2023 Lexus LS 500 Review

Nearly 35 years after its arrival, the luxury sedan that launched Lexus in America still commands attention. That's no small feat given the endless permutations of today's SUVs, but the 2023 Lexus LS 500, like its predecessors, remains the automaker's canvas for tech, comfort and safety innovations.

The LS 500 carries over largely unchanged for 2023 with one notable exception: A revised infotainment system adds a new touchscreen (still sized at 12.3 inches) and finally dispenses with the clumsy touchpad control of earlier systems. Features are now accessed through the touchscreen or voice commands. The updated system adds a voice assistant, de rigueur among modern luxury cars, that can respond to natural speech and control media, navigation, climate and other functions.

The tech upgrades are complemented by Lexus' obsessive attention to detail. Ultra-fine metal foil trim called Haku, made by Japanese artisans and meant to evoke moonlight on ocean waves, is one optional way to class up the already decadent interior. There are also decorative cut-glass inlays (Kiriko glass) and hand-pleated fabric door trim. This level of refinement sets the LS apart from rivals like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Genesis G90. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class once counted in this group, but its six-digit starting price now rises above the comparatively humble LS and its peers. Be sure to read our Expert Rating to see how the LS stacks up among the large luxury sleds.

The 2023 Lexus LS 500 comes in a single trim with dozens of options. The sole powertrain is a turbocharged V6 engine (416 horsepower, 442 lb-ft of torque) mated to a 10-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, and all-wheel-drive is an extra-cost option. Standard feature highlights include: