2021 Lexus LS 500: The best car made that no one buys. 

A stunning vehicle in person. I love the fact that there aren't many on the road. Understated luxury.

Why does every car reviewer immediately jump in to a luxury sedan, drive it like a race car, then offer insight as to why it's not as good as they think it should be - as a race car? When I get into a luxury car, I want everything i touch, feel, and see to be the best. I want the audio to be perfect, and I do not want to hear anything from outside. Basically, for a review of a luxury car, I want you to be stuck in traffic for two hours, or go on a 6 hour road trip and when you are done, let me know how you feel. I could care less about "Sport +", traction control in turns, etc. IT IS A BIG LUXURY SEDAN.

The most underated car in history

I agree 100%, Lexus' attention to detail and the fit-and-finish are second to none. Nice review!

Three days ago, I took a brand new 2023 LS500 F-Sport for a test drive. I own a LS400. I am "The Target Demographic" for this car. I arrived ready to buy...cash! The driver position was excellent. The 10-speed transmission was invisible. The interior had the fake vinyl imitation leather, which was disappointing. The infotainment was identical to my RX, but without the mouse and with a touchscreen, something that is ok after you've set it up, but how many times have I had to "pull off of the freeway" to find something which caused a dangerous driving condition with the amount of driver focus required. My beloved CD player, which has been a part of this car since the LS400, is sadly deleted, R.I.P. But what was the "make-or-break feature" for pulling out my checkbook for a cash purchase? The test drive was down & back on the dealership's street...a beautiful, city street. "The Ride" consisted of a constant stream of tiny bumps in this non-bumpy city street. I repeated this complete route as soon as I got back into my own car, which felt ZERO small bumps in the road. This is a deal-breaker! Why? Why is the ride so bad after Lexus changed the suspension starting in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and today in 2023? How can so many changes result in such a bad result? Is this why Lexus sells about 200 LS500 cars/month in the US? That's a paltry 2,400 units/yr in the US. Why not fix the real problem: the runflat tires (extremely low profile tires with super, super thick sidewalls, which give no compliance). If you can not sell this car to me, as I am the target demographic, then who are you selling to??? Please, Lexus, listen.

I agree, very reliable, finesse, comfort, enough power, superior engineering (just love that), smooth ride (THAT is an understatement :)), amazing long distance car. Everything I care about

I've owned two LS models and currently have an LS430. Fantastic car. MB, BMW, and Audi make wonderful cars but there is a reason they depreciate so badly. The cost of ownership. Take care of an LS and it will pretty much run forever and won't break the bank.

I love my 2014 lexus LS460L with 53k mi. When I win the lottery I will get an LC 500 convertible. Love the v-8.

I too own an LS430 (to second Gary S. Cochrane). And Motoman, you really hit the nail on the head with your account of the 2020 LS interior. I sat in one at the dealership last year while having my 430 serviced, and to quote Ferris Beuller, "It is SO choice...If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up." Pictures don't do it justice. You can feel the quality and craftsmanship oosing out from everywhere the moment you plant yourself in the driver's seat.

This lexus is a stunningly beautiful car particularly in that red colour.

Love the LS. I love the S-Class too, but nowadays driving an S makes the driver look like a chauffeur! Thanks for the video Motoman!

Bought a 2019 LS500 AWD w/lux package with 28k miles and couldn’t be happier 🤤 Kids love it when I take them to school. My little executives.

Hi MotorMan, you should have also mentioned how the LS 500 would still be running like a new car when an S Class would be falling apart with mega service bills. All new cars are reliable when in warranty. The true test is when it's out of warranty and has done many miles. Love the show!

Love this car. There aren't many around, so when you see one it stands out.

I have owned a 1994 LS400, loved it! A 2005 LS430, really loved it! And now I own a 2010 LS460 and cannot think of any other car to own! The LS460 has the older style grill which I really like. I really hate the new LS500 from a style perspective. The grill is hideous looking but everything else is great. I am ready to upgrade but can't get pass the looks. So for now it's a eleven year old car for me.

Definitely one of the best car-brands out there!

