Should you buy one?

The LS500h definitely polarises buyers. At least 90% reject it in favour of a Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz: job done. But it’s difficult to see beyond the refinement issues, or the lack of the rear seat options in a car of this price and positioning. The bottom line is that the A8, 7 Series and S-Class all offer more flexibility and options, and that matters to the vast majority luxury car buyers.

With great visual design and an original and beautifully made cabin this is a proper Lexus, but a hybrid drivetrain no longer counts for much when the main rivals offer plug-ins which will get you from your office in W1 to Heathrow on electric power (though not back again). In this case, different may not be enough, and that’s probably why the Lexus LS sells in such tiny numbers.

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