The Lexus LS is a full-size luxury sedan, doing battle against the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Genesis G90, Maserati Quattroporte, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It was last redesigned for the 2018 model year, so 2021 brings a facelift and major updates.

The LS’ front fascia features an updated version of Lexus’s current design language, in both the Standard and F Sport looks. The new spindle grille is a darker metallic color, while the new three-projector LED headlights complete the look. There’s also a new exterior color, Iridium. Out back, last year’s chrome trim gives way to piano black.

Inside, Lexus changed the controls on the steering wheel and center console to a uniform black, for better presentation and ease-of-use. A Palomino Leather interior color is available, while new interior trim options include Black Laser Special and Open Pore Black. In addition to the LS’s interior design, several invisible points were subtly touched. The door and center console armrests, seat cushions, and other contact points have increased levels of padding, while the front seats come with revised springs and more cushioning.

Meanwhile, the LS’ basic powertrain is carried over from last year. It’s a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with start/stop that develops 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD), with a limited-slip center differential. You have the choice between Eco, Comfort, Normal, Custom, Sport S, or Sport S + drive modes. The LS hits 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds according to Lexus.

The LS comes in Base and F Sport trims. The Base trim comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, full LED exterior lighting, keyless access and start, a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 12-speaker premium audio system, active noise cancellation, adaptive front lighting, 16-way power seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation, and a power moonroof.

The F Sport comes with a unique exterior appearance package, larger front and rear brakes, 20-inch wheels, 28-way electric and pneumatic seats, an Ultrasuede headliner, and aluminum pedals and interior trim. Other optional features include a four-zone automatic climate control system, semi-aniline leather upholstery, 22-way adjustable rear seats with butterfly headrests, a 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, a 24-inch heads-up display, power front seatbelt buckles, and an enhanced interior heater.

Lexus packs the LS full of safety features under the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 banner. It includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a rear-view camera are also standard. The latest LS has not been evaluated for crash safety by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but that’s not unusual for a car in this category.

The Lexus LS is a seriously impressive luxury Q-ship.