Lexus LS 500 One Year Later... 

I have a 2021 LS 500. I honestly say I am proud to drive it. It’s truly a gem

I have a 2018 with 20K miles. No issues. Love this car!

That interior. Just art 🔥

Aussie here. I’ve owned my LS500h for 4 years. It replaced a LS600hL that I owned for 5 years. The 500 looks great, drives really well and has enough tech for me. But the 600’s power train (5 litre V8) was way better. It was smooth, responsive and fast. The 500 is fast too, but way too noisy and the V6 is raspy with too much vibration for an LS. I think Lexus needs to go back to the V8 or switch over to a full electric for any future LS’

Absolutely beautiful car, inside and out.

I was considering to upgrade my 2019 ES300h UL that I bought brand new 2 years ago (put around 63K km) to a slightly used LS. I've had 0 problem so far with the ES except for some rattling noises on the passenger side (barely noticeable and got used to it that I don't notice it anymore) and the car is smooth as butter (plenty of power for everyday driving with the hybrid powertrain). You have made some great points in this video and I will definitely wait for the newer LS models

Thanks for the to the point review. I am currently driving a 2015 GS AWD that I like very much . But the LS has always been a dream car.

Great perspective from an owner! I like it.

This dashboard and screen look so much better than the facelifted version with the screen popping out of the dash..

had it since 2018 still love this car

I have a 2021 LS 500 a few hundred miles on it. Love this car

I also have a 2021 LS 500 and love it. I've had 5 LS's over the years but this is by far my favorite. I thought I would be disappointed by the V6 twin turbo, but the power and smooth pickup is such a pleasure to drive and there is nothing disappointing about it. I definitely think the body style is the best looking style the LS has ever had.

this car is just so elegantly agressive ,i cant really discribe it.You had a few issues wich is to be expected in such complex car but i believe you just got unlucky with this car , anyways glad to hear that the so famous Lexus customer service was there for you

Have the 2020 LS500 F Sport in atomic silver, 2 wheel drive. So quick, so smooth, and so competent and tight in the twisties!!! Longer wheel base, but much faster and much better handling than my ‘08 LS 460, which I dearly loved btw. Lexus has evolved and I’m grateful!

Hey there. Love your channel. I'm honestly surprised that you had any issues at all with your Lexus. So far we have owned a 2008 ES350, 2013 Rx350, 2020 Camry, 2021 Rav4 and a 2021 Venza and the only repairs we've ever had to make on a toyota/lexus product was a water pump, a rubber boot and a headlight which all occured on the ES after 100,000 miles or so. It's interesting to hear you mention the memory seat function not working on the passenger side. When we picked up our new Toyota Venza Limited we thought the seat memory didn't work at first but there is a calibration procedure that you need to perform first. You have to move the seat as far as it will go in each direction before the memory option will work. Kind of weird but it very well may be the same on your car. Thanks for the videos and for keeping it real!

excellent review

Beautiful car, the new LS is definitely my dream car after the LC500. I have a glacier frost mica 2006 Lexus IS 350 with the top luxury package from that year and it's held up great to this day. 160K KM strong and nothing but basic maintenance.

Thanks for the update. I am trading in my Tesla Model 3 tomorrow for a ‘21 LS500. I will miss autopilot, but plan on keeping this ‘21 until the new LS500 model comes out. Hopefully with the new UI and all the bugs worked out of Teammate. I spoke with a friend today who has both a Lexus ES and a Model S and asked if I was doing the right thing switching from Tesla. He said he wouldn’t buy another Tesla just for inconvenience on road trips. Unfortunately, I have found a few places I need to travel for my business that I can’t take the Tesla because of lack of chargers. I will miss the crazy acceleration, but the massaging seats and air suspension should help soothe that loss :)

Nice to see an LS update. Glad to hear the coolant & smoke is nothing major - trim pieces being loose and air bladder sounds aren't really huge issues since dislodged foam and expanding/contracting plastic pieces in trim can cause an occasional squeak & rattle which disappears as temperatures change. So what you're saying is the upcoming NX 450h+ PHEV could be in the cards then?

