How to Maintain Your Lexus LS for Optimal Performance 2026

The Lexus LS isn’t just another luxury sedan—it’s the car that put Lexus on the map and changed how the world thinks about Japanese luxury automobiles. When it first appeared in 1989, it sent shockwaves through the industry by offering Mercedes-Benz and BMW levels of refinement at a lower price point, all while delivering legendary Toyota reliability.

Today’s LS continues that tradition but takes it to entirely new heights. This is Lexus’s flagship sedan, the pinnacle of everything the brand has learned about crafting the ultimate luxury driving experience. From the moment you settle into its cabin, you’re surrounded by materials and craftsmanship that rival the finest luxury cars from anywhere in the world. We’re talking about hand-pleated door panels, meticulously selected wood trim, and leather so supple it feels like a second skin.

But the LS isn’t just about wrapping you in luxury. Under that elegant exterior lies sophisticated technology designed to make every journey effortless. Lexus LX, Advanced safety systems watch the road constantly, the suspension reads pavement conditions and adjusts in real-time, and the powertrain delivers smooth, confident acceleration that never feels hurried or harsh. It’s the kind of car that makes a two-hour commute feel like twenty minutes.

What really sets the LS apart is how it balances tradition with innovation. Yes, it offers the quiet cabin and silky ride you’d expect from a flagship sedan. But it also comes with cutting-edge features like a touchpad interface, available all-wheel drive, and hybrid powertrains that deliver impressive efficiency without compromising performance.

For drivers who want a luxury sedan that respects their time, values their comfort, and never compromises on quality, the Lexus LS remains a compelling choice in a segment filled with exceptional vehicles.

Short Answer About Lexus LS

The Lexus LS is the brand’s flagship luxury sedan and the car that launched Lexus in 1989, revolutionizing the luxury car market with its combination of refinement, reliability, and value. It competes directly with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, offering an exceptionally quiet cabin, meticulous craftsmanship, and advanced technology throughout.

The LS features hand-selected materials, including premium leather and real wood trim, along with cutting-edge safety systems and a smooth, powerful engine. Lexus GX, Available in standard and hybrid versions, it delivers serene comfort with responsive handling. The LS represents Lexus at its finest—a full-size luxury sedan that prioritizes passenger comfort, build quality, and long-term reliability while incorporating modern innovations like advanced driver assistance and intuitive infotainment systems.

Celebrating the Legacy

For 2026, the Lexus LS 500 is only offered as the LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition with 250 units set to be produced exclusively. Starting with the exterior design, Lexus introduces a striking new color known as Ninety Noir, which offers a deep sophisticated black finish that effortlessly complements the dark exterior moldings and garnishes found throughout the vehicle’s body.

Further setting this limited edition apart from standard models are its distinctive 20-inch split-20-spoke alloy wheels featuring a richer Dark Gray Metallic finish, enhancing the sedan’s commanding presence on the road while still incorporating advanced noise-reduction technology for a quieter ride experience.

Inside the cabin, the Heritage Edition unveils an LS-first Rioja Red interior treatment, enveloping occupants in rich, vibrant luxury that creates an unforgettable atmosphere. Along with this bold new cabin finish, an etched Lexus LS Heritage Edition emblem adorns the center console prominently.

Lexus NX 350 Near Me, Featuring an elegant silhouette of the LS model, this design addition is echoed and embroidered on the headrests throughout the cabin, adding a refined touch of exclusivity and a subtle nod to this model’s illustrious lineage spanning decades.

Standard features on the LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition include a panorama glass roof that bathes the cabin in natural light throughout the day and a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) for enhancing both visibility and safety during parking and maneuvering.

The interior’s Laser Special Black premium wood trim is refreshed with a new pattern design, complementing the Ultrasuede®-trimmed headliner and sun visors for an elevated tactile experience that passengers will appreciate.

Additional luxury and convenience features include heated rear seats for passenger comfort, a power lift-up buckle for ease of entry, and a Mark Levinson® 23-speaker, 2,400-watt Reference Surround Sound system with QuantumLogic® Immersion technology. Advanced Park is also standard on the Heritage Edition model for effortless parking assistance.

Unmatched Performance

The 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine delivers exceptional turbocharged performance with 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft torque, making this flagship sedan truly remarkable. Lexus Rx, The power delivery is seamless through the 10-speed automatic transmission, which maximizes transmission efficiency by keeping the engine in its optimal range.