LEXUS LS 👌🏻 IT´S BEST LUXURY SEDAN 😎👍🏻

The loss of the V8 would be easier to take if the engine was no longer in production. But to build the V8 only to deny it for the Lexus flagship - downright painful! When this current generation of the Lexus LS was announced with V6 power only, I could almost feel the excitement drain out of the room. Even today, that lack of powerplant choice still haunts the LS 500

Your comments regarding the back half of this LS is spot on.

A very under appreciated car, the peace of mind this thing provides makes the idea of owning a luxury sports car attractive to a person who can’t afford to have their car in the shop every 6 months.

this segment is tough... their customers are literally worth tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, so reliability is meaningless. they're all going to either lease a new one every 2-3 years, or theyll buy it and trade it in. the cost matters little. so they'll just buy a mercedes S class and call it a day. it's in the used market 10 years down the road that the two cars start to show their differences.

Definitely a superior luxury sedan no one buys. Own many a Ls400,Ls430,and a LS460. Amazing vehicles. Going to be buying a new LS500 soon. Can't wait. Also own a LX. A Amazing SUV that no buys.

Just love your reviews and point of view. I agree, they should continue with THIS. Absolutely stunning car. The suspension is a work of art. My wish will just be one thing ; V8. Thanks again, great video, as always

Work of Art inside and out! Great review as always! 👍

Cant wait til the LSF with 660hp comes out. LS is an amazing vehicle.

You’re a master at this car review thing. Keep it up Motoman!

Yesterday at a local carmeet I get to see this baby (2018 mode year awd version) in person and a quick drive at night. I love the ambiance and the styling of this car and the mark lev audio is the best ever put out so far with all the LS models.

The old headlights were so beautiful 🥰 I miss them 😢

I have an LS 460, but I wouldn't buy an LS 500. An LC 500, yes. Also, I'm not buying any car where the stupid fake engine noise can't be turned off, and turned off permanently. Why would you design a luxury car to have a quiet interior, and then pipe in noise? That makes no sense to me.

Love the technical aspect of your reviews.👍👍

There’s a big reason why most don’t buy.. the cost of a fully loaded LS500 RWD is about $98k and AWD is $100+k. Many people can find many other alternatives to buy when we’re talking cost north of $100k.

I believe that the '20 LS's headlights and dash looks better, great review.

After testing out all the big luxury sedans, for price to luxury ratio, Lexus has it hands down. On top of that, they are the most reliable. I had the choice of the LS or the S class mercedes, coming from an E63s, and I have to say, for the daily driver, I really enjoy the LS500. For a weekend roar will be the E63s

This is a tough one for me. I really love what Lexus does and my wife drives an RX. The problem is that the Japanese are almost conservative to a fault. The reliability is off the charts, but the competition from the Germans and even the Americans is just so much better that the engineers at Lexus really need to step it up. I know that the refresh of the IS was very well done overall especially with the IS500 F Sport Performance line. If they put a V8 back in the LS which I think they will and call it the F Sport Performance line, I think it will sell better.

The title is spot on unfortunately. Lexus is one of the most popular brands here, but the current LS didn't take off despite the love for previous LS generations. I can count on my hands how many current gen LS I saw since it came out a few years ago. The inferior CT6 & generic A8 are more common for some odd reason. Lexus even introduced a $25k cheaper LS350 (N/A 3.5 kicking 310hp) to no avail. Anyway I digress, I know I say it every time you get an LS on the shoe, but man oh man, I love the Kiriko Glass trim. Kudos to the design and materials teams on that one. Now if only we can get Seiko to do something similar for their Grand Seiko line. I agree regarding the interior, the new screen is not good. The exterior has grown on me a lot since it first came & I like the finish on the F-Sport wheels. As always, excellent work, M.

Makes me want to run to the dealership and have a look-see. Nice review.

Their interior game is top notch, I wish this design finesse trickled down more to Toyota interior design. *EDIT: That tacked on screen did ruin the wonderful first gen design of this interior.

The 2020 grill was MUCH BETTER LOOKING than the 2021. The vertical grill was stunning!

To be honest I was thinking while watching this.. your reviews are the best ones that most people won’t watch for some reason.. Don’t stop making them! Hello from Sri Lanka! 👍🏽👍🏽

Beautiful Fun, Fast n Reliable

Beauty !

