A mildly updated version of the Lexus LS 500 is now available in South Africa. We drive the revised first-class sedan on some ofMpumalanga’s most scenic roads.

The Lexus LS is the Japanese premium brand’s answer to the Audi S8, BMW 7 Series, Maserati Quattroporte, Porsche Panamerabut, most notably, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. With the localintroduction of Benz’s latest first-class sedan (W223) delayed due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic (and the associated semi-conductor shortage), Lexus SA has effectively got the jump on the segment’s benchmark.

Lexus SA offersitsupdated flagship in 2derivatives: F-Sport and Luxury. Only minor mechanical updates have been made to the model;Lexus’ engineers focusedtheir efforts on improving the tiniest of product details… There was an emphasison increasing the luxury, comfort and refinement levels of, let’s face it, an already well-engineered product. It sounds like time-consuming, let alonepainstaking, work!

F-Sport trim adds some visual clout in the form of an even bolder mesh grille, 20-inch alloy wheels andF-Sport badging, while the cabin gains derivative-specificsteering wheel, pedals, a suede roof lining, as well asan assortmentof sporty-looking trim inserts.At this end of the market, it’s arguably easier to count the number of features that aren’t present, as opposed to listing all the standard equipment fitted. Lexus is also one of few brands that offervirtually zero optional extras –what you see fitted in cars on the showroom floor is what you get, and to quote a Smarties advert of the ’90s:“Whatalotigot!”

Some highlights include the 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, a moon roof, front/rear heated and ventilated seats, massage seats, and a huge infotainment screen that’s both Apple CarPlay- and Android Auto compatible. Waze has never looked so good!

As far as safety systems are concerned, the Lexus LS 500 comes packed with a variety of features,including some semi-autonomous driving technology. Here are a few examples: Pre-Crash with pedestrian detection, radar-guided cruise control, lane-departure alert and-keeping assist, as well asno fewer than 10 airbags.

Meanwhile, the “500” in the model designationdoesn’t mean that there is a 5.0-litre V8 under the bonnet –Lexus’ flagship is powered by 310 kW/600 Nm a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 that drives the sedan’s rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. Although the lofty outputs suggest it’s a muscularpowerplant, it incorporatesan array of refinement and quietness enhancements too, such as Active Noise Control, Engine Sound Enhancement, improved shift timing (for fewerdownshifts and better efficiency) and the engine mounts have been rejigged to better inhibitnoise and vibration.

Despite its limousine dimensions, theLS 500 offersquite compelling performance figures… Lexus claims a 0-100 kph sprint time of 5.0 seconds,an electronically limited top speed of 250 kph and an average fuel consumption figure of 10 L/100 km for the model. What’s more, there are various drivemodes available to the driver that varythe throttle mapping, power delivery and gear-shift patterns.

What’s it like to drive?

Luxury limousines are tricky to evaluate. As motoring journalists, we’d love to tell you about what it’s like to drive an overengineered 2-tonne land-yacht, but we suspect the target market for this Lexus would bemore interested to know “what it’s like atthe back?”because they have chauffeurs. Driving is sobourgeois!So, in an effort to satisfying motoring enthusiasts as well ascaptains of industry, here goes…

Unsurprisingly, the Lexus LS 500 is an exceedinglyrefined first-class sedan– a fact that was underlined while we drove on our short test route in and around the Kruger Park, Mpumalanga. There’s barely a whisper from the engine when you activate the limousine’s ignitionsystemand the car’s quietness at low speed (at least from the driver or an occupant’s perspective) is quite remarkable.

The Lexus cruises, in a word, lavishly… The air suspension does a phenomenal job of ironing out the road’s creases and absorbing the imperfections. However, given the number of nasty potholes we spotted along the route (any of which could easily have buckled a wheel or popped a tyre), we put the LS 500’s 4-wheel steering to work to dodge those hazardous dips. Despite its heft, the Lexus LS 500 can change direction surprisingly well and when you can’t dodge a pothole, those brakes do a damn fine job of bringing 2 tonnes of finely crafted Japanese metal (and swathes of leather) to a halt.

The twin-turbo engine wants for nothing – there really is no need to hanker for an old-school V8. The V6 powerplant presents an impressively smooth power delivery, with minimal lag. It doesn’t feel particularly energetic, but it goes about its business in a very dignified manner. There’s a small pause before it really “opens the taps”, but then there’s a sudden, but polite, lunge as all 600 Nm arrives.

That 5-second 0-to-100 kph dash is probably one of the quietest and uneventful sprints we’ve ever encountered, but the LS 500 feels as if it gains a 2nd wind as it streaks towards its stated top speed.

The Lexus’ automatic transmission has 10 forward ratios – acouple of gears too many, perhaps? While we understand the fuel-efficiencybenefit of a 10-speed configuration, the ‘box doesn’t appreciate having to shift down multiple gears in swiftsuccession. Of course, you can counter this by using the shift paddles on the steering wheel, but how many LS owners will ever pilot their carsin that mannert?

Opulence!

One of the biggest drawcards of luxury limousine ownership is thatyou have the privilege of beingchauffeur-driven wherever you need to go (unless you get a craving for ice-cream or other less-than-healthy snacks in the small hours of the morning and need to drive to the nearest fuel station forecourt convenience store… Hey,we’ve all been there).

Well, for those who intend to be chauffeured in an LS 500, we’re happy to report aftlegroom is plentifuland the comfort level is out of this world;“business class on wheels” would be a better way to describe it. Occupants can deploy the centre armrest and use it to control functions such as seat heating and privacy blinds. For convenience, there are power outlets so that you cankeep your devices chargedup.

Summary

The Lexus LS 500 will find favour with those who wantone of the quietest and most refined driving experiences on offer. Lexus’ flagship sedan is not only deeply satisfying to drive; being driven around in the LS is one of life’s more pleasurable experiences.There’s so much space and comfort on offer, and while plenty of potential customers in the segment will opt for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class – when it eventually arrives –the Lexus makes a formidable case for itself, because of its restrained refinement and sheer classiness – it exudes “old money” in a way very few modern cars can.

How much does updated Lexus LS cost in SA?

The new Lexus 500 is sold with a 7-year / 105 000 km warranty and full maintenance plan.