BMW řady 7 vs. Lexus LS: Complete comparison 2026

BMW 7 Series represents the technological and luxury pinnacle of the Munich-based automaker, which, as a roughly four-year-old used car, perfectly combines representative comfort with traditionally excellent driving characteristics. Standing against it is the majestic Lexus LS, also known in the past on its home market as the Toyota Celsior, which attracts primarily with its legendary Japanese reliability, efficient hybrid powertrain, and masterly attention to detail. In the following comparison, we will analyze in detail the strengths and weaknesses of both these limousines to find out which of the different philosophies makes more sense on the luxury used car market.

When it comes to exterior dimensions, both of these luxury limousines command immense respect on the road. For comparison, we focused on the generations that are currently most relevant on the used car market (roughly four-year-old vehicles) – namely the BMW 7 Series in the G11/G12 generation after the facelift and the fifth generation of the Lexus LS, designated USF50. The main difference between them lies in the approach to the range of body styles. While BMW sticks to the traditional recipe with both standard (5120 mm) and long-wheelbase versions (5260 mm), the Japanese automaker chose a single universal variant. The Lexus LS measures 5235 mm in length, placing it exactly between the two Munich models and aiming to offer the best of both worlds.

In terms of width, the cars are similar down to the millimeter. Both have a value of around 1.9 meters (1902 mm for the BMW, 1900 mm for the Lexus). While this guarantees the occupants majestic interior space in the shoulder area, it also requires a significant amount of caution from both competitors when parking in narrow city garages. A more distinct difference can be found primarily in the body height. With values of 1450 to 1460 mm, Lexus intentionally bets on a more dynamic silhouette inspired by coupes. The BMW, at up to 1479 mm, is slightly taller, giving the car more classic formal proportions and a somewhat more generous headroom for rear-seat passengers.

However, the most important figure for executive sedans is the wheelbase, which defines legroom. The standard BMW 7 Series has a wheelbase of 3070 mm, which you will appreciate especially when you drive the car yourself and require at least some degree of agility. However, the extended "Long" version, with its massive 3210 mm wheelbase, brings uncompromising presidential luxury to the rear seats. The Lexus, with its 3125 mm wheelbase, again represents the golden mean – it maintains decent agility for the driver while offering enough airiness in the back for demanding passengers without the need to opt for a special extended variant.

When choosing a luxury sedan, trunk capacity plays a surprisingly important role. Whether it's transporting business partners to the airport with several large suitcases or relaxing weekend golf trips, the ability to accommodate bulky luggage without compromise is absolutely crucial. For roughly four-year-old used cars from this prestigious segment, it is simply expected that the transport of personal belongings will be handled as elegantly as possible and without disrupting the comfort inside the cabin. Both compared flagships, representing the BMW 7 Series (G11/G12 generation from 2015–2022) and the Lexus LS (USF50 generation produced since 2018), approach this task with differing levels of spatial generosity.

The German representative, the BMW 7 Series, offers a base trunk capacity of 515 liters in its standard internal combustion versions. This cleverly designed and relatively deep space easily accommodates four standard suitcases or several sets of golf clubs, making it a very practical companion. In contrast, the competing fifth-generation Lexus LS is somewhat more modest in its twin-turbocharged V6 petrol version, the LS 500, offering a capacity of 480 liters. Although this value is fully sufficient for everyday shopping or a comfortable holiday for two, the mentioned 35-liter difference can in practice represent at least one extra carry-on suitcase or a smaller travel bag that you won't fit into the Japanese car as easily.

It is important to keep in mind that spatial layouts change significantly when you opt for the market-demanded electrified variants. In both limousines, the large traction battery inevitably takes up a significant amount of space. In the case of the very popular hybrid Lexus LS 500h, the total trunk capacity drops to 430 liters. A similar concession applies to the plug-in hybrid versions from BMW (for example, the 745e/745Le engines), where the battery reduces the cargo space to as little as 420 liters. Furthermore, these luxury cruisers primarily serve as vehicles for rear-seat passengers – which is why you often find electrically adjustable massage seats or a fixed luxury partition, so the classic expansion of trunk volume by folding down the backrests is either not officially listed for these limousines or the option is completely absent.

