Lexus LS limo freshens up

The fifth-generation Lexus LS luxury limousine has been facelifted ahead of the launch of an all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The tweaks to the latest Lexus LS, which arrived in Australia in April 2017, are designed chiefly to make the Japanese luxury brand's flagship sedan even more refined, as well as easier to drive thanks to new driver assistance tech.

Externally, the 2021 Lexus LS, which goes on sale in Japan in late 2020, drops its striking Z-shaped headlights for a pair of brighter 'BladeScan' LED units that project light onto a spinning blade and then a lens to light the road ahead.The new tech, introduced on the Lexus RX last year, is claimed to allow the driver to recognise pedestrians and road signs more easily and earlier than with conventional lamps.

Since the three-bulb lamps are a different shape, designers have introduced a new front bumper that still features the striking spindle grille elements but now packages a large radar sensor unit.

At the rear the tail-lights get small design tweaks and updated graphics, while there's now the option of new alloy wheel designs including big new 20-inch rims for the F-sport version.

Finally, there's a new Gin-ei Luster silver paint that's claimed to feature a mirror-like finish.

The big news is a whole raft of new tech, plus subtle updates and refinements to help the LS continue to appeal to wealthy plutocrats.

These include a new solenoid for the Adaptive Variable Suspension that reduces damping forces for a smoother ride. Both the stiffness of the run-flat tyres and the rigidity of the anti-roll bar bushes have also been optimised.

Finally, engineers claim the engine mounts have been revised to reduce vibrations transmitted within the cabin.

Similar attention to detail has been lavished on the seats, with new coverings and seat pads introduced to absorb road rumble. The LS' armchairs are also now even softer to cushion bumps.

As part of the mid-life overhaul, the performance of the LS 500h has been enhanced.

Increased battery assist during acceleration now means the electrified Lexus is both quicker and quieter off the line and contributes to what the brand describes as 'strain-free' acceleration.

The regular LS 500, meanwhile, has had its twin-turbo V6 powertrain recalibrated to offer improved torque down low, for better responses, while its 10-speed automatic transmission now offers quicker shifts and less-frequent downshifts.

Further improving the serenity, Lexus has introduced its latest Active Noise Control and Engine Sound Enhancement tech to dial out the racket.

Other new tech is Lexus' latest semi-autonomous cruise control system, hence the addition of the ugly front sensor. The advantage of the new system, says the Japanese car-maker, is that it can be updated with software over its lifetime – a hint that it will improve with age and could soon offer Level 3 autonomy.

A new more advanced self-parking system also joins the party, along with a digital rear-view mirror.

Finally, the 12.3-inch infotainment system now works with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

There's no word on when the updated LS will land in Australia, but you could expect local availability shortly after its launch in Japan, with Australian deliveries starting in early 2021.