Lexus LS 500 F Sport – 2022 Test Drive Review

The 2022 Lexus LS 500 F Sport is a VIP sedan.

The 2022 LS 500 F Sport is a true executive sedan. It balances comfort, luxury, and sport performance. The model we tested was a rear-wheel drive variation but is also offered with AWD and a hybrid drivetrain. The LS 500 starts at $77,075, and the model seen below has a total MSRP of $98,255.

Exterior

The LS 500 has an elegant yet sporty profile. In Matador Red Mica, though, the car takes two steps back in appearance. This color did not do it for me, and it would look best in the offered greys, black, white, and even dark blue. This Red exterior has to be the least favorable color. The LS 500 has a unique front bumper and grille, 20-inch Dark Vapor Chrome alloy wheels, a rear diffuser, lower door trim, and a panoramic glass roof with the F Sport package.

Exterior Rating: 8/10

Interior

The interior is very spacious. At 6’1, there was plenty of room in the driver seat and the lounge-style rear passenger setup. The design is sleek, modern, and stylish with many great features but does not carry the wow factor compared to other luxury sedans in its class, especially pushing $100K. However, that does not mean it does not boast a brilliant interior. It features real wood interior trim, heated wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, a heads-up display, a Mark Levinson 23-speaker audio system, and one of the crispest and clear digital mirrors I have ever seen due to the larger high-resolution display allowing for improved visibility. Passengers in the rear can experience extraordinary comfort and features to ensure a luxurious ride. There are 4 zone ventilation and a center console that controls ventilated seats and massage.

Interior Rating: 8/10

Performance

The 2022 LS 500 F Sport has a 3.5L V6 twin-turbo engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. It pushes out 416 horsepower, 62 more horsepower than its hybrid counterpart. It sounds good and feels good with a V6 under the hood, but I would like to see a V8 variant offering more raw and unhinged power to the wheels. The 0-60 time is an impressive 4.6 seconds, and you can tailor the powertrain response and feel by choosing from Eco, Comfort, Normal, Custom, Sport S, or Sport S+ modes. It has a fuel economy combined rating of 22MPG, and with my heavy foot, I managed to stay at around 21 MPG. This model I was testing had Adaptive Variable Air Suspension, which offered adjustable ride height and a smooth and graceful driving experience like you were driving on clouds.

Performance Rating: 8/10

2022 Lexus LS 500 F Sport Verdict

The LS 500 was comfortable and easy to drive. It is a great car to be chauffeured around. As 2023+ Lexus’ begin to get refreshed, I am looking forward to what the future of Lexus will bring to this popular platform. Wireless Carplay and losing the touchpad are imminent. Finally, my only negative experience with this sedan was the flat tire I got and realizing there was no spare due to the air compressor for the suspension.

Overall Rating: 8/10

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Lexus LC 500 Hybrid – 2022 Test Drive Review

LC 500h WHM Automotive Media

The 2022 Lexus LC 500 Hybrid is one good-looking sports car.

The 2022 LC 500 and LC 500h was released with the first-ever Bespoke Build service. This allows Lexus customers to configure their vehicles in numerous ways. Based on the Sport Package, the LC’s Bespoke Build includes Torsen limited-slip rear differential with Yamaha rear performance damper, high-performance brake pads from Mu, and Intuitive Parking Assist. In addition, you can customize the LC 500’s wheels, spoiler, roof, and exterior/interior trim and colors. For example, the carbon fiber roof and all-new Manhattanhenge interior color are exclusive to Bespoke Build.

Exterior

The LC 500 has one of the best designs and aesthetics of any car I have driven. The first time it was introduced to the LC 500, I was in love with all the lines, the stance, and the overall design. The carbon rear wing and carbon fiber wing paired with the high gloss rear valance and 21 wheels make this car stand out more than it already does. The Cadmium Orange exterior may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it does give a more exotic look to the LC500. Depending on the light, the color changes from a Longhorn Orange to a deep copper.

Exterior Rating: 10/10

Interior

The Manhattanhenge interior may be an overload of orange for some, but I loved the in-your-face design complimented with black panels and silver accent pieces. If you are puzzled by the color name, it comes from a rare New York City occurrence. On two special days a year, the rising or setting sun aligns perfectly with the primary Manhattan street grid, creating a beautiful orange glow that illuminates the urban skyline. The driver seat is very cockpit-centric, similar to the Nissan Z. I am 6’1 and had no issues fitting comfortably. This car does have a back seat, but it is not functional or serves a valuable purpose as there is zero legroom.

Regarding the tech and features available, the infotainment system is outdated in the 2022 model. Lexus has upgraded for 2023+ Lexus vehicles and beyond, and I look forward to that. However, this car did not have wireless Carplay, still uses the trackback system that is no longer impressive, and a 360 camera seemed to be missing. I expected some fancy technology features and utilities unique to the 6-figure LC.

Interior Rating: 8/10

Performance

The 2022 LC 500h is equipped with a V6 hybrid system. It pushes out 354 horsepower compared to the 5.0 liter V8 delivering 471 horsepower. I would pick a V8 all day, especially when high performance and an exotic design go hand in hand. Still, the hybrid version is no slouch. Despite being heavier than the V8 variant is capable of 0-60 in 4.7 seconds. It carries a pair of electric motors and a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery that can provide pure electric driving under 35mph but only lasts 4 miles. The handling and the ride quality are excellent, considering the enormous 21-inch wheels, but I expect nothing less from a Lexus product.

Furthermore, my heavy foot was no match for the stated combined 29 mpg. I was only able to manage 21.5 with spirited driving. So I can only imagine I would only get 16 or less in the V8. I would love to see a fully electric version of the LC 500.

Performance Rating: 7/10

2022 Lexus LC500 Hybrid Verdict

I love the Lexus LC500, but I cannot get behind the hybrid version. The V8 is more to my taste. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful design, and I dig this color combination. Unfortunately, this vehicle’s tech and features are already outdated since 2023+ Lexus vehicles are getting refreshed with a new Infotainment system.
I look forward to the mild changes and updates they make to this platform, which is almost a home run. Finally, I would love to see a hardtop convertible version and one that is entirely electric. The model tested has an MSRP of $118,630.

Overall Rating: 8/10

LEXUS LS 500 F SPORT Review

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