The 0-60 time of just 4.6 seconds demonstrates the impressive capabilities of this powertrain. Drivers can select from multiple drive modes including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Custom, Sport S, and Sport S+ to customize their experience.

The AWD system incorporates a Torsen limited-slip differential that significantly enhances traction control and cornering stability, ensuring confident handling in all conditions. This advanced all-wheel-drive configuration works harmoniously with the twin-turbo V6 engine to provide both performance and security on the road.

Advanced Technology & Convenience

12.3-Inch Lexus Interface Touchscreen

The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen features a high-definition display that delivers crystal-clear driver information and passenger display capabilities. Lexus UX 250h Hybrid Dealer, The glass screen is enhanced with an anti-reflective coating that ensures a vivid display in all lighting conditions.

The touchscreen controls offer easy-to-use controls that make navigation effortless. Menu operations are designed with a smartphone-like interface and tablet-style menu system, providing intuitive navigation that feels familiar to users. This digital interface allows both the driver and front passenger to access information and settings with the same ease they experience on their personal devices.

Smart Voice Assistant

The Intelligent Assistant, available with an active Drive Connect subscription service, provides seamless hands-free control for drivers. This voice-activated system features dual microphones equipped with advanced noise cancellation and seat detection technology to deliver voice-recognition accuracy and enhanced accuracy.

Simply say “Hey Lexus” to activate voice commands that operate various interior amenities. The system offers comprehensive navigation control, multimedia control, and climate control through intuitive voice commands. The combination of dual microphones and noise cancellation ensures the Intelligent Assistant responds reliably, while seat detection helps identify which occupant is speaking for more precise command execution through the Drive Connect enabled voice-activated system.

Smartphone Digital Key

The Digital Key feature, available with an active Remote Connect subscription service, transforms your compatible smartphone into a smartphone key through the Lexus app. Lexus Phone Number, This innovative keyless entry system provides seamless vehicle access and door locks control directly from your mobile device.

Digital Key offers exceptional flexibility for modern lifestyles, supporting car sharing, valet parking, and even package delivery scenarios. The key sharing capability allows remote access for up to seven users, making it perfect for families or multiple drivers. Each of the seven users must be registered users on the Lexus app to receive digital access.

This Remote Connect feature creates a convenient experience by eliminating the need for traditional keys while providing secure vehicle access through your smartphone key.

Wireless Smartphone Integration

The standard feature of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provides seamless smartphone integration for all users. This wireless connectivity allows drivers to access their mobile device ecosystem and favorite apps without cables.

The wireless capability supports up to five registered devices through Bluetooth-enabled devices, with simultaneous connections for two connected devices at any one time. Lexus Dealership Near Me Service, This device pairing system ensures multiple users can stay connected while enjoying app access and control menus through their preferred platform—whether wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The integration allows drivers and passengers to utilize their smartphone integration for navigation, music, messaging, and more, all through the intuitive wireless connectivity system.

Connected Safety Services

Lexus Safety Connect offers customers a complimentary 5-year trial of essential connected services for peace of mind. This comprehensive Safety Connect system provides immediate emergency response capabilities and robust theft protection features.

In case of emergency service needs, the system delivers quick assistance through dedicated emergency response support. The vehicle theft protection includes stolen vehicle tracking technology that helps locate and recover your vehicle. Additional security features and roadside assistance ensure you’re covered in various situations throughout the trial period.

Lexus Cars Dealership, This Lexus Safety Connect package combines multiple connected services to keep drivers protected on every journey.

Vehicle Service Monitoring

Service Connect, accessible through the Lexus app, includes a complimentary 5-year trial that provides comprehensive service monitoring for your compatible Lexus. This connectivity features system establishes a seamless dealer connection between your vehicle and your preferred service center.

The Service Connect platform delivers timely maintenance reminders and detailed reports through Vehicle Health Reports, ensuring you stay informed about your vehicle’s condition. These service alerts offer vehicle diagnostics that support preventive maintenance, helping you address potential issues before they become problems.

Throughout the trial period, Service Connect keeps you connected with maintenance reminders and detailed reports, making vehicle care management effortless through the Lexus app.

Advanced Head-Up Display

The Head-Up Display projects essential information directly into the driver’s field of vision for hands-free viewing and enhanced safety features. Lexus Dealers, The speedometer display and shift position appear clearly, along with navigational directions to keep drivers informed without taking their eyes off the road.

