
Technology
LS Hybrid is loaded with a vast amount of features which are comparable to many top luxury manufacturers such as Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Lexus Enform Remote, Rear-seat Touchscreen Controls, Satellite radio, WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth capability and Remote Touchpad. Additionally, if you enjoy concert hall sound while driving, upgrade to the Mark Levinson Quantum Logic audio system. With this immersive 2400-watt audio package, the LS 500h provides an unprecedented listening experience for every person in the vehicle. This can be attributed to their 16 channels, 23-speaker injected surround system (four in the ceiling speakers and the largest subwoofer the manufacturer has ever used).
Performance
“The car hovers with both sophistication and poise unlike any other. One of the main reasons we fell back in love with Lexus” – Vaughn Lowery, 360 MAGAZINE
The LS 500 was built on the platform of the high-performance LC coupe, the LS 500 features Lexus’s first-ever twin-turbocharged engine. LS 500 has shared the same turbocharged V6 engine with the newest Audi A8L. However, LS 500h has 354hp with 257 lb-ft of torque (achieving 0 to 60 in just 5.1 secs in RWD or 5.2 secs in AWD). After six generations, the purveyors of this prestige hybrid sedan managed to maintain the industry’s leading benchmark in its class. It’s the first multi-stage hybrid luxury sedan and, contains the instinctive feel of a 10-speed automatic transmission, the most responsive and fastest LS Hybrid with a potent 354 valve Atkinson-cycle gas engine alongside of compact dual electric motors. Their lightest and most compact self battery. If you select different drive modes (from ECO to sport) you can transform from a town car into a spunky 4 seat space ship which rockets into action. With a 22.2 gallon tank, this 3.5L 6cyl gas/electric EVT flagship gets up to 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway.
Safety
LS 500h comes with anti-lock brakes and AWD which aids the vehicle’s ability to turn while braking, effortlessly gripping/stopping on most road conditions/terrains. Also, this model comes well-equipped with airbags: front, knee, overhead and seat side impact for the driver and their co-pilot. Another safety feature worth mentioning are the seat belt pretensioners which automatically tighten straps when abruptly coming to a halt.
Have you ever been on a road trip with traffic and consistently worrying about the sudden stops of the front car? There are no more worries when it comes to 2019 Lexus LS 500h. This model contains features like drivers assist, lane departure assist, park assist and the 360 backup camera which will assist you the best while driving on the highway as well as backing up on tiny roads. While driving in Manhattan in bumper to bumper traffic with pedestrians on all sides, tons of sensors and alerts warned us as people/vehicles (within our blind spots) approached the vehicle. The aforementioned came in handy as this vehicle has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor.
Ergonomics/Additional Features
Best of all, the driver’s seat (28-way adjustable) has 7-massage options for both you and the passenger. This is important for driver’s fatigue on long drives and helps circulate the blood in the lower/upper extremities. Even more, the model also has powered operated privacy screens in the back to block out the sun. Moreover, this model allows you to raise higher and lower by the press of a button so that you can avoid unnecessary scraping while driving up steep driveways.
Not to mention, with the executive package the backseats automatically recline when passengers enter (with ottoman). The climate concierge allows for massage features along with heated/cooling, ventilated seats for added comfort. Most of which can be controlled with the rear seat controls. If this doesn’t make you feel like an emperor/empress, we don’t know what will.
In short, the 2019 Lexus LS 500h is a perfect match for someone whom likes to drive and to be driven – a high profile executive, celebrity and/or a member of an elite dynasty. At approximately $107,000, this vehicle will provoke a certain level of importance. Instead of driving to meetings, most likely meetings will be held inside of it. It’s quiet, smooth suspension as well as hospitable yet intuitive tech make it one of the best in it’s class.
View on Lexus Website here
