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Lexus LS 500h 3.5 [359] Takumi 4dr CVT Auto [Pleat pack] Review

Why the overall winner won

Best small SUV

Best family car

Best small electric car

Best luxury car

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500h 3.5 [359]

Saloon

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Takumi

500h 3.5 [359] Takumi 4dr CVT Auto [Pleat pack]

500h-35-359-takumi-4dr-cvt-auto-pleat-pack

Electric adjustable/heated/folding door mirrors

4 way electrically adjustable lumbar support on passenger seat

28 way electrically adjustable front seats with memory

22 way rear ottoman seats with massage function

4 zone climate control air conditioning with Nanoe technology

3 spoke heated wooden/leather steering wheel

MM19 multimedia system including apple carplay and android auto

Lexus LS

Well equipped and distinctive but too flawed in key areas to recommend

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plush ride and the ability to cruise in near-silence </li> <li>Powerful and efficient engine</li> <li>Space for passengers to stretch out in the rear seats</li> <li>Exquisite materials and build quality</li> <li>Endless luxuries on the options list</li> <li>Sensible fuel and tax bills</li></ul>

If you’re in the market for a luxury car, you’ll be after a sumptuous interior, a ride that can soak up the worst of the UK’s pockmarked roads and supreme refinement that allows you to travel at speed in near-silence.

Your cheapest (and smallest) options are the Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class and brilliant BMW 5 Series, the latter of which is so good we voted it our 2017 Car of the Year. Larger options that are definitely worth considering if you plan to travel in the back include the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and the Mercedes S-Class, which is beautifully finished inside and not as expensive to run as you might think.

Or if money really is no object at all, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is hard to overlook – especially in extended-wheelbase form. It’s as opulent as cars get.

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

Lexus LS 500h 3.5 [359] Takumi 4dr CVT Auto [Pleat pack] Review

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29.7

430

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216

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