Lexus Malaysia will soon have the new 2021 LS 500 in its showrooms and is taking bookings now. Two versions of the 5th generation model will be available for the Malaysian market – the LS 500 Luxury, and LS 500 Executive Kiriko.
Prices start from RM1,023,629 for the LS 500 Luxury and from RM1,304,768 for the LS 500 Executive Kiriko (on the road with sales tax exemption but without insurance). The first deliveries will begin in May 2021.
Revised styling, new colours
The latest model of the flagship range features revised styling that further accentuate the imposing design with a sleek and elegant silhouette. These include a redesigned front bumper, headlamps and sub radiator grille that refresh the looks along with improved functionality. Colour options for the 2021 LS 500 include two new finishes – Iridium Silver and Sonic Iridium.
The spindle grille – a signature of the brand – with its intricately-formed design, has also been changed to a dark metallic finish further affording the Lexus LS 500 a formal and elegant appearance.
BladeScan Adaptive High-beam System.
Complementing the sharp-looking sequential signal lamps are Ultra Slim 3-beam LED Projector headlamp units. They have a distinctive L-shaped DRL and BladeScan Adaptive High-beam System. This is a pioneering lighting system that uses LED-sourced light shining onto two blade mirrors spinning at high speed. The light is transferred to a lens to illuminate the road ahead and distribution of illumination is precisely controlled by synchronising the spinning of the blade mirrors and the switching on and off of the headlights.
The result is that hard-to-see areas such as road shoulders and even pedestrians and road signs can be seen much earlier. At the same time, the stronger illumination is constantly adjusted when there is an approaching vehicle so as not to dazzle the driver.
The new model sits on 20-inch alloy wheels that feature a noise-reducing design, thanks to resonator holes incorporated into the wheels. Finished in Hyper Chrome Metallic, the wheels come with new run-flat tyres that are optimized with reinforced sidewalls to further improve ride comfort.
The LS model sits on the Lexus GA-L platform which provides optimised weight distribution and lower centre of gravity. By employing Air Suspension with Adaptive Variable Suspension and revised stablizers and suspension bound stoppers, the new model gains enhanced stability, agility, and sharp handling. It also comes with Access Mode Control that will raise the car when stopped, making it easier to get in or out.
Improved 3.5-litre V8 engine
The LS 500 has an improved 3.5-litre Twin Turbo V6 petrol engine with new pistons and an improved variable valve control design for lower exhaust emissions and quiet operation, particularly when the engine is cold.
The new engine develops 415 bhp/600 Nm, which gives it a claimed capability of 5 seconds to go from standstill to 100 km/h. It can go faster than 250 km/h but an electronic governor limits it to that maximum speed. The driver can tailor and customise the powertrain responses via the Eco, Comfort, Normal, Custom, Sport S or Sport S+ modes to have greater comfort and driveability.
Elevating occupant comfort
Inside, the new LS 500 has received improvements to elevate passenger and driver comfort. Semi-aniline leather seats and ornamentation developed by Takumi craftsmen give a premium atmosphere worthy of a flagship model.
To cater to discerning tastes, the LS 500 Luxury is offered in a new Chateau as well as Hazel interior colour scheme. For those who want something more exclusive, the Executive Kiriko version features Kiriko Glass ornamentation and hand folded pleats on the door trim. Kiriko glass is a specially cut glass used for the trim panel with delicate patterns that refract different colours of light. Besides class-leading rear seat room and bootspace of up to 440 litres, the LS 500 Executive Kiriko also comes with a rear cooler box.
Other standard features include front 28-way power adjustable front seats – the highest number of adjustments in class along with power adjustable rear seats. The Executive Kiriko version also features rear seats with ottoman and massage functions. The seats in both variants are equipped with heater and ventilation for additional comfort.
There is a new high-definition 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen which has been repositioned 121.5 mm closer to the occupants to enhance operability. The smart connectivity with functionality includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as an in-built Lexus navigation system.
The LS 500 Executive Kiriko comes with a standard 23-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound System for concert hall sound reproduction. The dual 11.6-inch LCD screens in the rear can draw content from Blu Ray Discs, SD Card, WiFi (for Miracast) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) as well as a HDMI input. All controls have been consolidated into the Rear Multi Operation Panel for greater convenience.
Lexus Safety System+
Both versions of the 2021 LS 500 have no less than 12 SRS airbags for passive protection. Active safety systems and driver assistance are provided by the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+), a suite of advanced safety systems that can also support semi-autonomous driving.
The Pre-Collision System (part of LSS+) has sensors that can detect pedestrians and bicycle riders. In the event of a possible collision, the system alerts the driver and also activates pre-collision braking, if required. Also standard are Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function, Lane Tracing Assist, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
For 2021 Lexus has added a new Parking Support Brake function which can detect static objects such as walls, guard rails or moving objects using the sonar wave sensors. Additionally, a new Active Assist for the seatbelt increases the effect of the pretensioner by winding up the seatbelt using a motor if a high possibility of collision is detected.
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