If you require the ability to tow a trailer with your luxury limousine and are considering approximately four-year-old used BMW 7 Series or Lexus LS models, you will encounter one of the most fundamental differences between these cars. Trailer weight is a key parameter that determines the overall practicality of a car, whether it's for transporting bulky cargo or hitching up a large caravan. The BMW 7 Series in the relevant G11/G12 generation (produced until 2022) is an exceptionally capable workhorse despite its highly luxurious character. The standard unbraked trailer weight reaches the legislative maximum of 750 kg, while the maximum braked trailer weight ranges between 2,100 kg and 2,300 kg. For example, the 750d diesel engines can handle exactly 2,300 kg, while for the 750i petrol versions, the capacity starts at 2,100 kg. This towing capacity is perfectly sufficient for a long holiday with a large caravan or safely towing a boat to the water.

On the other hand, the Japanese Lexus LS in its USF50 generation (produced from 2018 to the present) is designed strictly with maximum passenger comfort in mind and is not factory-homologated for towing a trailer at all. Its towing capacity is thus exactly 0 kg. This fact applies across the board to both the conventional internal combustion LS 500 versions and the LS 500h hybrid variants, which otherwise sometimes only have reduced capacities in the automotive world. In the case of the Lexus LS, however, this means you lose the ability to tow any trailer, and you cannot even install a standard bicycle carrier mounted directly on the tow ball.

From the perspective of overall practicality and towing capabilities, the conclusion for those interested in a used car is absolutely clear: if a tow bar is a necessity for you, the Bavarian 7 Series represents a clear and much more versatile choice. The Japanese competitor completely omits this area, which is why its zero-value data is not even included in the comparison table below.

BMW 7 Series (facelifted G11/G12 generation) and Lexus LS (USF50 generation) approach powertrains from completely different perspectives, which fundamentally shapes the very character of both luxury limousines. In the segment of approximately four-year-old used cars, BMW boasts an exceptionally diverse and advanced range of engines, including turbocharged diesel and petrol six-cylinders, powerful V8s, and an advanced plug-in hybrid. This variety and the presence of the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system make the Munich limousine an ideal choice for drivers seeking dynamics as well as for motorway travelers covering high mileages. In contrast, Lexus chooses a strict path typical for the brand: quietness, reliability, and smoothness. The Japanese automaker relies almost exclusively on naturally aspirated petrol six-cylinders combined with efficient self-charging full-hybrid technology. Lexus can thus confidently appeal to calmer drivers and managers looking for incredibly smooth engine operation, uncompromising long-term reliability, and efficient fuel consumption, especially in heavy city traffic.

For the Bavarian flagship in the respective G11/G12 generation, the absolute dominance of the smooth eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF is typical in the four-year-old car market. A standard and immensely popular engine on the secondary market is the economical yet sufficiently flexible 730d diesel six-cylinder (210 kW). Those interested in locally emission-free operation can focus on the 745e plug-in hybrid version, which combines a petrol six-cylinder with an electric motor (system output 290 kW) and allows for a purely electric range for daily city commuting. At the opposite end of the spectrum are the stunning-sounding 750i petrol V8 (390 kW) and the majestic, now iconic M760Li twelve-cylinder. A completely unique technological gem from BMW was the diesel six-cylinder equipped with an incredible four turbochargers in the 750d (294 kW) version. However, as car availability data directly shows, this fascinating and extremely powerful diesel was officially offered only until the autumn of 2020. In the market for the youngest used cars, roughly four years old, you will no longer find this top diesel variant due to the tightening of emission limits at that time.