Going to buy one

I just bought a LS500 2020 inspiration series Black on Black with 30k Miles - it has Executive Package and for 53k$$ I could have bought a brand new ES but I think I made the right decision :)

I bought a Lexus LS 430 new, 2004. It remains a great car. I would like to replace it with a new LS, but the new cars do not feel as quiet and solid as the LS 430. However, the modern electronics are amazing and the primary reason I want to upgrade.

Beautiful car !

I have to still love

I don't "impulsively" buy anything but did look at the then new LS500 just before the pandemic. I was puzzled by the complexity of the then new to me drive train tech. I didn't find the exterior styling at all appealing, though something of an improvement over the LS460. Though I didn't find the seats uncomfortable, I thought the glitzy, complex interior styling was horrible and some of the switches poorly placed. I was happy to leave the dealership and return to my '98 LS400. It may be old now but its lines and interior are pleasing to the eye and it remains a joy to own and to drive. Everything works and it hasn't been to a dealership since shortly after purchase. In my view, concerning the LS series, Lexus has lost its way.

dream car

Would love to own one.

@InternetDude -- Thanks for the update.

Just started considering buying one; I'm looking into repair costs and frequency. I figured the money for a new Crown Platinum I could get a used LS500.

I own LS 500h, 2018. I’ve made 3000km so far. Too early to say something, but I like it.

I had es350 since 2014 it was fantastic never had problems. Now I’m interested ls500. I had bmw n Audi they give lots hard time. Lexus IS the best.

A dream car. I’d love the 22 hybrid with self driving.

I m getting the last body style 2017... bulletproof..

I am nowhere near being able to afford one of these but they have always fascinated me

Love my 2018......

My 2013 Lexus LS600hl has 130.000 miles and zero problems.

I have a 2018 hybrid version with 27k miles. Bought it used. Had to get the HUD replaced due to blurriness still under warranty. Feels not as floaty as my old 2010 LS 470 maybe due to run flat tires? There’s a bit of small parts rattling around when the rear center console is down with no one sitting in the back. It has luxury package with the screen on the center console so it’s quite heavy. Also some heat is noticeable on the bottom side of the rear center console when the screens been on. No big deal just minor complaints. Overall love the car so far.

I hate the delay from the start. Like 1 second after hitting the gas to it starting to move.

I would love to purchase this car if I can afford it !

Questions; About the massage seats, Do u use it often? how many times per week & how does the air bladders work? does it squeeze both side with vibration motors or just air bladders? How is wind noise on highway? Are you looking to add any accessories in the future to the LS? Thanks for making the video and answer our questions. Look forward to your future videos, keep up the hard work! Cheers!

Bought my wife a 2020 Corolla HB back in Dec 2019. We've had the exact same coolant experiences as you (well, aside from white smoke) and I am certain it's just the complexity of modern cooling systems, even a lowly car like a Corolla has electric water pump. I had a 2016 GTI that did the exact same thing, so I'm pretty sure these cars are OK. Currently driving a Q60, have put 53K miles on it, never needed anything fixed outside of damage from external stuff. A bit shocked at the issues so far on your LS500, but it is a very very complex machine! Watched your vids because I am thinking of getting the new Tundra that has the same engine as your car. From your opinion, if the LS500 engine is in a 5500 pound full size truck, do you think it'll feel powerful enough? Or would you be skeptical of this engine in something so big and heavy?

I love the idea of a big luxury sedan, I own a 2018 genesis G90. But for the money of a new LS500 I would be looking at a new fully loaded Audi A6 Allroad. I’ve never driven one but from what I’ve heard the ride is incredibly luxurious. Plus the practicality of the hatchback makes it a win over the Lexus in my opinion.

Drop in coolant levels and white smoke is scary. I have a 2008 Gs350 with over 350,000km and I've been itching to get the LS, but this review scares me - maybe I should look for the last gen with V8s. Once I buy a car I drive it to the ground, so need something as comfortable as ever.

