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2021 Lexus LS showcases improved suspension, new autonomous driving features

Published

5 years ago

January 21, 2021

Lexus says it has taken its LS luxury saloon flagship into 2021 with new technology, updated styling and even smoother driving performance.

According to Lexus, the new car is available for order in a choice of three trim levels, Autocar reports.

The standard LS comes with an optional Premium upgrade package with heated rear seats, an upgraded stereo and four-zone climate control.

The automaker says mid-range F Sport trim brings a performance-inspired bodykit alongside extra equipment including the brand’s new BladeScan adaptive headlights, while top-rung Takumi trim includes a digital rear-view mirror, bespoke 20in alloy wheels and 22-way electrically adjustable front seats.

Chief among the revisions to the LS range is a revamped hybrid drive system that seeks to improve the driving experience in Normal mode, which, Lexus says, is where the average LS spends 90 per cent of its time, and in which the driver uses only moderate accelerator input.

By upping the level of assistance provided by the hybrid system’s lithium ion battery, Lexus has reduced the amount of throttle needed to accelerate, resulting in a “smoother and more linear” acceleration curve.

The brand claims the LS offers more comfortable city driving as a result, as well as benefits on winding routes and hill starts.

Engine performance

A by-product of the battery’s increased output is that the 3.5-litre V6 petrol motor can operate at lower revs, reducing noise and vibration, while sharper acceleration and improved shift timing result in less frequent downshifts.

The facelifted LS also gains a new Adaptive Variable Suspension system with reduced damping forces, as Lexus seeks to improve upon the LS’s trademark ride quality and refinement.

The engine mounts have been changed, thicker seats added to further reduce vibrations in the cabin, and the stiffness of the tyres’ sidewalls has been reduced.

Interior

On the inside, the main changes are improved technology, headlined by the addition of a new advanced driver assistance and safety package called Lexus Teammate. This gives the LS more autonomous driving features, allowing it to change lanes and overtake other cars automatically.

The system also receives automatic over-the-air software updates and a new 12.3in touchscreen infotainment system, repositioned slightly to improve access for the driver.

New technological additions include the BladeScan adaptive high-beam headlight system, as first seen on the updated RX SUV, which uses a fast-rotating mirror to project light from LEDs to provide enhanced illumination compared with conventional systems, and the digital rear-view mirror that improves rearward visibility.

Elsewhere, the 360deg camera gains a new pedestrian detection function and there are new motors that tighten the seat belts when the pre-collision warning system is activated.

Exterior

The LS’s exterior has been lightly updated, with a new front bumper, darkened front grille and new black trim around the rear lights.

The black detailing theme extends to the inside, where controls on the steering wheel and centre console mirror the darker look.

Lexus president Koji Sato says, “The LS, as a flagship, has constantly pursued innovation and has provided new technologies and value for its customers.

“In developing the new LS announced today, we furthered the evolution of the exceptional quietness and comfort that has been a steadfast constant since the model’s first generation.”

Auto Connection, in its review of the vehicle, says, “The 2021 Lexus LS comes with the tech and features we expect from a luxury sedan, but its lineup tops out where German competitors are only getting started.

“We score it at 9 out of 10 with points above average for standard fare and luxurious, if not excessively opulent, options.”

Auto

Jetour set to ignite Lagos with four-day automotive experience

Published

8 hours ago

April 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Jetour set to ignite Lagos with four-day automotive experience

Lovers of sophisticated and elegant SUVs in Lagos are about to witness a combination of automotive engineering and urban lifestyle as Jetour Nigeria announces the hosting of a flagship event, “The Jetour Experience,” a four-day immersive festival designed to redefine how Nigerians interact with the road.

From April 16 to 19, 2026, The Podium in Lekki, Lagos, will be transformed into a high-energy hub where sleek design meets high-octane entertainment. This is not just a standard car show; it’s a curated lifestyle destination, says the organisers in a statement.

The four-day event is said to promise a fusion of horsepower, high fashion, and plenty of fun.

