If you happen to own a Lexus LS 500, the question of whether there are any extras that are available for this super-premium sedan may arise. Lexus has a quick, short answer to this query: “The options are standard”.
That’s an overall policy with Lexus that has enabled customers to discover one of the most satisfying aspects of owing a car with the stylised L badge. Lexus doesn’t do the whole options-ticking thing with its cars. They are specced standard with all sorts of dynamic and creature comfort features from the outset, which also may explain why model variants on the Lexus price lists are of the short-and-sweet variety.
However, just a month ago the LS 500 was revised slightly, and now features an improved speed range for its Adaptive Cruise Control system, while Lane Keep Assist has also been improved with steering vibration and a Lane Trace Assist feature.
The LS 500 only comes in two variants
In line with this thinking, Lexus only offers two versions of the LS 500 for sale. These are the LS 500 and the LS 500 F-Sport. Interestingly, the F-Sport is priced some R182 000 less than the LS 500.
“The reasons for this so-called anomaly is that the F-Sport has less standard equipment in the interior than the LS 500, “ explained A spokesman For Lexus South Africa. “These are items like the LS 500 rear seats, with a multitude of adjustments for the rear passengers. These weren’t deemed necessary for the F-Sport. The F-Sport is profiled more toward the dynamic aspects of the car than ultimate comfort, although it is quite obviously still a very comfortable car.”
Lexus doesn’t list accessories on its web page
Lexus doesn’t list any options, or indeed any retro-fit accessories for its product range in South Africa, again the rationale here being that the company’s philosophy is to provide a fully-equipped car in standard form. This is quite at odds with the policies of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. These German companies weigh in with a base-price and then an extensive options list for equipment that could on occasions seem quite basic by luxury-car standards. It is probably true to say that finding a Merc, a Beemer or an Audi in absolutely base-model form with no options is a rare occurrence indeed!
It may be argued that the “options are standard” policy doesn’t always work well for Lexus when it comes to attracting customers. If you compare a Lexus LS 500 with a comparatively-powered Mercedes or BMW, the Japanese-sourced car often looks initially expensive. It is only when you do a spec-for-spec analysis that you realise that the LS is very competitively priced.
What about accessories available overseas?
Lexus in the United States does list some accessories for the LS 500, but these are of such a minor nature that they are not really significant. They include items like door handle guards, door sill embellishers and rubber floor mats. The rest of the items listed seem to be various types of locking wheel nuts!
Probably the bottom line with a car costing between R2 062 400 and R2 244 800 is that accessorising it doesn’t play a big part in the reason for owning one!
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