2019 Lexus LS F Sport
2019 Lexus LS 500 F Sport in “Liquid Platinum” silver

Quick Spin

2019 Lexus LS 500 F Sport AWD

Class: Premium Large Car

Miles driven: 699

Fuel used: 35.3 gallons

CG Report Card
Room and ComfortB-
Power and PerformanceB+
Fit and FinishA
Fuel EconomyB-
ValueB-
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup.
Big & Tall Comfort
Big GuyB
Tall GuyB
Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs416-hp 3.5-liter
Engine Type Turbocharged V6
Transmission 10-speed automatic
Drive WheelsAWD

Real-world fuel economy: 19.8 mpg

Driving mix: 35% city, 65% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 18/27/21 (city/highway combined)

Fuel type: Premium Gas

Base price: $84,420 (not including $1025 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: Head-Up Display ($1220), Mark Levinson audio system ($1940)

Price as tested: $88,605

 

Quick Hits

The great: Sumptuous, high-quality interior; good selection of comfort and convenience features

The good: Dramatic styling inside and out; capable handling for a large car

The not so good: Some infotainment controls are tricky to use; occupant space isn’t outstanding for a flagship large car; ride quality isn’t as comfy as most class rivals

More LS price and availability information

 

CG Says:

And so we find ourselves at the top of the heap at last—at least as far as the Lexus LS 500 is concerned.

2019 Lexus LS 500 F Sport
LS 500 F Sports get a few unique exterior styling elements, sportier exterior trim, upgraded front and rear disc brakes, and special F Sport-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS).

Consumer Guide has now tested three types of this premium-large-car entry since its 2018 redesign, and the latest—the F Sport with all-wheel drive—happens to be the most expensive one in the lineup. The 2019 model has a starting price of $85,545 including delivery. It buys a few chassis enhancements and specific interior touches that impart a sportier attitude than you‘ll find on the base LS 500 or 500h hybrid, both of which CG editors drove during the ’18 model year. (One thing that all three test cars had in common is all-wheel drive, which adds $3220 to the sticker price compared to their rear-wheel-drive companions.)

Test Drive: 2018 Lexus LS 500h

2019 Lexus LS 500 F Sport , Cabin
In terms of both design and execution, the LS 500’s interior is a standout. Our testers weren’t fans of the console-mounted touchpad infotainment control, however.

As expected for the second year of a new design, changes are few. All LS 500s add standard Apple CarPlay connectivity and Amazon Alexa functionality, which addresses one of CG’s complaints about the first-year cars. (Android smartphone users are still out of luck, however.) Expanded safety features are daytime bicyclist and low-light pedestrian detection; Road Sign Assist that reads stop, speed limit, and yield signs and displays them on a screen; and Lane Trace Assist, a lane-keeping aid that can trace the path of a vehicle ahead rather than solely relying on road markings for guidance.

Quick Spin: 2018 Lexus LS 500

2019 Lexus LS 500 F Sport , Engine
The F Sport doesn’t get any extra horsepower under the hood compared to other LS 500s, but the 416-hp twin-turbo V6 should supply more than enough go for most shoppers. F Sports do get a unique grille mesh insert.

The F Sport’s functional differences over the base LS 500 amount to larger ventilated brake discs with 6-piston calipers in front and 4-piston grips in back, sport tuning for the adaptive suspension, and Dark Graphite-finish 20-inch alloy wheels with all-season 245/45RF tires in front and 275/40RF rubber in back. Drivers view sliding instrument displays inspired by the erstwhile Lexus LFA sports car. For appearance and ambience, perforated leather adorns the interior, including the 28-way power adjustable front seats, heated F Sport steering wheel, and shifter knob. The headliner is done in Ultrasuede, and aluminum accent trim is found about the cabin and on the pedal faces. External signifiers are a mesh grille insert and lower-body aerodynamic enhancements.

Test Drive: 2019 Audi A8L

2019 Lexus LS 500 F Sport , Wheels
The F Sport adds 20-inch split five-spoke alloy wheels in a Dark Graphite finish in place of the standard 19-inch alloys.

For a rundown of other standard equipment, options, and accommodations, allow us to recommend CG’s LS 500 and LS 500h reviews. In general, heading into the F Sport test our consensus view of the LS was a car with a smooth, quiet ride; quality cabin materials; and ample rear legroom—albeit just for two adult passengers due to a substantial driveline tunnel. However, we had our doubts about the 10-speed automatic transmission’s willingness to downshift, and overall performance of the 416-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 used by all non-hybrid models.

After driving the F Sport, most of those judgements still apply. However, our assessment of the ride wasn’t as good. One editor who drove from Chicago to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, and back found that even in “Comfort” mode it was subject to abrupt impacts and annoying suspension reverberations instead of quickly leveling out. Another staffer felt the rear end kick sideways over a bump on the city expressway he drives daily, a surprise considering other test vehicles weren’t affected the same way.

The V6 is more powerful than the previous-generation LS’s V8. But power isn’t everything. While some of us feel the engine is capable of responsive acceleration, especially with the “Sport S” or “Sport S +” drive modes selected, others sense nonlinear power delivery—and miss the old V8. Fuel economy appears to be pretty sensitive to driving style. Our highway warrior whose distance run was 90 percent on open roads averaged a healthy 25.3 mpg, while the commuter with 55 percent city-type driving notched just 16.1 mpg.

Test Drive: 2018 BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance

2019 Lexus LS 500 F Sport , Taillights
LED taillights and a power open/close trunk are standard on all LS 500 models.

At least we’re consistent in being no big fans of the LS 500’s central control of infotainment-system management. A console touchpad requires sweeps and taps through various menus and control points. It’s harder than it sounds when trying to drive at the same time, and it’s very easy to inadvertently change things with an unintended brush of the touchpad while reaching for the shifter or armrest. At least auto audiophiles still get a CD player, even with the optional Mark Levinson premium audio system.

Money isn’t everything, it’s long been said. With the Lexus LS 500, you don’t have to spend the most money to get the things that work best about it, and shelling out doesn’t guarantee that you get a car that is all-around better.

Test Drive: 2018 Cadillac XTS V-Sport

Liquid Platinum, Lexus
Despite a few ergonomic quirks and a cabin that isn’t quite as spacious as some class rivals, the LS cuts a striking profile; the dramatic looks are undeniable, and the F Sport hardware brings a slightly crisper edge to the LS’s handling.

Future Collectibles: 2018 Lexus LC 500

Lexus LS 500 F Sport

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