2021 Lexus LS 500 Open For Booking in Malaysia

Driven by the concept of Omotenashi and the craftmanship of Lexus Takumi the Lexus LS 500 Luxury and LS 500 Executive Kiriko is now open for booking in Malaysia.

I rue the day that naming conventions for cars or design concepts were exactly what they said they were, you read it, you understood it. Today we have Kodo, Omotenashi, Sensuous Sportiness and it's all a little befuddling but I digress. 

If you're a fan of the opulence and luxury of the Lexus brand of sedans, then Malaysia, you are in luck. 

Presenting the Lexus LS 500!

Exterior

A redesigned front bumper, headlamps, and sub radiator grille sets the visual stage for the Lexus LS 500. The characteristic spindle grille that extends all the way to the bottom is supposed to exude a formal and elegant appearance, Lexus says. 

The new front bumper will also house the new Ultra Slim 3-beam LED Projector headlamp design. The new lamps feature a distinctive L-shaped DRL and BladeScan type Adaptive High-beam System replete with the sharp-looking sequential signal lamps.

New 20-inch alloy wheels with noise-reducing resonator holes complete the exterior facade. The wheels are finished in Hyper Chrome Metallic, and are shod in run-flat tyres with reinforced sidewalls to improve ride comfort. 

The Lexus LS500 comes in two new colours - Iridium Silver and Sonic Iridium. 

Platform 

Built on the GA-L platform which provides for optimized weight and a lower centre of gravity should make the Lexus LS500 comfortable both in the city or even around the twisties. 

According to Lexus "By employing an Air Suspension featuring Adaptive Variable Suspension and revised stabilizers and suspension bounds stoppers, the new model is defined by excellent vehicle stability, agility, and sharp handling." 

We'll let you know if the above is accurate when we get it for a test-drive. The Lexus LS 500 also comes with Access Mode Control that will raise the vehicle when stopped allowing for easier ingress and egress - definitely handy for the Datuks and Datins. 

Powertrain

• 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo (V35A-FTS)
• 415 hp
• 600 Nm of torque
• 0-100km/h in 5.0 seconds
• Electronically limited top speed of 250km/h

The 3.5L V35A-FTS also features newly developed pistons together with an improved variable valve control design that should provide for low emissions and a quiet engine. 

Interior 

The interior of the new LS 500 comes in two new shades of Chateau and Hazel. The Executive Kiriko variant on the other hand also features Kiriko Glass ornamentation and hand folded pleats on the door trim - talk about detail! This is apparently an illustration of the brand's 'innovative elegance through Japanese craftmanship' approach. 

Bootspace comes in at an expansive 480 litres. The LS 500 Executive Kiriko shaves off 40 litres of bootspace to 440 litres but does come with a rear cooler box - very cool indeed. There is a 28-way power adjustable seats in the front as well as power adjustable rear seats. On the Executive Kiriko variant buyers will also get rear seats with ottoman and massage functions. Seats on both variants will be equipped with heater and ventilation. 

In-Car Entertainment

12.3-inch high definition multimedia touchscreen integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Lexus' in-built navigation system. 

Now to fully immerse yourself in all that extravagance a 23-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound System is also included in your LS 500 Executive Kiriko. 

Dual 11.6-inch LCD screens in the rear with Blu Ray Disc, SD Card, WiFi (for Miracast) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), and HDMI input, complete your entertainment options in the LS 500. All controls are consolidated into the Rear Multi Operation Panel.  

Safety 

12 SRS airbags

Lexus Safety System+ comprising:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection (PCS)
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function (DRCC)
• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
• Blind Spot Monitor (BSM)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Parking Support Brake (PKSB) - detects static objects such as walls or guard rails or moving objects using the sonar wave sensors
• Active Assist - increases the effect of the pretensioner by winding up the seatbelt using a motor if the vehicle detects a high possibility of collision

Price

• RM1,023,629.00 for the LS 500 Luxury
• RM1,304,768.00 for the LS 500 Executive Kiriko

*All prices are OTR with sales tax exemption but without insurance.

Booking is now open at all six Lexus Malaysia showrooms nationwide. 

For those who book now, you can expect to receive your LS 500's in May 2021.