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Lexus reckoned that its fifth generation LS 'reimagined' what a large, luxury boardroom sector saloon should be. And it kind of did, in its own, unique, distinctive way.
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History
With this fifth generation version of its large luxury saloon, the LS, Lexus looked to showcase all it could be. For this final XF50 LS design, there was a non-Plug-in hybrid petrol 3.5-litre V6 beneath the bonnet and the option of AWD for those who wanted it. What wasn't changed was that opulence, refinement and sheer attention to detail still got top billing.
Back in 1989, the launch of the original XF10 version of this LS model redefined the luxury saloon segment, the engineers behind it tasked to create nothing less than 'the best luxury car in the world'. Few would argue that they succeeded. It seems rather ridiculous now to remember that back then, the European makers who ruled the flagship four-door market sector defined luxury as being as much about wood and leather as it was about ride and refinement. Thanks to this Japanese brand, cars of this kind were finally transformed from boardroom barges to the technological showcases buyers had a right to expect from their inflated price tags.
A MK2 XF20 LS model followed in 1994, a MK3 XF30 version in 2000 and a MK4 XF40 design in 2006. By 2017 and the launch of the MK5 XF50 version we look at here, the LS was still a technological showcase, but it wasn't the obvious segment choice that it had been for a brief period in the early Nineties until the European opposition caught up. The Lexus engineers worked on that through this century's second decade though, and the result was the fifth generation version we're going to look at here, a boardroom sector large saloon that claimed to break new ground in design, technology and performance, extending the boundaries of automotive luxury. That was quite a claim when rivals in this class were as accomplished as the Mercedes S-Class, the BMW 7 Series and the Audi A8.
Lexus knew that its contender would be a much more individual choice than competitors of this sort and created this car to suit that remit. Typical LS buyers didn't want the planet-polluting diesel engines that back in 2017 those rival models still prioritised. And they wanted like an interior that was more personal and engaging. So here, cutting-edge hybrid technology and unique Japanese Takumi craftsmanship aimed to provide just that. We were promised a more rewarding driving experience too, despite the fact that for the first time in an LS, there was no V8 option beneath the bonnet. This car did, after all, sit on the same sophisticated GA-L platform as the brand's highly-rated LC coupe. Like that car, it was quite arresting to look at too, the saloon styling featuring a more flowing, coupe-like vibe. Lots to look at then. In this very rare, very unique interpretation of what a modern large luxury saloon really ought to be. It sold in tiny numbers in the UK and was eventually taken off sale in 2025 and not replaced.
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What you get
It took five generations and over a quarter of a century of development for Lexus to come up with an LS that had what its German rivals boasted all along: its own visual identity. This one was a departure from its predecessors in its switch from a traditional three-box saloon silhouette to the kind of lower, more sweeping profile you'd expect from a four-door Grand Tourer.
A key change with this MK5 XF50 design - and one that Lexus ultimately regretted - was the brand's decision to not to offer the kind of lengthier wheelbase body style that in this period was available from every other main contender in the luxury large saloon segment. The company thought it wasn't needed because this fifth generation LS had a wheelbase already 35mm longer than the stretched version of the previous model.
This being a Lexus, the detailing is almost obsessively intricate, especially at the front where this XF50 design's interpretation of the marque's trademark spindle grille represents one of the most complex pieces of automotive sculpture you're likely to find.
Inside, there's an interior apparently inspired by 'Omotenashi', the Japanese art of hospitality. The attention to detail is obsessive, reflecting the fact that every LS was signed off by a small team of so-called 'Takumi' specialists. But it isn't just the fit and finish. It's also the opulence of the materials used. Like art-deco wood produced with the help of the people responsible for Yamaha pianos.
The stitched dashboard feels unique too, featuring a sweeping array of fixed, horizontal metal fins spanning its full width, neatly concealing the moveable fins that direct airflow from the air conditioning vents. If you can afford more and have the top 'Premier' model, a pricey optional 'Pleat' pack that original buyers could specify from new included a couple of extra finishing touches - delicate Kiriko glass inserts (a little 'Liberace' for our taste) and an equally unique leather pleated door card finish, created using the time-honoured skills of Origami paper folding.