(Note: The extremely powerful 750d engine was removed from the range during 2020 and no longer appears in newer models)

The fifth-generation Lexus LS (USF50) offers a significantly more purist range of engines, where engineers directed all efforts towards absolute comfort and technical precision. The core of the range and the most frequently requested choice is the LS 500h model, which combines a sophisticated naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with a powerful electric motor, with the car having a combined system output of 264 kW. A major technological highlight is the use of the unique Multi Stage Hybrid system. This system physically connects a planetary e-CVT transmission with a classic four-speed automatic, thereby together simulating 10 gear ratios and providing the driver with a much more natural throttle response. From the database of models and their production cycles, it is clearly visible that although the range previously also included the purely internal combustion LS 500 version with a twin-turbocharged petrol V6 (307 kW) and a classic ten-speed automatic, this conventional high-performance engine was definitively discontinued in most European markets at the end of 2020. When choosing an approximately four-year-old used car, buyers largely bet on the certainty of the resilient and efficient LS 500h hybrid variant.

(Note: The purely internal combustion LS 500 model was mostly withdrawn from sale in Europe after 2020, and the hybrid dominates in younger model years)

Choosing the right engine for luxury limousines is absolutely key for long-term satisfaction, as potential service mistakes are punished here with bills in the thousands of euros. Our recommendation is therefore based on real-world owner experiences, long-term mechanical reliability, and actual fuel consumption. Both compared limousines approach the powertrain very differently – BMW focuses on brutal performance and turbocharging, though iconic diesels have disappeared from its range in recent years, while Lexus hones its exceptionally reliable naturally aspirated hybrid to perfection, prioritizing Zen-like tranquility over shredding the asphalt.

For the BMW 7 Series, we recommend: 750i xDrive (4.4 V8 TwinPower Turbo, 390 kW)

If you are looking for a used car roughly four years old (for example, from 2022 in the G11/G12 LCI generation), the updated petrol V8 750i xDrive is a fantastic and prestigious choice. From available database data, it is evident that the fascinating technological marvel in the form of the quad-turbocharged 750d xDrive diesel engine ceased production as early as autumn 2020. For newer cars on the used market, this extremely complex diesel is no longer available, which logically elevates the more reliable petrol V8 to the role of the best flagship.

• Why it's the best choice: The N63 engine underwent an extensive revision during the facelift, receiving a number of internal components from the M division. The manufacturer finally resolved earlier teething troubles and created a robust unit that exemplarily balances on the edge between a luxury cruiser and a sports brawler.
• Technical advantages: The greatest asset is the massive torque of 750 Nm available from as low as 1,800 rpm and the absolutely flawless cooperation with the ZF eight-speed automatic. The car sprints to 100 in 4 seconds, while real-world highway fuel consumption at a reasonable pace stays at a very acceptable 10 to 11 liters.
• Risks and how to prevent them: The placement of the twin turbochargers in the hot "V" configuration between the cylinders brings enormous thermal stress to the engine oil and surrounding seals. For the long life of the powertrain, it is absolutely critical to shorten service intervals and change the oil every 10 to 15 thousand kilometers at most. Also, regularly check for minor coolant leaks.
• Who it's ideal for: This engine will thrill dynamically oriented drivers and entrepreneurs who often travel across Europe, devour highway miles, and demand instant, crushing acceleration accompanied by the rich sound of a V8.

For the Lexus LS, we recommend: LS 500h AWD (3.5 V6 Hybrid, 264 kW)

For the Japanese flagship of the USF50 generation (around 4 years old), the hybrid variant LS 500h is practically the only and most logical path. Although the car was also sold with a purely petrol twin-turbocharged LS 500 engine, it is the sophisticated hybrid powertrain that embodies the true essence of the Lexus brand and has no competition in the entire premium segment in terms of operating costs.