I have the weird coolant level thing in my GS 350 too. Doesn't seem to be any problem though

Wow that’s a lot of issues surprisingly. My 2018 lc500 also had some weird glitches with the infotainment. Dealership was super helpful though

I have a super clean 2001 S500 sedan (2nd owner) with very low miles; it's lovely and does about 25 mpg on the freeway but around town it's not great. I've thought about the LS500 as a replacement in a few years (although as an empty-nester I may go with the LC500 instead). These cars seem to be far less costly to operate than their MB counterparts. $99 for the "small" service? Unbelievable!

Hi, I have hybrid version of ls500. It is more efficient however, I did not like the lagging. I will never buy a hybrid. may be this is because I am younger (33 yo as of 2021) and like more fast.Your car looks so elegant btw.

Hello. Thanks for pointing out the maintenance. I am planning on trading my Tesla S for LS500 for a few reasons. I have been very happy with the Model S for the following reasons, handling, looks, reliability, cargo room especially with rear seats folded i even haul wood for minor woodwork. I am however not very please with comfort of the car. The car is not uncomfortable but i would prefer better seat comfort especially for back seats. I get about 265 miles range but for long distance riding especially out of states i use my MDX. ModelS is holding its resale value really well. And i can sell the car today for almost what a paid for 3 years ago. If i were to switch to an internal combustion engine, LS500 would probably be my only choice as reliability is very important to me and I would like to keep my cars for at least 6-8!years. The only thing i have done for the model s is change tires. Breaks are usually good for 100k miles due to regenerative breaking and the motor has no maintenance. With the arrival time of EVs with better range i am not sure if my car would be worth a lot in the future.

I ordered my LS 500 with everything I wanted.This was our fifth Lexus and the only one that we have had problems… both seats have been replaced because of the bladder on the massage…. The fuel pump was put in improperly which affected the gas gauge which meant I had to take it back.to fix that.I just had them ( lexus) just did a software update service for phone & WIFI total miles 20,969 have gotten 27 miles to a gallon. Would I spend another $100,000 + not on a first year change .The closes Lexus dealership is a four hour 200 mile around trip

Going to replace our 2006 RX400h with a RAV4 Prime by next march. Sad that Lexus is waiting way too long with Plug Ins, while Toyota seems confident enough to finally switch over to full EV with the bZ Series...

hybrid model is even more complex... I hope not CVT... I am looking at one of the older models LS460.... Found one and the only messy things I know about those is the suspension and breaking system will trash themselves over time. Other than that the V8s are very much reliable but expensive as an overall car to fix without warranty so buying a warranty from a company third party may be a must for those who are salary but not 6 figures and hourly but not on the clock all the time.

Any news about the next gen LS When it’s going to be launched ?

it is one of my favorite cars do u still have this?!?

what drove you to buy an LS to begin with ? I mean vs an S class ? thank you and hello from Miami , FL

VW/Audi turbo engines do the exact same thing. Mercedes engines too. Coolant likes to disappear without a trace of a leak, and no signs of a blown head gasket.

The LS 430 was the peak of the LS line - possibly the finest luxury car to be found, still today. Things seemed to slide downhill for the LS's since, & this LS 500 has too much complexity & too much that can go wrong.

I have one question which is that why didn't you buy the hybrid version as you mostly do city driving and that one is also quieter?

I’m looking for a 2018 LS500. Not having Bluetooth connectivity with my iPhone might be a deal breaker. All the descriptions say the 2018 has Bluetooth so I’m wondering why your 2021 doesn’t. Can you explain more as to why you needed an adapter?

My next purchase

on Rav4 PRIME: it's not like you "burn a little gas" on the highway, and scoot on electricity in town. The highway gas milage of plugin hybrid is _worse_ than the regular gasoline variant. You are logging around a bigger battery + a gas-burning engine... that extra weight will hurt your MPG.

Yes and only YES for lexus LS430 2006

20mpg with twin turbo is fuel efficient. I had 1 turbo tuned sti and was getting 18 to 19mpg.

