It is said that if you don’t look back at your car after you have parked it, you have bought the wrong car. Well, I have been following that practice for years now. It was the same case this weekend, only difference is that I stood staring at the car for good few minutes extra before walking away. But there is a catch. I don’t own the car in question, but how I wish I did. That is what the Lexus LS500h does to you. Its been 29 years since Toyota first gave the world the first taste of the ‘Lexus Life’ and nightmares to European rivals. As I type this review, my eyes fell on the scale model of the original LS400 that I have in my collection and it is astonishing to see how the LS has evolved from what looked like a classy opera singer back then to a full on bling bling hip hop artist today. One look at this fifth generation LS500h and you will know what Im talking about. So without wasting more time, lets dig deep into the latest iteration of the Lexus flagship.

Lexus LS500h Exterior

The LS500h is based on the Lexus Global Architecture – Luxury (GA-L) platform. From the dead front, the LS500h looks more sports car than a luxury sedan. The large spindle front grille, that is now a Lexus signature, looks super imposing and features 5032 individual surfaces. The front grille is flanked by two large air dams on either side that resemble fangs. The Z shaped LED headlamps with daytime running lamps look very striking and unique. Move to the side profile and the massive 20 inch chrome alloy wheels hit you in the face. They are the best looking stock alloys I have seen in the segment unmatched by its rivals. The LS is a long car measuring 5235 mm with a long wheelbase of 3125 mm. The ORVMs get styling inspired from the LFA super car. The side features a crease that runs along the shoulder line of the car and the sloping roofline gives it more of a fastback or coupe look. The rear is less dramatic than the front and typical of a Japanese sedan. The slim tail lamps with L shaped LED elements look classy but the boot spoiler looks more of an after market fitment. An integrated boot spoiler would have looked nicer. What we also like are the dynamic turn indicators. For the chrome lovers, the LS500h gets dollops of chrome elements all around including the bumpers, front grille, ORVMs, side and the tail lamps. While the overall styling of the car would draw extreme opinions, there is no two ways about the street presence that the LS commands on the road. It has its European rivals owned.. Period.

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