Lexus holds the European premiere of the facelifted LS flagship sedan, which had its world debut in early July. As with the U.S.-spec model, Europe’s 2021 Lexus LS brings an updated design, new technologies and fresh equipment. We’ve already covered the styling part and there’s nothing new to add since the Euro-spec Lexus LS looks virtually identical with the North American model.
Unlike the 2021 LS sold in the U.S.,
however, the European model gets a single powertrain choice, the LS 500h
hybrid. Customers in western and central Europe are denied the LS 500 variant
powered by the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine, but that’s not entirely
unexpected given the EU’s strict CO2 emissions rules.
Mind you, eastern European markets
(Russia, Ukraine and other former Soviet republics) continue to get the V6 unit
which has been improved with a revised shifting schedule for the 10-speed
automatic transmission. The engine has also undergone adjustment of the fuel
injection control, while a new lip design on the upper surface of the pistons
ensures a rich fuel-air mixture around the spark plugs and reduced noise,
particularly when the engine is cold.
Back to the hybrid model, Lexus says the
LS 500h offers more responsive and even smoother driving performance thanks to
updates to the lithium-ion battery. The latter now provides an increased level
of assistance to the electric motor and an expanded range of operation.
According to the Japanese carmaker, the acceleration is smoother and more
linear, while the engine is able to operate at lower rpm for a quieter running.
As with the U.S. model, the 2021 Lexus LS sold in Europe also features
revisions to the tires, the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), the anti-roll
bars and even the construction of the seats to improve comfort.
From a technology standpoint, the
facelifted LS gets the fully automated Advanced Park system with a memory
function that recognizes and stores details of spaces the driver uses
regularly. The system is enabled by clearance sonars and the Panoramic View
Monitor camera which offers a 360-degree view of the area surrounding the car.
Also new are the digital rearview mirror,
BladeScan Adaptive High-beam System (AHS), and pedestrian detection function
for the 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor. The infotainment system has also
been upgraded and is controlled by a new 12.3-inch touchscreen angled towards
the driver. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. The 2021 Lexus LS
will go on sale in Europe and the UK in late 2020.
