2022 Lexus LS

The 2022 Lexus LS presents an appealing blend of style, luxury, and above all attention to detail, even if rivals can be more fun to drive. The 2022 Lexus LS is a full-size sedan available in an optional hybrid configuration. It competes with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, and Tesla Model S.

Interest in full-size luxury sedans may be waning, but those who do find themselves taking delivery of a new 2022 Lexus LS will find a sublime sedan with thrilling details.

Light tweaks for 2022 include revised headlights and additional interior trim options, plus a few minor underhood revisions designed to make the engine quieter. A limited-edition Inspiration Series trim package is added to the LS 500h, which bows late in the 2022 model year.

The LS remains a big flagship sedan that puts a major emphasis on a rear-seat room. Sharp-looking but somewhat subtle, at least against the more flamboyant Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the LS is a status symbol that doesn’t scream about its wealth. Such is the Lexus way.

Inside, the car is understated at a glance but can be mind-blowing in its attention to detail. From cut glass to ultra-thin foil appliques, the 2022 Lexus LS reminds us that luxury is about more than just glossy wood trim.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The standard engine in the 2022 Lexus LS is a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 that delivers a silky-smooth 416 horsepower. It sounds refined and powerful while under heavy throttle but hushed when cruising.

A 10-speed automatic handles gear changes. Performance is more than enough for this car’s luxury mission, but V-8-powered variants of the BMW 7-series and the Mercedes-Benz S-class proved to be quicker at the test track.

Models badged LS500h feature a hybrid powertrain that uses a 3.5-liter V-6 and two electric motors to make 354 horsepower. While the standard twin-turbo V-6 operates smoothly, the hybrid arrangement feels unrefined and altogether not luxurious.

The engine sounds raspy and coarse, and the transmission—a mashup of a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and a regular four-speed automatic—steps through preset gear ratios with all the crispness of a soggy cornflake.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Fuel-economy estimates for the hybrid are indeed better than the nonhybrid LS500’s figures, so if you’re looking to save a buck at the pump, we suppose that’s the one redeeming quality of the LS500h’s powertrain.

Whereas the rear-wheel-drive LS500 claims 30/19 mpg highway/city, the rear-wheel-drive LS500h earns 33/25 mpg ratings from the EPA.

In our real-world testing, an all-wheel-drive LS500h managed a 30-mpg result on our 200-mile highway fuel economy test. An all-wheel-drive LS500 F Sport managed 26 mpg. For more information about the 2022 Lexus LS‘s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Flowing lines, intricately patterned fabrics, and rich leather upholstery fills the cabin of the 2022 Lexus LS. If you really want to go all out, spec the real wood trim, artful glass inserts, and cleverly pleated door panel fabric.

Passenger space is generous for four adults. Adding a fifth person in the standard three-across rear bench would deny passengers a true luxury experience, so we recommend selecting the optional bucket seats.

The rear seatbacks are fixed, so bulky cargo items may not easily fit in the 2022 Lexus LS. The trunk, however, for the LS500 and hybrid model is generously sized, each holding six carry-on suitcases. Both the Audi A8 and the Genesis G90 accommodated the same amount of luggage.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All LS models come with Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay capability, navigation, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, all controlled through a new 12.3-inch touchscreen.

That means the fussy touchpad on the center console is no longer the only way to adjust vehicle settings, switch audio sources, or set a destination in the navigation menu. The system also recognizes some voice commands.

That said, is it too much to ask for physical buttons for things like seat heating? Lexus apparently thinks so. In order to activate this feature, users must turn to the screen.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

As with most other Lexus models, the 2022 Lexus LS comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite of driver-assistance features. A more advanced semi-autonomous driving-mode feature is an option.

For more information about the LS’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

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Full Specifications