• Why it's the best choice: Hybrid synergy from the Japanese group is the definition of longevity. The naturally aspirated V6 engine combined with electric motors does not suffer from turbocharger wear, complex emission filters, or expensive starter failures, making it the safest used luxury car on the market in terms of value retention.
• Technical advantages: The unique Multi-Stage Hybrid system cleverly combines a planetary e-CVT gearbox and a classic four-speed automatic, smoothly simulating ten gear ratios for the driver. The result is unprecedented efficiency for a five-meter limousine – in city and suburban driving, you can commonly move around the 8 liters per 100 kilometers mark with a light foot.
• Risks and how to prevent them: While the mechanics are almost bulletproof, from a maintenance perspective, you must not forget to regularly clean the traction battery cooling ventilation grille. If you clog it with dust or lint from clothing, the battery will start to overheat. The driver also has to get used to the more specific behavior of the continuously variable transmission – during sharp acceleration, the engine "revs up," and the acoustic profile feels a bit more strained than that of its German competition.
• Who it's ideal for: A Lexus with this powertrain is the perfect car for calm, composed individuals. It excels for managers or drivers primarily driving in congested cities and outskirts who desire absolute silence, maximum reliability, and can do without racing in the fast lane.

For luxury limousines weighing over two tons, official paper fuel consumption often differs significantly from real-world figures. To get the most accurate picture possible, we looked at data from drivers themselves in real-world traffic. We draw information from the extensive user database of the German portal Spritmonitor.de and from processed data for car generations currently on the nearly-new used car market (roughly 4-year-old cars, i.e., BMW 7 Series generation G11/G12 and Lexus LS generation USF50).

Looking at the trends, the dominance of diesel engines from the Bavarian automaker is clearly visible in direct comparison. Traditional three-liter diesel six-cylinder engines (730d and 740d) represent the golden mean with excellent fuel consumption of around 7 liters per 100 km. A very interesting finding is the top diesel model 750d, equipped with a unique quad-turbocharger system. Despite its enormous power, it consumes roughly 7.3 l/100 km in practice – paradoxically, in the real world, thanks to its huge power reserve, it can be as economical as the slightly less powerful 740d version.

Lexus, on the other hand, chooses a completely different philosophy and relies exclusively on petrol and electrification. While the hybrid powertrain in the LS 500h can recuperate effectively and a real-world consumption of 8.6 l/100 km is great for a massive petrol limousine, it cannot cheat physics on the highway and simply falls short of the pure efficiency of diesel BMWs. Non-hybrid petrol versions (the turbocharged V6 in the LS 500 and the powerful V8 in the BMW 750i) then require values confidently attacking the ten to eleven-liter mark.

What does this mean in practice for a typical owner? For drivers who spend most of their time on highways and swallow hundreds of kilometers across Europe, the diesel BMW (ideally the basic but more than sufficient 730d version) is the clear favorite in terms of operating economy. However, if you use the car primarily in urban and suburban settings, the hybrid Lexus LS 500h makes a lot of sense, as its sophisticated system can significantly reduce not only fuel consumption but also brake system wear in stop-and-go traffic.

In conclusion, fuel consumption will often be one of the main deciding factors when choosing between these two cars. Customers focused on extremely long highway range and maximum efficiency will naturally reach for the Munich diesel classic. Conversely, those interested in sophisticated, exceptionally quiet technology for calmer travel or regular city driving will find an ideal companion in the Japanese hybrid.

Used Car Price Duel: BMW 7 Series vs. Lexus LS

If you are looking for a roughly four-year-old luxury limousine (model years 2021–2022), for BMW you will focus primarily on the facelifted G11/G12 generation. For its Japanese competitor, it will be the facelifted fifth-generation Lexus LS (XF50). The situation on the used car market is diametrically different for both models, both in terms of overall availability and in the context of depreciation.

Price Trends and Availability: BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series is among the cars that traditionally experience a very steep drop in value on the secondary market. For a buyer of a four-year-old car, however, this represents a very tempting opportunity to acquire premium technology.

• Price Range: Cars from 2021 and 2022 with higher mileage start as low as €39,000. Beautiful and demonstrably serviced units are most often found between €45,000 and €53,000.
• Market Supply: The selection on both our and the European market is huge. Buyers can dictate terms and choose carefully based on colors or premium equipment.
• Engines: The market is clearly dominated by the 730d and 740d xDrive diesel six-cylinders, which are perfectly suited for long highway journeys. Gasoline variants or rarer M-models hold their value slightly better, but there is a significant shortage of them.