There's more unusual design in the distinctive instrument binnacle. An 8-inch TFT screen springs into life with animated graphics at start-up and delivers a circular speedometer layout that changes in colour depending on the drive mode you select. As for the infotainment functions on the centre screen, well accessing these via the maddening provided touchpad is for us still better than having to stab away at a touchscreen, as you'd have to in a rival Jaguar XJ from this period. The big 12.3-inch centre-dash display you control via this pad deals with all the usual Navigation, radio, media, Bluetooth 'phone and climate functions.
And the rear? Well the 'Luxury'-spec models most will choose come with standard 18-way rear seat adjustment, while the 'Premier' variant has Shiatsu massage and 22-way adjustment that includes three pre-set seating positions, with all functions selectable via this multi-function touchscreen in the rear central armrest. Finally, let's consider the cargo area. There's just 430-litres of luggage capacity. You can't have split-folding rear seatbacks to extend the boot area either. Still, a couple of sets of golf clubs will of course easily fit. Most owners will be content with that.
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What to look for
This is a pretty bullet-proof luxury limo - but there are still things to look for. The best-known issue is timing chain stretch, an issue with higher-mileage models (producing a noticeable rattle during cold starts). We've also heard of oil leaks from the twin turbo V6. An jerky downshifts from the auto 'box when coming to a complete stop (solved by an ECM/PCM software update from a dealer). Nearly all versions of this LS had air suspension and we have heard of leaks and valve misfunctions from this system. If the car sits noticeably lower to one side, it's an indication of this issue. Thorough check the infotainment system; it was know to suffer from freezing and glitches. Several sensor and electrical-based recalls were issued over the XF50 production run, including issues with the water pump which can cause the Hybrid engine to stall. Inspect the expensive big wheels for scrapes and scratches. Obviously insist on a full service record.
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Replacement parts
(approx prices based on a 2019 LS - ex Vat) Lexus parts aren't that much cheaper than those you'd get from the premium German marques, so don't expect big bargains here. You'll need around £350 for a front brake pad set. A brake disc will cost you in the £45-£120, depending on brand. A front wiper blade set is in the £35-£60 bracket. An air filter is in the £15-£35 bracket. And you'll need between £340-£395 for a 12V auxiliary battery. Oil filters start from around £7, while major components like adaptive air struts can cost you over £1,500.
On The Road
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On the road
The original XF10-era Lexus LS was the quietest car in the world at launch and the Japanese engineers reckoned that this fifth generation version continued that tradition. It was helped towards that goal by the brand's decision to insist that all versions of this car for our market should be of the LS 500h petrol/electric hybrid variety. The engine in question is a 3.5-litre V6 which develops a 354bhp total output. This is made possible by the way the relatively feeble normally aspirated unit gets a welcome 177bhp boost from its associated electric motor, which in turn is powered by an 84-cell lithium-ion battery. It's not a recipe likely to give you much pulling power - nor does it: there's about half the torque you'd get from a rival diesel.
To be fair, Lexus did improve things in this regard thanks to clever 'Multi Stage' hybrid technology that amplifies engine response and delivers up to 10 'virtual' gear ratios. But its engineers didn't here get around to adding in the Plug-in hybrid capability that rivals offered. Which is why the running cost figures are some way off what you'd get in, say, a competing BMW 740e or Audi A8 TFSIe PHEV from this period. Still, the readings are nothing to sniff at - 43.5mpg on the combined cycle and 147g/km of CO2 for the rear-driven variants: there's also an AWD option if you want it, which is standard on the flagship 'Premier' version. A driving modes system allows you to tailor the way you want to drive the car, adaptive damping was standard and if you avoid entry-level trim, air suspension features too. The ride's good but not perfect - comments which also apply to the autonomous driving tech fitted to the top variant. It was a car that made its segment a more interesting place.
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Overall
The long-running LS model line came to a combustion end with this fifth generation XF50 version. It has what so many of its large boardroom-level luxury saloon rivals from this period rivals lack; a really distinct identity. Something different in concept and execution to what's on offer from the European premium brands the Lexus marque never quite conquered with LS models. Objectively, we'd have to tell you that those competing manufacturers make better cars in this segment from this era. Subjectively though, we can't help really rather liking this one.
If heart can rule head, then this MK5-era LS has a chance to surprise, engross and spoil you. If you let it. We'd be very tempted to.
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