2025 Lexus LS 500h Sports Luxury review (video)

Flagship sedans aren’t as predominant as they used to be. SUVs have pushed their way into every corner of the showroom. But for purists, and perhaps chauffeurs, the Lexus LS500h still flies the flag for luxury limousines done the proper way.

Now long into its fifth generation, the LS continues to showcase everything Lexus stands for; over-engineered precision, top-shelf build quality, and a sometimes-unexpected burst of performance.

For 2025, the LS500h Sports Luxury remains a deeply opulent, feature-packed cruiser. Beneath the plush carpet lies a hybrid powertrain that still carries plenty of enthusiast cred’ – even if its competition is moving the benchmark in other directions. The V6’s growl is a key drawcard. But does everything else about it still hit the same high notes given it has now been seven years since this generation’s initial release? We’ve spent a week with this one to see how it holds up.

2025 Lexus LS 500h Sports Luxury: Specifications

Engine: 3.5-litre petrol V6 hybrid
Output (combined): 264kW
Gearbox: CVT auto
Drive type: Rear-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 20×8.5, 245/45
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 2275kg
Power-to-weight: 8.61:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 6.8L/100km
Our consumption: 9.2L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 82L/95 RON

Power efficiency: 38.82kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.96 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.00 seconds*
60-110km/h: 4.05 seconds*
1/4 mile: 14.31 seconds at 163.3km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.734g*
100-0km/h braking: 40.75m in 3.10s*
Max deceleration: -1.095g*
Decibel at idle/standby: 22*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 82*
Starting price: $204,690

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2025 Lexus LS 500h Sports Luxury: How much does it cost?

The LS comes in two forms; the LS 500 and the LS 500h. You can choose from the F Sport or Sports Luxury trim in both. Prices kicks off from $199,850 for the LS 500h F Sport, or $204,690 for the LS 500h Sports Luxury (excluding on-roads).

That price sits comfortably below the base models of the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. And that’s part of its appeal. You’re essentially getting a fully loaded top-tier limousine for the price of a base German rival.

Even so, the LS isn’t cheap. This isn’t a car you stumble into – it’s something you deliberately seek out, likely because you don’t want the same black-on-black Germanic experience everyone else gets in the executive carpark. And with Lexus’ typically excellent resale and ownership reputation, there’s some long-term value baked in.

In terms of ongoing costs, the LS requires servicing every 12 months or 15,000km. Prices are capped at $795 for the first five services. But Lexus offers more than just a car service. You become part of Lexus Encore, which gives you lifestyle benefits and discounts, a service loan car, and more. The LS also scores a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and 10-years of free roadside assistance.

2025 Lexus LS 500h Sports Luxury: Interior & packaging

Let’s get one thing clear, this interior is special. Not just in materials or layout, but in how it cocoons occupants in absolute indulgence. The thick, high-pile carpets feel like something from a boutique hotel. From the scent and feel of the leather to the tactile feedback of the switches and dials, the LS engages every sense.

The overarching theme here is quality as well. Elegant stitching across the padded door panels, cleverly integrated ‘floating’ armrests that appear unattached, invisible air vents that flow harmoniously with the dash design, it is the ultimate luxury experience from Lexus. There is also a list of optional ornamentations and trim colour pallets to elevate the atmosphere further.

Then you see features like an electric rear shade blind, a pair of 11.6-inch rear-seat screens, a touch-screen for rear climate and seat settings, heating/cooling/massaging for four seats, 28-way adjustable front seats with infrared body temperature sensors… this is high-end luxury from top to bottom.

Instrumentation is presented by a crisp and customisable 12.3-inch LCD cluster and a head-up display. But it presents with older, chunkier graphics than current luxury trends. It pairs with another 12.3-inch centre touch-screen that can be split for quicker access to common functions.

Of course, it integrates with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Lexus Connected Services, and an exquisite 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio system that makes most home hi-fi setups sound embarrassing. Everything feels considered and painstakingly executed.

Storage space and practicality is not as pronounced. Cup and bottle holders are lacking in the doors, head entry/exit is more restrictive than an SUV, the centre console is shallow, and the 480-litre boot is long and wide, but not very deep. Though, the centre console in both the front and rear have been cleverly overhauled to either offer open spaces or slide-out drawers can appear if you want organisation of your clutter.

On the technology front, there’s no compromise in Lexus’ flagship sedan. It comes with all the latest safety prevention measures and more. Like an all-speed radar cruise control, telematics, front and rear cross-traffic alert, lane tracing, intersection turning assist, and steering assist, 360-degree cameras, ‘BladeScan’ adaptive high-beam down to 0.1-degree increments, panoramic view cameras, clearance sonar around the car, a pop-up bonnet for pedestrian collisions, and rear camera pedestrian detection.