Could you please comment on the road noise while driving on 120 km/h does it block the noise?

What the heck is a kilomater ? hahaha Beautiful car - Im putting my money on you getting a hybrid in 6 to 12 months :)

You don't buy a LS 500 for fuel economy. It's a luxury car. If you can't afford the fuel, then you can't afford the car.

I have. 2022 LS500 Luxury version. I had a LS460. I am a Lexus Lover for sure. But I have to honestly tell you, I may not go back and buy a LS500 again. I bought my new one in December 2022 spending $104K with all options available. I am shocked to realize in May 2023, the resale value is $79500! Horrible. I never had such a steep depreciation with any of my Lexus. Also I hate the dip chrome wheels that can’t be repaired if you get a curb scratch. LS500 is a great car but the cons keep me stay away from this version in future. I am ready to trade in the LS500 for soon coming LX700H. 6:10

Prices on used Ls500 are really going down. I believe that in the next year they should go even lower.

Was the Lexus LS 500 your daily driving car, or was it the Toyota Yaris that you had?

My mom has a 2021 Lexus LS500 F-Sport which she picked up in November and since then everyone so often the car jerks from a start and we have no idea what the problem is, sometimes it’s worse than others. i should add it does happen both warm and cold, have u experienced this?

Did you consider the LS460? It seems to be a more luxurious ride from my experience.

I almost passed out when he said $90 oil change ! I pay $180 at the Lexus dealer in NYC on my ES350

I have an LS 500 I just got the engine rebuild turbos went they say I bleed a camshaft I was at 44000 miles

I’m always frustrated with how luxury cars are become sports cars. I don’t buy a luxury car for stiff suspension. Lexus is hardly the worst offender. Just look at the German brands. You have to basically buy a Maybach to get anything plush. Genesis is really the only luxury car brand left that understands that it’s about comfort, not handling or road feel. You don’t buy a luxury car so you can feel like you’re on the Indianapolis 500. You buy one because they comfortable, convenient and relaxing. I miss the velour interiors. Those were comfortable. A sports car with leather seats is not a luxury car,

What year is your car?

I didn't know that Rick Steves did auto reviews.

Bro 10k is awesome per year I do 30 -40 k per year on mine 😬

Looking at use 2020 LS 500 base car has 21,000 miles asking 52,000 it’s been at dealership long time just because price to high something wrong with car

It’s nice but literally less rear space than an ES350 and the ride isn’t much better

Houston?

I have a 2020 Lexus ES luxury that i absolutely love,Unfortunately for me my wife loves it as well that she takes my car and leaves me with her 2018 Lexus NX 300 F Sport.😄

I want one but can't find anyone that would buy it for me

You still own the 69 Swinger? Cheers God bless you all

If you bought this level car, you don’t have to worry about gas consumption.

As I’ve always said, you break it you buy it. You’ve already boughted it so it doesn’t apply in this case

why would you want to put your phone in your pocket when you drive ? That is so uncomfortable.

Honestly....No....I'd go back down to LS460....depends on the horse power

You must have plenty of easy money..buddy

Too much turbo lag for city driving.

You sound like a hybrid kind of guy

This is the worst Lexus in history with regards to reliability as consumer reports survey clearly shows. Lexus screwed up this gorgeous car massively.

Stick with your Lexus my friend because Mercedes, BMW and Audi, Jaguar don't have the reliablety built quality of the Lexus this is a fact, you would be foolish to look elsewhere unless you are going to buy a Rolls Royce.

This is why this thing is a big piece of krap.....

If you need a driver assistance, you should be driving! Gas is better, let’s wait on a silly changer!!🤯.

If u want to sell it tok to me!?

This oughta be Lexus's new slogan: Lexus.... for the upper old fart customers.

Very Borring Car🤢🤮 its a Very Expensive Toyota Camry, i have sell the Lexus and a Buy a Mercedes its much better

Lexus needs to go fully electric. Battery electric only. No hybrids. No hydrogen. Utterly pointless and not solution oriented.