“That the vehicle is ok. Not up to quality standard of prior years. Transmission disappointing. Mileage awful.”
2016 Lexus LS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Lexus LS is a light update, led by an easier-to-use infotainment system with full-screen navigation and revised Remote Touch controls. Lexus also stiffened the body structure, while the engines, drivetrains, and body styles carried over.
About the 2016 Lexus LS
4th generation LS (2007-2017), after the 2013 refresh; 2016 is the second-to-last model year before the all-new fifth-generation 2018 LS.
The 2016 Lexus LS is Lexus’ flagship full-size luxury sedan, aimed at buyers who want a very quiet cabin, smooth V8 power, careful build quality, and a traditional luxury feel. Compared with German rivals, Lexus leans less on sporty handling and flashy tech and more on comfort, long-distance ease, rear-seat space, and a reputation for dependability. The lineup also gives buyers a choice between standard-wheelbase, long-wheelbase, and hybrid flagship forms.
The LS 460 remains the core luxury sedan, pairing a 4.6-liter V8 with a quiet cabin and a 12.3-inch navigation display. The longer LS 460 L puts more emphasis on rear-seat room. At the top, the LS 600h L combines a 438-horsepower V8 hybrid system, all-wheel drive, air suspension, and power-reclining rear seats with heating, ventilation, and massage.
What changed, by category
Tech
The 12.3-inch navigation display gains a full-screen map view and updated graphics. The Remote Touch system adds shortcut menus, improved voice recognition, and dedicated enter and back buttons.
Structural
Lexus added more body adhesive to make the body structure stiffer and improve handling feel.
2016 Lexus LS specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 4.6 Liter | V8, 4.6 Liter | V8, Hybrid, 5.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Seq Mode | Auto, 8-Spd Seq Mode | Auto, ECVT Seq Mode |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 386 hp | 386 hp | 438 hp |
| Torque | 367 lb-ft | 367 lb-ft | 385 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 18 cu-ft | 18 cu-ft | 13 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.8 in | 36.7 in | |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| Heated Windshield | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Cooled Seats | |||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Executive Rear Seating | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Massage Rear Seat | |||
| Memory Rear Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Rear Window Shades | |||
| Reclining Rear Seats | |||
| Refrigerator/Cooler | |||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Lexus LS compared with the 2015 model?
The biggest change is the revised infotainment system. It adds a full-screen navigation map, updated graphics, shortcut menus, improved voice recognition, and enter and back buttons for the Remote Touch controller.
Was the 2016 Lexus LS fully redesigned?
No, the 2016 Lexus LS was not fully redesigned. It received modest technology and structural updates within the fourth generation, following the larger 2013 refresh.
Did the 2016 Lexus LS get a new engine or drivetrain?
No, the engines and drivetrains carried over for 2016. The LS 460 and LS 460 L retain their 4.6-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic, while the LS 600h L keeps its V8 hybrid system and all-wheel drive.
Did the 2016 Lexus LS lineup lose a trim?
Yes, the LS 460 Crafted Line from 2015 was dropped for 2016. The lineup continued with the LS 460, long-wheelbase LS 460 L, and hybrid LS 600h L.
What structural change did Lexus make to the 2016 LS?
Lexus added more body adhesive to make the LS body structure stiffer. The goal was to improve the car's handling feel without changing its comfort-focused character.
2016 Lexus LS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Lexus LS.
4.4
2016 Lexus LS
(49 reviews)
“Great ride, comfortable interior, quiet ride. You can have a conversation while riding.”
“It is an excellent handling car with an outstanding drive train. It is luxurious and quiet. Very comfortable in all day drives. Arrive at the end of the day relaxed and eager for tomorrow s drive.”
Sources
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2015 Lexus Ls 460 Luxury Flagship
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2016 Lexus Ls Luxury Flagship Polished Style
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2017 Lexus Ls 460 V8 Flagship Luxury
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Reimagines Global Flagship Sedan 2018 Ls
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Ls 600H L Hybrid Seamlessly Blends Refinement And Performance