Tagged “The Jetour Experience,” the four-day extravaganza is not just about gleaming chrome and leather seats; it is a high-octane celebration aimed at blurring the lines between mobility and entertainment.

Specifically, it stated that the exhibition would feature test drives, virtual reality gaming, fitness sessions, and interactive activities with branded giveaways.

The statement added that the arena would buzz with entertainment, including contests and interactive games, giving guests the chance to win exclusive branded gifts and prizes.

In a massive show of force, Jetour says it is partnering with its seven prestigious accredited dealers—Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era Autovehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, R.T. Briscoe, Tab Autos Limited, Mandilas Motors, and Germaine Auto Centre —to bring their full fleet to the public.

Whether you are an eco-conscious commuter or an off-road adventurer, the lineup has something for everyone, according to a statement by the Jetour Nigeria.

The Urban Explorers: X50 and X70

The Sophisticates: X70 Plus and X90 Plus

The Eco-Warriors: X70 PHEV and T2 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrids)

The Icons: The rugged T2 and the razor-sharp Dashing

Jetour is blurring the lines between mobility and entertainment. Running daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, the event promises a packed itinerary designed to keep the adrenaline pumping.

Visitors will also push limits during test drives, explore virtual reality (VR) gaming such as foosball, and take part in curated fitness sessions.

In a creative masterstroke, the grand finale will feature a car runway fashion show. Attendees can expect a visual feast where automotive engineering meets sartorial elegance, reinforcing the idea that a Jetour is not just a vehicle but a fashion statement.

The firm stated, “Beyond the glitz, the event maintains a strong focus on safety. A dedicated panel discussion featuring stakeholders and officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will explore road safety, tech-driven security, and the future of motoring in Nigeria.

“With its blend of adrenaline, artistry, and advocacy, Jetour Nigeria isn’t just hosting an event; it is creating a destination.”

Auto

Soaring Fuel Prices Drive Nigerians Toward Electric Vehicles

Published

1 week ago

April 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Soaring Fuel Prices Drive Nigerians Toward Electric Vehicles

Rising fuel prices in Nigeria are accelerating interest in electric vehicles (EVs) as households, transport operators, and businesses seek cost-effective alternatives to petrol- and diesel-powered cars. Experts say the spike in petrol costs is no longer just an economic concern but a turning point, pushing electric mobility from a futuristic idea into a practical solution for everyday commuting and commercial use.

At the Abuja Compact on Electric Mobility Roundtable, stakeholders highlighted how increasing transport expenses are reshaping decisions, especially among commercial drivers and small business owners. Rising fuel costs are prompting many Nigerians to see EVs as a survival strategy rather than a luxury option.

Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), Ismaeel Ahmed, explained that the removal of fuel subsidies has widened the cost gap between petrol-powered vehicles and EVs. Charging an EV for a 200-kilometre journey costs around ₦4,500, compared to roughly ₦22,500 for petrol vehicles — a difference that offers a “strong economic incentive” influencing consumer choices. Ahmed added that the federal government is pursuing a balanced transition strategy supporting both compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles to encourage sustainable energy alternatives.

Financial solutions are helping Nigerians overcome the high upfront costs of EVs. Mohammed Abdul, Divisional Head at Alternative Bank, noted that lease-to-own, pay-as-you-go, and partnership schemes are making EVs accessible to drivers in the informal transport sector. These financing models allow gradual adoption while easing financial burdens.

Soaring Fuel Prices Drive Nigerians Toward Electric Vehicles

Auto

Lagos NURTW Chairman Sego Distributes Exotic Cars, Luxury Items to Cabinet Members (Video)

Published

1 week ago

March 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Lagos NURTW Chairman Sego Distributes Exotic Cars, Luxury Items to Cabinet Members (Video)

The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), popularly known as Sego, has distributed exotic cars, luxury items, and other valuables to members of his cabinet.

The development, which took place on Tuesday, drew attention across Lagos as beneficiaries reportedly received high-end vehicles and other expensive gifts as part of what insiders described as a reward and appreciation gesture.