That twin turbo engine needs to find its way into a smaller lexus product.

Honestly I’d say Lexus has had a good sense of identity since 2013 my LS460 looks completely different from the S550 or 750i from when it was new… now about the V8 thing I don’t think that should be a thing on the F-Sport.. simply put the F-sport line is a visual and handling upgrade not a power upgrade the only way you’d see a V8 in the LS500 is if the LS got a full blown F model which won’t happen all though it would definitely get attention and be an interesting entry to the enthusiast market

The LS is an exceptional vehicle. But I’m a V8 guy .

One day I will buy one if these in the used market. I was blown away on the quality and design when I sat in one. My family members are buying up LX570s like crazy and I just don't get it. They pay $100,000 for a truck with the interior quality of a $50,000 car. Even the land cruiser feels better built than the LX. They laugh when I say buy a LS.

I love Lexus and have had several. My current one is a 2015 LS460 AWD. I absolutely love the vehicle and since experiencing the AWD in it now. I would not go back to a 2WD. I was interested in the LS500 and thought about upgrading. I even had one as a loaner once. Not impressed. Like many have noted, the V6 killed it for me. In a vehicle like this, I need the smooth push of the V8. I think they really hurt this vehicle with the V6 and will not buy one again until there is a V8 option again. Maybe that won't happen. One other thing I wish Lexus would do in the LS is bring out a super powerful version. Like the options of Mercedes and BMW with their M series and AMG with that power. Put it in the F Sport. I hope they update the LS or I may have to go with another manufacturer,

The only Lexus line up that personally I prefer it without the f sport trim.

I can only encourage Lexus to keep up the good work. There's real integrity there. $98 grand, though ... ?

awesome video and take. I love my LS460 with the naturally aspirated V8. It's not too much technology and so forth for me the car is just about perfect. by the way EXCELLENT driving on those roads. that was awesome, just wish there was another camera to capture you on those roads. I will go ahead and give you a follow on facebook!

Quit complaining about price and buy a previously owned LS500. Lexus Certified warranty is better than a new car warranty. Save tens of thousands like I did. We love our 2020.

Nice car. Nice review.

Brilliant take on the best luxury vehicle in its class.

Mr Moto Man: you do a great job with these reviews....love your stuff and sense of humor.

He attention to detail is on another level that why I love lexus and I trust that brand

hey MotoMan just wait until you drive the 2022 Lexus IS500 Featuring 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque from its naturally aspirated 5.0L V8

The F trim really wakes up what's already a very sleek, exciting package. Nice cars, these!

It’s hardly the most luxurious car on the road, but the fact that it’s a luxury car made by Toyota with their reputation for reliability is the true allure of these cars. They’re certainly capable as luxury vehicles, but if you’re comparing this to German luxury or even a Bentley or Rolls, it’s not quite in that league. But again, if you’re sold on Asian imports and reliability is valued over comfort because you don’t have a bad back, they’re more than serviceable. I just wish some cars would go back to the plush velvet interiors from 30 years ago. Leather is so tired. Some people don’t want a sporty car with leather seats. They want actual luxury. Every luxury car now brags about its horsepower and its handling. That’s not what a luxury car is about. It’s about comfort, convenience and class.

Had a 2006 LS 430 for 10 years (loved it), and I've now had my 2018 LS 500 F Sport for 2 years, and the 500 blows the 430 off the map. It's not even close. Stop pining for the V-8. 290 HP vs 416 HP, and night and day my friends. BTW, the exhaust note on the 430 was nothing special either.

I can't wait to buy it in 5 years!

I wish the upcoming IS500 would come to Australia, and with a manual. Would have been my next car :(

Price unbeliaveable

Those that compares Acura to Lexus its like comparing a slice of pie to the whole pie, Lexus is on another level!

The pre-refresh headlights with the trapezoid projectors and the DRL with the multiple points made the car look so much more distinct. The new headlights look very generic and what I presume to be the cornering light looks weird and tacked onto the headlight as an afterthought.

I have a Lexus LS 500 I love it hat there aren’t many around. I rides like a dream 😴

Really good deals to be had on used ones.

I'd love to have a LS 500, maybe one day.