Although it’s been on our road for a number of years now, the exterior design still commands attention from the moment it comes into view. Before you even reach for the door handle, its bold styling has already spoken volumes. The signature oversized, inverted-hexagonal spindle grille dominates the front, flanked by sharp, angular headlights that draw the eye straight to the proud Lexus emblem. Elegant lines and sculpted contours tell a story of sleek sophistication.

Moving rearward, subtle yet thoughtful touches stand out – like the dual-tone side mirrors in black and body colour, and the contrasting chrome strip along the lower doors. This generation leans towards a coupe-like silhouette, with a gracefully sloping rear window. The rear is equally captivating, featuring intricately-designed LED taillights and housings that wrap around the body’s edge. Admittedly, there’s a slight resemblance to a Toyota Camry from certain angles at the back. But, rest assured, the powertrain and cabin are in an entirely different league.

2025 Lexus LS 500h Sports Luxury: Powertrain & handling

This is where the LS 500h still surprises. Lexus has managed to inject the multi-stage hybrid system with real enthusiasm and force. A 3.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol V6 is paired with a 3.5Ah/1.1kWh lithium-ion battery, combined with a multi-stage CVT, producing a combined 264kW. Don’t be fooled by the terms “hybrid” and “CVT” here – this thing isn’t shy when it comes to performance.

Mash the throttle and the V6 growls with confidence. It’s got that strong and aggressive sound you don’t get from four-cylinder rivals or even the muted sixes in German options. The seamless hand-off between electric and petrol power is one of the best in the industry – no surging, no lurching, just wave after wave of smooth progression. Officially, it hits 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds. Our testing returned a result of 6.00 seconds.

Then there’s fuel economy. Lexus claims 6.8L/100km, but we couldn’t get near that. We scored a much higher average of 9.2L/100km, even with careful highway driving. It also drinks 95 RON petrol at minimum. It’s steep for a hybrid, but you’re also dragging around a 2300kg luxury cabin – so expectations need to be adjusted accordingly.

Ride quality is arguably the LS’s party trick. With adaptive air suspension and electronic damping, it can shape-shift between two extremes. In Comfort mode, it’s magic carpet levels of soft – genuinely one of the best rides this side of a Bentley. Then flick it to Sport+ and things stiffen up dramatically, becoming sports-sedan taut, with impressive composure through bends. All aided by notable grip from the 20-inch wheels wearing 245/45 Bridgestone Turanza tyres.

There’s also adjustable ride height, independent of damper stiffness. It’s not just a gimmick; it makes entry/exit a tad easier and adds a touch of occasion. That said, there’s a slight rear-end jitter over small bumps (such as over lane reflectors) – a nervous shimmy that unsettles the otherwise sublime ride. Steering weight is perfect; light around town and confidently weighted on the freeway.

Along the road, it still goes with what seems like an older style Toyota-like adaptive cruise control that annoyingly beeps on hill decent and generally struggles to maintain a consistent speed. The system is a thorn in the side of such a calm, peaceful, and luxurious space.

2025 Lexus LS 500h Sports Luxury: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• True flagship luxury: The LS 500h Sports Luxury offers an opulent, cocoon-like cabin with world-class craftsmanship that rivals, and in some areas surpasses, the big German limousines.
• Hybrid performance with character: The multi-stage hybrid V6 delivers 264kW with a rich, confident growl, making it far more engaging than most eco-focussed sedans.
• Magic carpet ride: Adaptive air suspension offers Bentley-like plushness in Comfort mode, while Sport+ firms things up to genuine sports-sedan levels of handling.
• Loaded with tech and safety: From massaging seats for all four passengers to ‘BladeScan’ adaptive high-beam and 360-degree cameras, there’s little you’ll go wanting for.
• Exclusive appeal: With its distinctive Lexus styling and rarity on Australian roads, it’s a prestige sedan that stands out in a sea of predictable European choices

2025 Lexus LS 500h Sports Luxury: Key considerations before you buy

• Ageing platform: Now seven years into this generation, some infotainment graphics and external design elements are starting to show their age.
• Sedan practicality limitations: Restricted entrance/exit room, modest boot depth, and limited in-door storage mean it’s less versatile than an SUV alternative.
• Fussy adaptive cruise control: The older-style Toyota-like system beeps unnecessarily down hills and can be inconsistent on maintaining speed, which undermines its otherwise refined road manners and calm drive.
• Minor ride niggles: Despite its magic carpet credentials, the rear suspension can shimmy over small bumps, slightly disrupting its otherwise flawless composure.

2025 Lexus LS 500h Sports Luxury: Video