2021 Lexus LS pricing and specs detailed: Minor tweaks for the Japanese Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series rival

Lexus Australia has increased the pricing of its LS luxury limo for 2021, but also added a few minor tweaks to keep it fresh against competition like the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Now priced at $195,953 before on-road costs for the F Sport grades of the LS500 and LS500h, Lexus’ latest large sedan is $1817 and $1565 more expensive than last reported.

The top-spec Sports Luxury variants however, are now just slightly more expensive at $201,078 for the LS500 (+$1442) and LS500h (+$1190).

As before, the LS500 is powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6, outputting 310kW and paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the LS500h is underpinned by a 3.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid with 264kW on tap and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Improvements to the LS500 for 2021 include reduced engine noise and less weight and a reworked suspension set-up for improved comfort.

The 2021 LS500h meanwhile, scores extra assistance from its battery system for smoother acceleration and quieter operation.

As previously detailed, the facelifted Lexus LS scores adaptive LED headlights, a redesigned front bumper and piano-black inserts for the tail-lights, but Australian-spec cars will miss out on the front fender vents used for some autonomous driving functions as seen on Japanese cars.

Inside, the LS is fitted with a dashboard-integrated 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen that outputs to a 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, and also features digital radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and satellite navigation.

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A digital rearview mirror is now also included, while the Safety System+ suite scores intersection turning assist – both technologies being a first for Lexus.

Safety wise, the LS comes standard with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, park assist, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, surround-view monitor and blind-spot monitoring.

Standard equipment includes a tilt and slide moonroof, powered boot, soft-close doors, automatic wipers, illuminated door handles, colour head-up displays, keyless entry, push-button start, and heated and cooled front seats.

Differentiating the F Sport and Sports Luxury grades however, are a number of unique appointments, with the former skewing towards dynamic performance and the latter pushing for comfort.

As such, the F Sport is fitted with dark metallic exterior accents, dynamic rear steering, a variable steering ratio, LFA-style digital instrumentation and extra bolstering on the front seats.

The Sports Luxury meanwhile, scores quad-zone climate control, semi-Aniline leather accented interior, dual 11.6-inch rear seat entertainment screens and power-operated rear seats with massage functionality.

2021 Lexus LS pricing before on-road costs