The customizable display also shows real-time driver information from advanced systems including Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist. This integration ensures all critical safety features information is readily accessible.

The display positioning can be adjusted and linked to the seat position memory function through the memory function, automatically recalling the optimal Head-Up Display placement based on each driver’s preferred seating configuration for personalized hands-free viewing comfort.

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0

The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 comes as standard equipment on the LS 500, delivering comprehensive safety features and advanced driver assistance technologies. This LSS+ 3.0 suite includes the Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection for enhanced collision prevention capabilities.

The Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist works in conjunction with Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane. Road Sign Assist monitors traffic signs, while Automatic High Beam adjusts lighting for optimal visibility.

The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) operates at Full-Speed DRCC with Curve Speed Management, intelligently adjusting speed through turns. Proactive Driving Assist adds an extra layer of driver assistance by providing gentle braking and steering support to help avoid potential hazards, making Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 one of the most comprehensive safety features packages available.

The Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection utilizes advanced camera technology and millimeter-wave radar to deliver enhanced performance and reliability in collision prevention. The system is designed to detect vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclist detection targets, and motorcyclist detection scenarios, providing audio/visual warning alerts and automatic emergency braking when necessary.

Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist adds critical steering torque during an emergency maneuver to maintain vehicle stability and provide lane departure prevention. This function activates when the turn signal is not engaged, monitoring relative speed between 25-50 mph to assist drivers in avoiding potential collisions.

Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection offers oncoming vehicle braking assistance in daytime conditions. This forward collision warning system monitors oncoming traffic and can provide automatic emergency braking if it determines the driver is turning left into the path of an approaching vehicle, significantly enhancing collision prevention and overall reliability of the Pre-Collision System.

Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) maintains a preset distance from vehicles ahead, operating from highway speeds down to full stop capability for seamless traffic management.

Lane Tracing Assist

Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) detects lane markers and provides active driving assistance for lane centering, keeping the vehicle properly positioned when DRCC is active.

Emergency Driving Stop System

Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS) monitors driver input detection and issues audible warnings if no activity is detected. The system executes a gradual stop while activating hazard lights for expressway safety when operating with DRCC and LTA.

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist

Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA) recognizes lane markings at speeds above 30 mph, providing audio/visual warning notifications and corrective steering for effective lane-keeping assistance.

Road Sign Assist

Road Sign Assist (RSA) uses an intelligent camera to identify speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, and yield signs, displaying them on the Multi-Information Display (MID).

Proactive Driving Assist

Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) delivers gentle braking and curve assistance while maintaining distance control from preceding vehicles, with pedestrian awareness and bicyclist detection capabilities.

Automatic High Beams

Automatic High Beams feature adaptive lighting through high beam toggle and low beam switching based on surrounding conditions.

Final Thoughts:

The Lexus LS remains one of the most compelling choices in the flagship luxury sedan segment, and for good reason. Since its debut in 1989, this vehicle has consistently demonstrated that luxury doesn’t have to come with compromises. It’s a sedan that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology, meticulous craftsmanship, and the legendary reliability that Toyota and Lexus have built their reputations upon.

What truly sets the LS apart is its ability to deliver an experience that feels both special and effortless. The cabin is a sanctuary of quietness and comfort, featuring materials and build quality that rival anything from Europe. The ride quality is exceptional, absorbing road imperfections while maintaining composure through corners. And unlike some competitors that prioritize sportiness over comfort or vice versa, the LS manages to strike a remarkable balance between the two.

The technology suite is comprehensive without being overwhelming. From the advanced safety systems that work seamlessly in the background to the intuitive infotainment options and connectivity features, everything feels thoughtfully integrated rather than tacked on. The available hybrid powertrain offers impressive efficiency without sacrificing the smooth, effortless power delivery you’d expect from a flagship sedan.

For buyers seeking a full-size luxury sedan that will provide years of reliable, comfortable service while maintaining its refinement and prestige, the Lexus LS deserves serious consideration. It may not grab headlines the way some of its German rivals do, but that understated confidence is precisely what makes it appealing to those who value substance over flash.

The LS is a vehicle for drivers who appreciate engineering excellence, timeless design, and the peace of mind that comes with owning a car built to the highest standards. In a world where many luxury vehicles prioritize spectacle, the Lexus LS remains refreshingly focused on what matters most: delivering an exceptional driving experience every single day.

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