Price Trends and Availability: Lexus LS

The Japanese flagship plays a completely different game on the European used car market. Exclusivity, low sales of new cars, and renowned reliability mean that the Lexus holds its value much more stubbornly.

• Price Range: A four-year-old Lexus LS represents a significantly larger investment than a comparable BMW. Prices for these model years usually start around €68,000, while the best-preserved units can approach the €88,000 mark.
• Market Supply: In the Czech Republic, usually only a handful of units appear in advertisements. For a wider range of choices, it is almost a necessity to search the large markets of Western Europe, especially Germany.
• Engines: Interested parties will almost 100% encounter the LS 500h powertrain. While this advanced hybrid drive does not offer the pure highway pull of a large turbodiesel, it makes up for it with exemplary reliability.

Overview Comparison (2021–2022 Model Year Cars)

Although we often begin comparisons of premium cars by stating that both vehicles easily achieved a full five-star Euro NCAP rating, it is always absolutely essential to emphasize the broader context and the year these tests took place. Euro NCAP crash test protocols evolve over time and become much stricter. For this reason, percentage scores from different years cannot be directly compared. Today's latest methodologies include entirely new frontal impact simulations, more sophisticated cyclist detection, or evaluations of crisis scenarios directly at intersections.

However, if we wanted to mention the year in which each of these models was tested and compare their scores according to the latest protocols, we would find that the data is completely missing. Neither the BMW 7 Series nor the Lexus LS have ever been officially tested by Euro NCAP in their latest generations. Due to enormous acquisition costs and low sales volumes, crash tests are simply not commonly performed on models in this top luxury category by independent organizations. For this reason, you will not find any percentage ratings for adult protection, child protection, vulnerable road users, or assistance systems in our table.

The absence of these certified results, however, does not mean in the slightest that these roughly four-year-old cars are not safe. On the contrary – these flagships serve as pioneers of the absolute pinnacle of safety for the entire automotive market for both brands. The BMW 7 Series (in the sought-after G11 LCI or newer G70 generations) relies on an exceptionally robust structure (combining aluminum and Carbon Core carbon elements in older versions) and a sophisticated suite of assistants, Driving Assistant Professional. The Lexus LS (current fifth generation XF50), on the other hand, features the innovative Lexus Safety System+ (and by extension the Lexus CoDrive assistant), which introduced, among other things, unique features such as pedestrian detection combined with active steering intervention to perform an automatic evasive maneuver within the lane. In the overall assessment, both limousines represent the most comprehensive and modern safety package by today's standards, with Lexus holding a slight lead due to its philosophy of including all assistance equipment directly in the base price.

Comparison of Euro NCAP results

In addition to standard equipment, each of the models offers several unique features that push the boundaries of the luxury segment, with both flagships having their own distinctive approach to added value. While the German representative bets on state-of-the-art technology and sportier genes, the Japanese competitor embraces traditional craftsmanship and maximum tranquility on board.

BMW 7 Series: Technological Dominance and Innovative Luxury

The German flagship has long been a pioneer in introducing new electronic systems and driving assistants that make daily life easier and bring joy to driving.

• Infotainment and controls: The iDrive system is at the absolute top of the market. BMW offers gesture control, advanced voice commands, and a smart key with a display (BMW Display Key), through which the car can be remotely parked even into very narrow garages. For newer models (G70 generation from 2022), rear passengers can also use the fold-down 31.3-inch BMW Theater Screen with 8K resolution.
• Comfort and interior: Rear-seat passengers can take advantage of the Executive Lounge package, which allows the seat behind the front passenger to be reclined almost into a lying position. The interior atmosphere is enhanced by the Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof, which integrates thousands of LEDs mimicking a starry sky.
• Construction and chassis: Recent models typically feature Carbon Core technology. The use of carbon fiber in the body structure reduces weight and increases rigidity, which, combined with the rear-axle steering (Integral Active Steering), ensures unexpectedly agile and sporty driving characteristics for a five-meter-long limousine.
• Assistance systems: A practical feature for tight spaces is the Reversing Assistant. The car remembers the last 50 meters driven forward (e.g., in a narrow alley) and can automatically reverse out exactly in the same track.

