The Quiet Farewell: Is the 2025 Lexus LS 500h Still the Gold Standard of Luxury?
The Lexus LS started it all back in 1989, upending the German luxury establishment with its obsessive build quality and ghostly silence. For 2025, the flagship LS 500h remains a bastion of "Omotenashi" (traditional Japanese hospitality), prioritizing a serene, isolated experience over the tech-heavy, screen-filled cockpits of its modern rivals. However, the clock has officially run out for this hybrid icon. Following the confirmation that the hybrid LS 500h will be quietly discontinued after the 2025 model year, with only a limited 250-unit "Heritage Edition" gas model serving as a 2026 send-off, this is the final opportunity to own the ultimate expression of Lexus luxury. It is a car for the traditionalist, but in a world of rapid electrification, does its old-school soul still justify its six-figure price tag?
KEYTAKEAWAYS
- The Last of the Hybrids: 2025 is the final production year for the LS 500h. Lexus has confirmed the hybrid model will not return for 2026, marking the end of the line for the flagship electrified sedan.
- Hybrid Refinement: The 354-hp V6 hybrid system offers smooth, near-silent operation with standard AWD, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds and a respectable 25 combined MPG.
- Tactile Luxury: In a world of fingerprints and touchscreens, the LS retains physical buttons and knobs, paired with world-class materials like hand-applied Kiriko glass and Haku metal foil trim.
- Steep Premium: With a starting price exceeding $116,000, the hybrid carries a massive $35,000 premium over the base gas-only LS 500—a cost unlikely to be recouped through fuel savings alone.
- Competitive Niche: While more affordable than a base Mercedes S-Class, the LS 500h faces stiff competition from the newer Genesis G90 and the tech-superior BMW 7 Series.
Pros: Why the LS 500h Still Commands Respect
Despite its aging platform, the 2025 LS 500h excels in areas where modern competitors often stumble. Its interior is a masterclass in traditional craftsmanship. While others use generic plastics or wood veneers, Lexus offers ornate Kiriko cut glass and hand-folded fabric door panels that feel more like fine art than automotive components. The available Haku foil ornamentation—a technique passed down for 400 years where metal is flattened to 1/10,000th of a millimeter—achieves a delicate shine reminiscent of moonlight reflecting over ocean waves.
The multimedia experience is another surprising win. After years of the polarizing touchpad, the current 12.3-inch touchscreen system is simple and intuitive. By keeping physical knobs for volume and climate, Lexus has created one of the few flagship sedans you can actually operate by feel without taking your eyes off the road. Furthermore, the 23-speaker Mark Levinson QLI Reference Sound System remains one of the best in the industry, creating a 3D soundstage that shames many home hi-fi setups.
Cons: Where the Aging Flagship Shows Its Wrinkles
The primary hurdle for the LS 500h is its value proposition. While the base LS 500 significantly undercuts the competition, the hybrid's $116,000+ price tag puts it in direct competition with much newer, more powerful alternatives. Furthermore, the Lexus Teammate hands-free driving system, while safe, feels "finicky" and less comprehensive than GM’s Super Cruise or Ford’s BlueCruise 1.3, often struggling with lane changes or highway merges that competitors handle with ease.
Visually, the car's design language dates back to 2017. While still handsome with its 5,032-facet spindle grille, it lacks the "road presence" of the massive-grilled BMW 7 Series or the sleek, futuristic silhouette of the Genesis G90. For many, it has begun to blend into the sea of smaller Lexus and Toyota sedans, lacking the unmistakable "I've arrived" aura of an S-Class.
| Feature | Lexus LS 500h (Hybrid) | BMW 740i (Competitor) |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 3.5L V6 Hybrid (354 hp) | 3.0L Turbo I6 (375 hp) |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.2 Seconds | 5.2 Seconds |
| Highway MPG | 29 MPG | 31 MPG |
| Base Price (Hybrid) | ~$116,500 | ~$100,475 |
| Trunk Volume | 15.2 cu. ft. | 13.7 cu. ft. |
2025 Lexus LS 500h FAQ
Q: Why is Lexus discontinuing the LS 500h hybrid?
A: Lexus is shifting its flagship focus toward full electrification. With the LS 500h's powertrain architecture nearing its limit and sales favoring the standard LS 500 or the new electrified RX and LX models, the brand has decided to retire the hybrid flagship to make room for future BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) projects.
Q: What makes the "Multistage Hybrid Drive" different from a Prius?
A: Unlike a standard CVT-based hybrid, the LS 500h uses a complex transmission that combines a planetary gearset with a four-speed automatic gearbox. This "Multistage" system creates 10 simulated gears, allowing for more direct acceleration and a higher top speed (136 mph) while eliminating the "rubber-band" feel typical of hybrids.
Q: Is the Teammate hands-free driving system worth the cost?
A: It depends on your commute. Teammate is designed specifically for highway cruising on over 130,000 miles of mapped roads. While it is incredibly safe due to its LiDAR and radar sensors, it is more restrictive than GM's Super Cruise and will often prompt the driver to resume control if road conditions aren't perfect. For most, the standard safety suite is sufficient.
The 2025 Lexus LS 500h is a dignified end to a legendary run. It isn't the fastest or the most technologically advanced sedan in its class, but it remains one of the most comfortable and best-built machines ever to wear a license plate. If you value tranquility, physical buttons, and peerless Japanese craftsmanship over massive screens and flashing LEDs, this is your last chance to own a new piece of flagship history.
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