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Lexus LS460 vs Lexus LS500

What's the difference?

VS
Lexus LS460
Lexus LS460

2018 price

Lexus LS500
Lexus LS500

2023 price

Summary

2018 Lexus LS460
2023 Lexus LS500
Safety Rating

Engine Type
V8, 5.0L

Twin Turbo V6, 3.4L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
8.6L/100km (combined)

10.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Engines could do with more shove
  • CVT in 500h is not suited for spirited driving
  • Headroom could be better

  • Feels a bit old-fashioned to drive
  • The hybrid would be nicer to be driven in
  • Dated multimedia software
2018 Lexus LS460 Summary

Almost 30 years after Lexus launched its original LS flagship sedan, the fifth generation of the car has arrived in Australia in what appears to be the brand’s never-ending battle to hunt down and beat Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi at their own game.

In some markets it looks as though Lexus is making headway. In the United States last year Mercedes-Benz was the best-selling luxury brand, followed by BMW and then Lexus. To give you even more insight, 50 per cent of all Lexus sales globally are in the US.

The story is different in Australia, with Lexus hardly a threat to the big three Germans, selling about a third less each month.

The Lexus LS is the Japanese prestige brand’s flagship and comes with a price that nudges up against formidable rivals. There’s the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Audi’s A8. Only the best cars from a few of the best brands in the world – no pressure, Lexus.

This may even be a reason to buy one – in that it’s not one of the traditional three. You could see Lexus as the popular underdog that in some ways does a better job than the usual suspects. A people’s favourite perhaps?

Just look at how often it’s mentioned in songs. According to lyrics.com.au the word Lexus has been used in 873 songs. Meanwhile Mercedes Benz appears in 500, Audi in 402 and BMW in 307.

With all this in mind we headed to the Australian launch to drive the LS 500 and its hybrid twin the 500h.

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Interested in a Lexus LS460?
2023 Lexus LS500 Summary

Surprisingly, for people who would rather be driven than drive themselves, there are quite a few options available in the large luxury sedan market.

While on the whole sedans have fallen from favour, this niche corner of the market continues to let the three-box design thrive.

The options here have changed a bit in the last few years, though, so how does the Lexus flagship, the LS fit into the picture? I drove one around for a week to find out.

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Interested in a Lexus LS500?

Deep dive comparison

2018 Lexus LS460 2023 Lexus LS500

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