2022 Lexus LS Hybrid

Sedans may not be the most popular choice in the US market these days, but there is still a place for premium vehicles with charming looks, high-end cabins, and a refined ride - especially with a hybrid powertrain added to soothe the conscience and alleviate budgets as fuel prices continue to increase. The 2022 Lexus LS 500h is Lexus' flagship full-size sedan in hybrid guise. It comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood supplemented by two electric motors, and you'd expect that LS 500h should offer some level of vigor and excitement - but with just 354 horsepower, performance from the large all-wheel-drive sedan proves to be rather disappointing. The situation is worsened by the fact that the Lexus LS Hybrid isn't very fuel-efficient either, which is perplexing considering that's one of its drawcards. With competitors such as the BMW 7 Series Hybrid, Mercedes Benz S-Class, and Audi A8 Hybrid striking superlative balances between sporty performance, comfort, and luxury, the LS Hybrid's flaws are only made more obvious. That doesn't mean it's all bad news, however, and the LS Hybrid is still a delightful sedan to drive and boasts an extravagant and commodious interior brimming with the finest in comforts and conveniences.

It may be a suave and contemporary sedan and one that does come comprehensively outfitted with the premium features you'd expect in a high-end vehicle, but in terms of performance, the Lexus LS Hybrid is let down by the 3.5L V6 engine under its hood. The 354 hp it musters up simply isn't enough to deal with the LS 500h's extended length and sizeable dimensions plus its large and hefty powertrain and AWD system. It feels unrefined, too, with its hoarse and strained engine note and clunky CVT/four-speed automatic combination. Performance specs, handling, and ride quality are far better in German competitors, which are presented in plug-in hybrid forms that also provide short all-electric driving ranges that equate to better efficiency and fewer emissions. There's just the one LS Hybrid sedan model and because it was designed on the framework of a regular gasoline sedan, it suffers from various hindrances and compromises such as diminished cargo space. Reviews of the Lexus LS Hybrid find that while this is a very attractive premium cruiser, it lacks the spicy performance that its competitors have mastered. Ultimately, if you're looking for a premium hybridized sedan, there are better options available in the US at similar prices.

In the USA, Lexus presents the new LS Hybrid at a price of $113,075. The starting price excludes any tax, registration, and licensing fees but does include Lexus' $1,075 processing, handling, and delivery charge. As for options and packages, the new Haku door-trim ornamentation will cost an extra $1,200, but beyond that, there isn't much else.