Hybrid system adds even more to the Lexus LS sedan

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews also can be seen in Cruisin’ News magazine published monthly out of Folsom, California.

Sacramento, California -- Back in the day when a Lexus LS could be had for less than $40,000 -- think early in the administration of George H.W. Bush -- I was telling folks that the LS 400 sedan likely met every need of the discriminating luxury sedan buyer.

It was luxurious, smooth, powerful and good-looking.  And, oh yes, affordable.

Sure, you could go out and drop $75,000 on a Mercedes-Benz SEL sedan back then, but the Lexus had the market cornered on luxury/enjoyment for a discount price.

Over the years, I watched the LS engine size soar in size ... but that did not match the increase in cost.

Flash forward to today, and the recently tested  2021 Lexus LS 500h full-size sedan was wearing a sticker that read $104,965. Yes, times have changed.

But given the segment that the current-generation LS competes in, it's completely understandable.  The good news is that the tester still had everything a sedan devotee could desire, including a hybrid system that delivered very good fuel mileage ratings of 25 miles per gallon in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.  The baseline of the powertrain is a 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 295 horsepower.  Total power of the hybrid system is rated at 354 horsepower.

This arrangement makes the Lexus powerful, but still buttery smooth at high speed.  Seventy miles per hour feels like 40 mph.  Five folks in the cabin barely hear the engine exertions amid their quiet conversations.

The interior layout is what it has always been -- a luxurious, comfort-laden dream.  Perfectly engineered seats seem to swallow you up, offering instant relaxation for the road ahead. Fine wood, leather and metal surfaces are expertly placed.  The interior is like walking into the presidential suite of a five-star hotel.  You know in one look that this is class and luxury in full.

A full boat of safety features is part of the deal.  Beyond-the-expected perks are everywhere: a 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, 28-way power front seats with multifunction massage and a power rear sunshade were among the blizzard of goodies on my tester.

As usual, I struggled with the touchy infotainment system.  But again, that might be a generational thing.

Oh, it looks good too.  The LS is sporty enough to avoid looking like a limo (thanks in part of 20-inch, split, five-spoke forged alloy wheels), but it's so luxurious that you wouldn't be surprised to see a chauffeur step out and open the door for a head of state.

Overall, the bargain Lexus sedan of years past has given way to the Lexus for the fiscally secure sedan shopper.  Nothing wrong with that.  Everything's relative.

And there is something to be said for having everything you want in a car for a long-term investment of a little more than $100,000.