2024 Lexus LS Hybrid: First Look Review

As the brand’s first model, the LS holds a special place in the Lexus line-up. The full-size sedan, currently in its fifth generation, is available in gas and Hybrid variants. Recently, I saw a black-colored unit of the 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid. The full-size hybrid sedan is available in two shades of black: Caviar and Obsidian. This particular car appeared to be finished in the latter, which I’ve noticed is darker and less shiny. Here’s what I think about the Mercedes S-Class rival:

Design

I think no full-size sedan beats the beauty of the 223-series Mercedes S-Class, but the 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid presents something different in a segment that European automakers currently dominate. Its edgy exterior gives away its Japanese roots and helps it stand out. I like the striking, triple-beam LED headlamps and the coupe-like profile, and while I’m not a fan of the Spindle grille, I think it serves as a sign of the car’s sophistication and immaculate craftsmanship.

I like the 20-inch split-20-spoke alloy wheels, which are finished in Dark Gray Metallic. These fancy wheels are a USD-200 upgrade, and I think they go very well with the dark black paint of the car. Overall, I believe the full-size hybrid sedan would have a good road presence in this configuration.

The production of the 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid takes place in Tahara (Aichi Prefecture), Japan. After spending some time closely looking at its exterior, I noticed that its panel gaps, consistency, and paint quality were from the top drawer.

Interior

The interior of the 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid looks simplistic by the current industry standards, and in my opinion, that’s a good thing. Instead of extra and unnecessarily big screens, intricate design and artwork define the interior of this car. The fluid lines on the dashboard are made of magnesium, and they remind me of the koto, the traditional Japanese harp.

The significant use of white color in the upholstery gives a sense of calm in the cabin, while the Laser Special Wood trim further emphasizes elegance and delicate Japanese craftsmanship. Both are standard in the 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid. I like the analog clock on the driver’s side of the 12.3-inch Lexus Interface touchscreen infotainment system as well. The latter offers cloud navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay integration, and wireless Android Auto compatibility.

Lexus equips the 2024 LS Hybrid with Mark Levinson 23-speaker, 2,400-watt Reference Surround Sound with QuantumLogic Immersion. As an audiophile, I think that’s one of the features I’d enjoy the most when traveling in this hybrid sedan.

The 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, but in my opinion, it isn’t nearly as impressive as the instrument cluster of European full-size luxury sedans. A 24-inch head-up display is included in this car to help the driver keep their eyes on the road. Also part of the standard equipment are 28-way power-adjustable front seats with multifunction massage and cushion extender and 18-way power-reclining outboard rear seats with memory.

I’m six feet tall, and given the lower roofline of this low-slung hybrid sedan, I expected ingress not to be comfortable. That said, the doors opened softly, and getting in and out required no extra effort.

When I sat in the driver’s seat, I first checked for all-around visibility, which, despite its sleek design and sporty greenhouse, offered a decent view of the surroundings. The steering wheel, with its electrically adjustable column, felt grippy and was upholstered with two leather surfaces. With the seat set comfortably to my driving position, my head was almost brushing up against the headliner. The lumbar support was ample, while under-thigh support felt it could have been better.

In the back, sitting right behind the driver’s seat that was adjusted for a six-foot-tall person, I had sufficient legroom and abundant knee room. I felt the default angle of the backrest was relaxing for me. The under-thigh support felt comfortable, but the headroom was in short supply, with less than an inch left to the headliner.

Specifications

The 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid employs a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a permanent magnet synchronous motor, both powering the rear wheels. The transmission is a hybrid of a CVT and a conventional 4-speed automatic transmission. Full-time all-wheel drive with a Torsen limited-slip center differential is standard.

Packing 354 horsepower, the 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and achieve a top speed of 136 mph. According to the EPA, it can deliver a fuel economy of 22 MPG (city)/29 MPG (highway)/25 MPG (combined) and can be driven 555 miles on a full tank.

Price

The 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid retails at USD 115,560 (incl. USD 1,350 DPH fee).

TopElectricSUV says

The 2024 Lexus LS Hybrid has a lavish interior and is great on quality, comfort, and convenience, but for the kind of performance and technologies it offers, it’s way overpriced.

2024 Lexus LS Hybrid FAQs

An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.