A very very good review.

The rear headroom is already not great. If they lowered the greenhouse they might need to do a bit of finagling.

Dammmmm Great Review ! As the owner of a very low mileage ‘08 LS460 L. I so strenuously agree with the presenters view that they mustn’t stop producing this car, for all the reasons so eloquently expressed! Great great presentation indeed !

I'm sure there's plenty of buyers out there

Lexus makes you tired of not being broken. BMW makes you learn something about cars because you’ll be at service centers most frequently!

I start to like Lexus a lot, fit and finish and design is amazing. I would consider Lexus over BMW, if only they would have options in Norway with normal gasoline engines. I say thanks but no thanks you to hybrids. I like sedans and i agree, hope they will keep making them 🙏🏼 i do not want an SUV

Very good review entwined with great perspectives and detail. Just by a stroke of luck I stumbled onto this channel while seeking a comparison the two cars as I noticed a difference in the 2021 front bumper intake which now has grill coverings flush rather than recessed , the latter being my preference . Another detail which you highlighted which I think might be one update too many is the infotainment screen, when I saw it in the 2021 car I was distracted by the touchscreen and yes it does look better recessed rather than just sitting there . I can't help but think Tesla influence has creeped into the design boardroom in that particular area only difference being at least the former is not the size of a dinner tray.

Don't silence your inner designer. That new screen is ghastly and does indeed look tacked on--a trait far too common in modern cars. The previous design of screen was SO much better, it was integrated into the flow of the dash as it should be. It was the first thing I thought upon seeing the photos last year.

the reason is right there, it looks exactly the same as the ES

This lexus will outlast any s class and 7 series.

Please comment on the difference in maintenance between the LS 500 and a bmw and Mercedes.

I want it to have a plug-in hybrid offering with a similar EV range as the X5 45e. I want it to have a RWD-biased AWD system, and I think it would be great if the LS had a fibreglass carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic body and chassis and body. As far as colours go, I think they need to give buyers more freedom to spec it how they want to. I love the colours on offer from Genesis.

Don't stop making sedans in favor of (overweight, poorer driving, uglier, less efficient...except maybe for interior space) SUVs". I added a few of my own words to your request, Motoman, but we are definitely on the same page!

F sport performance with v8 please

Average middle class can not afford a starting price of 100k and a convertible at 125k. That is way no one is buying. Beautiful car, needs to come down at a reasonable price.

I heard that it may get a twin turbo v8 sooo that’ll be really exciting

Correct me if I am wrong, but I see plenty of Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Lexus, Toyota, Volkswagen, BMW, Nissan, Volvo, Mazda, BMW, Audi, and even Chevy, Buick, and Cadillac vehicles being reviewed on this channel, but I never see any Honda or Acura vehicles. Any particular reason why?

Is there a chance for Maserati Quattroporte review? :)

I never see these in Houston. When I do it just looks so big

You can’t beat a Lexus. It has everything one could want and will still be on the road in 10 years while their German rivals will be spending most of their time in the repair shops. Just a fact.

I’m getting the 2022 in burgundy!!!

To switch all safety systems off: Go to Fuse Box, and pull ABS and Traction Control fuses.

Nice Car I Love Lexus

Thats what I felt too about the rear of this lexus. I was like front is good but after B pillar it kinda doesn’t match the front of it.

This whole class of cars has become a chauffeur car...so much space and luxury in the rear seat. For a driver, the class lower than this is the one to go to (like Lexus GS, MB E class, BMW 5 series....)

Best ever!!! Can’t wait until I get mine!!

Totally agree on the screen critique. That new design is very un-Lexus. These remain great cars although twin turbo engine as opposed to NA v8 is unfortunate.

Beautiful car. Can’t wait to pick one up in 5-10 years when it depreciates 😎

Instead of lowering the back end (which would hurt interior room), I would rather make the tail longer

My 2009 LS makes 385 HP and I only use 20-30% of it in my daily drives. 30 more HP is no big deal

They should make the executive package avaible with this and swap the v6 for the v8

I wish Lexus would make a LS 4 door convertible. This would be the ultimate cruiser!

much prefer the headlights on the 2020

Beautiful car!!!