Lexus LS: Omotenashi Philosophy and Japanese Craftsmanship

Lexus approaches luxury from the perspective of traditional Japanese hospitality called Omotenashi, which aims to anticipate passengers' needs before they even think of them.

• Design and craftsmanship: The Lexus interior is worlds away from cold European technology. It offers unique handcrafted (Takumi) details, such as Kiriko hand-cut glass door inserts or fabric panels folded using the traditional origami technique.
• Comfort and ergonomics: Both front and rear seats offer up to 28-way adjustment. A premium massage function based on the principles of Japanese Shiatsu pressure massage is available, developed with the help of actual massage therapists. The sophisticated air suspension with Access Mode is also clever, automatically raising the car when unlocked for easier entry.
• Powertrain and efficiency: A specific feature of Lexus in this class is the Multi-Stage Hybrid technology (in the case of the LS 500h version). It combines the reliability of a naturally aspirated V6 engine with electric motors, ensuring silky smooth starts, quiet operation, and exceptionally favorable fuel consumption in city traffic.
• Audio system and acoustics: The Active Noise Control system contributes to the overall silence on board. The sound experience is then provided by the custom-designed Mark Levinson reference audio system with 23 speakers, which uses ceiling speakers to create a perfect 3D soundstage (Quantum Logic Immersion).

The BMW 7 Series is an ideal choice for demanding executives and drivers looking for cutting-edge technology, confident driving characteristics even at high speeds, and a wide choice of engine options. It will suit those who require perfect connectivity and don't mind the higher operating costs typical of flagship models from German premium brands.

The Lexus LS will primarily appeal to more conservative individualists who prefer absolute acoustic tranquility, premium reliability, and unconventional luxury over aggressive dynamics. It is a perfect executive limousine for owners who plan to keep the car for a longer period and want to avoid frequent and expensive visits to the service center.

Based on our own records from the CarAudit service, long-term user experience, failure statistics, and service reports, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that buyers of used flagships should watch out for.

BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series (especially the G11/G12 generation after the facelift and early models of the succeeding generation) is an extremely complex and technology-packed car, which, however, is often reflected in specific defects and more demanding maintenance in used cars.

• Chassis and Suspension: The air suspension provides top-tier comfort but is sensitive to air bellow leaks and subsequent excessive compressor wear, especially in vehicles approaching a mileage of 100,000 km. A detailed physical inspection of a used car before purchase is absolutely crucial here, as repairs to this system tend to be very expensive.
• Engine and Drivetrain: With the popular diesel six-cylinders (730d and 740d versions), problems with a clogged EGR valve, intake, and particulate filters (DPF) appear at higher mileages, especially if the car was operated mainly in city traffic jams. For V8 petrol engines (750i), despite intergenerational improvements, oil consumption still needs to be closely monitored.
• Electronics and Infotainment: The large number of sensors and assistance systems takes its toll in the form of software bugs. Owners often report freezing iDrive screens, mobile phone connection issues, or false warnings from parking assistant sensors. In most cases, this problem is solved by updating the software to the latest version.
• Brakes and Wear: Due to the high curb weight of the car, brake discs and pads wear out quickly. In some units, wear manifests as unpleasant vibrations in the steering wheel when braking from highway speeds.

Lexus LS

The Lexus LS (current XF50 generation) is considered an absolute model of reliability on the used car market, yet this Japanese premium sedan has several specific features and weak points that are worth focusing on before purchase.

