Photo: Lexus
While details have been sketchy so far, Lexus have officially launched their new LS. However, by new, we don’t mean all-new, as the 2013 model-year LS is in fact just a very thorough facelift. As Mercedes-Benz is readying its all-new S-Class, a car which even in its current version is superior to the LS, the upcoming model will definitely be miles ahead, in pretty much all areas.
So, what are the changes brought to the ‘new’ LS? Well, Lexus being a rather conservative manufacturer has merely adopted the ‘family face’ found on the CT-200h (which we tested), the RX (which we also tested) and GS, and has grafted it onto the old LS shape. We admit it does look better but not good enough to challenge the current best looking car in its class, the Jaguar XJ. Aside from the changes to the front fascia, the side profile is just as slab-sided as ever and, frankly, we don’t much care for it. The rear end of the car, however, does get some changes to set it apart from the pre-facelift model, and namely the smoked tail lights with a connecting chrome strip, as well as a slightly redesigned boot and bumper.
Inside, the car retains the design of the old model, benefitting however from a few changes. The main addition is a 12.3 inch high-resolution display which is the focal point of the entire interior space. Aside from that, Lexus aficionados will spot new switchgear and new trim materials throughout. If one were to opt for the new F Sport model, two-toned sport leather seats would be added, along with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.If you were expecting to be spoiled for choice when it comes to powertrains, you’ll be disappointed to know that only two are available, neither of which is really new: the 460, which is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 with 386 hp and the 600h, powered by a 5.0-liter V8 which puts out 438 hp - exactly like the old model.
Furthermore, the absence of a diesel will still deter many European buyers from purchasing an LS, as it simply cannot match any of its rivals on economy, even in hybrid form. Will Lexus ever understand that if they want to be successful in Europe, they need a smooth, powerful and refined six or eight cylinder diesel? Mercedes-Benz are now offering a four-pot engine, in the S250, which has 200 hp and 500 Nm, and the 2.1-liter diesel returns an excellent 5.7 l/100 km (41.2 US mpg/ 49.6 UK mpg) on the combined cycle. Also, the new sporty-looking 460 F Sport is basically just an exterior body kit, completed by the aforementioned specific interior mods. However, despite not having any extra oomph, it does get a limited-slip differential, as well as six-pot brake calipers and special 19-inch rims.
Furthermore, the absence of a diesel will still deter many European buyers from purchasing an LS, as it simply cannot match any of its rivals on economy, even in hybrid form. Will Lexus ever understand that if they want to be successful in Europe, they need a smooth, powerful and refined six or eight cylinder diesel? Mercedes-Benz are now offering a four-pot engine, in the S250, which has 200 hp and 500 Nm, and the 2.1-liter diesel returns an excellent 5.7 l/100 km (41.2 US mpg/ 49.6 UK mpg) on the combined cycle. Also, the new sporty-looking 460 F Sport is basically just an exterior body kit, completed by the aforementioned specific interior mods. However, despite not having any extra oomph, it does get a limited-slip differential, as well as six-pot brake calipers and special 19-inch rims.
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