• Infotainment and Controls: The most common source of frustration for owners is not mechanics, but onboard systems. Models up to 2020 suffer from a user-unfriendly and occasionally freezing touchpad-controlled system. In newer versions with a touchscreen, the situation is significantly better, but slower responses or occasional dropouts of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can still occur.
• Chassis and Tires: Owners quite often complain about very fast wear of factory run-flat tires, which also worsen ride comfort and can cause subtle vibrations from the front axle. Many owners solve this problem by switching to standard premium tires.
• Transmission: In the ten-speed automatic transmission paired with the petrol six-cylinder (LS 500), jerky or hesitant gear changes may occur when cold. The manufacturer usually successfully addressed this behavior with a software update for the transmission control unit.
• Hybrid System: The powertrain of the LS 500h model is mechanically extremely durable, and failures are rare. Nevertheless, a comprehensive vehicle inspection should always include a detailed diagnosis of the traction battery and a check of the hybrid system's cooling filter permeability, which can become clogged with dust over time.

When buying a used luxury car, a thorough inspection is absolutely crucial, as potential repairs to advanced technology can be very costly. Both of these flagships have their specifics that you should primarily focus on during a test drive and a thorough physical inspection of the used car.

When choosing a BMW 7 Series:

• Air suspension condition: Ensure that the car does not sag to one side after standing for a long time (e.g., overnight) and that the change in driving modes associated with adjusting the ride height occurs smoothly and without suspicious compressor noises. Pressure leaks from the bellows or a worn-out compressor mean very expensive service.
• Engine performance and EGR history (diesel and petrol versions): For the popular diesel six-cylinder engines, check the service history to see if the vehicle has undergone a recall for the replacement of the EGR valve cooler (the original part poses a fire risk). For petrol V8 engines, check for signs of potential coolant and oil leaks from the engine block.
• Condition of the xDrive all-wheel drive: During the test drive, perform sharp turns at low speed (e.g., in a parking lot) and try sudden acceleration. Any jerking, jolting, or vibrations transmitted to the bodywork may signal a costly defect in a worn-out transfer case.
• Functionality of electronics and iDrive: The 7 Series is a showcase of technology. During the drive and while stationary, test absolutely all electronic elements – from the massaging and ventilated seats to the assistance systems and gesture-controlled infotainment. If the system hangs or restarts spontaneously, it indicates at least the need for an expensive software update or a potential module failure.

When choosing a Lexus LS model:

• Condition of the hybrid system (for the LS 500h version): During the test drive, focus on the smoothness of the transition between electric and combustion power. The Multi Stage Hybrid system should operate perfectly smoothly without any jerking. Diagnostics of the condition and capacity of the traction battery should always be handled by a professional independent technical inspection of the vehicle.
• V6 Twin-Turbo engine performance (for the LS 500 version): Focus on the sound and operation of the engine when cold. Note any metallic rattling from the turbochargers (wastegate actuators) when lifting off the throttle. The car's acceleration must be perfectly linear; any hesitation could mean problems with boost pressure.
• Infotainment interface and touchpad controller: Operating the onboard system via the touchpad on the center console takes practice, but you should focus mainly on the hardware's functionality. The cursor on the screen must not lose feedback, and the display must not "freeze." Also, check for seamless pairing with a phone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
• Premium interior wear and tear: Lexus uses extremely soft semi-aniline leather and very delicate materials (often including glass or rare woods) in the LS model. Rapid wear of the driver's seat bolsters, steering wheel, or scratched trim can easily reveal rough handling by the previous owner, negligent care, or even suggest a higher mileage than indicated on the odometer.
• Suspension and ride comfort: Although Lexus's adaptive suspension is renowned for its reliability, intentionally seek out rougher surfaces or speed bumps during the test drive. No creaking from the control arms, dull thumping, or uncertainty in the steering should disturb the absolute silence on board – if it does, the car will require an expensive overhaul of suspension components.

Sources: ADAC, e15.cz, idnes.cz, hybrid.cz, smartmania.cz, autickaruvblog.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.