Verdict
The Lexus LS XF50 is the clear new-versus-outgoing step up: its 415 hp and 600 Nm twin-turbo V6 cuts 0-100 km/h from 5.7 to 5.0 seconds while rated consumption falls from 10.7 to 9.5 L/100 km. The RM418,552 gap also brings autonomous braking, steering-correction lane keeping and far richer rear-seat adjustment. But the XF40 Facelift carries 80 litres more boot space and is 75 kg lighter. For a Malaysian owner, the XF50’s RM4,133 annual road tax versus RM9,366 is a major running-cost advantage.
Pick the Lexus LS XF40 Facelift if you want the lower-cost LS with a 560-litre boot, a full-size spare wheel and a 75 kg weight advantage.
Pick the Lexus LS XF50 if you want the faster, more efficient LS with modern active safety, a longer warranty and properly upgraded rear accommodation.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus LS XF40 Facelift RM769,448; Lexus LS XF50 RM1,188,000.
- Power and torque: XF40 Facelift 380 hp and 493 Nm; XF50 415 hp and 600 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h and economy: XF40 Facelift 5.7 seconds and 10.7 L/100 km; XF50 5.0 seconds and 9.5 L/100 km.
- Size and wheelbase: XF40 Facelift 5,090 mm long with a 2,970 mm wheelbase; XF50 5,235 mm and 3,125 mm.
- Boot space and kerb weight: XF40 Facelift 560 litres and 2,080 kg; XF50 480 litres and 2,155 kg.
- Road tax and warranty: XF40 Facelift RM9,366 yearly with a three-year/100,000 km warranty; XF50 RM4,133 yearly with a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
XF40 Facelift
- RM418,552 lower purchase cost.
- 560-litre boot, versus 480 litres.
- Full-size 18-inch alloy spare wheel.
- 380 hp, 493 Nm and 5.7-second 0-100 km/h time trail the XF50.
- No blind-spot monitor, autonomous braking or lane-keeping assistance.
- Three-year/100,000 km warranty is shorter than the XF50’s five-year unlimited-mileage cover.
XF50
- 415 hp and 600 Nm, with a 5.0-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 9.5 L/100 km rated economy and RM4,133 annual road tax.
- 28-way massaging front seats and 18-way powered rear seats with heating and ventilation.
- Costs RM418,552 more to buy.
- 480-litre boot is 80 litres smaller.
- No spare tyre is specified, unlike the XF40 Facelift’s full-size alloy spare.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM769,448✓ | RM1,188,000 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Luxury | Luxury |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM9,366 | RM4,133✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 32-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection with variable valve timing | 24-valve DOHC, twin-turbocharged with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 4,608 cc | 3,445 cc |
| Horsepower | 380 hp | 415 hp✓ |
| Torque | 493 Nm | 600 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 94 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.8 | 10.476 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-Speed Super ECT with A.I. Shift | 10-Speed Direct Shift |
| Gears | 8 | 10 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Aisin |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.7 seconds | 5 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 10.7 L/100 km | 9.5 L/100 km✓ |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Co2 | 249 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,090 mm | 5,235 mm |
| Width | 1,875 mm | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,455 mm | 1,450 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,970 mm | 3,125 mm |
| Weight | 2,080 kg | 2,155 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 84 litres | 82 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 560 litres✓ | 480 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R18 | 245/45RF20 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R18 | 245/45RF20 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size 18" Alloy | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 20" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 20" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) | Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Side | Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Side |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on two outer rear passenger seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) with Auto Brake and Rear Pedestrian Detection with Auto Brake |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive Bi-Xenon Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 18-way Power Adjustable Seats with Memory Function, Ventilated | 28-way Power Adjustable Seats with Memory, Heating, Ventilation and Massage |
| Rear Seats | Fold-down Centre Armrest with Audio and Air-con Controls | 18-way Power Adjustable Seats with Centre Armrest, Rear Touchscreen, Heating and Ventilation |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System with Lexus Climate Concierge |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System with Lexus Climate Concierge |
| Sunroof | — | Front, Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front, 2 Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Powered rear sun shade and rear door window shades | Powered Rear Sun Shade and Rear Door Window Shades |
| Audio | 12.3" EMV Screen, DVD/MP3 player with 10 Speakers | 12.3" Display with Lexus Remote Touch Controller, Navigation, USB, Bluetooth, WiFi and Pioneer 12-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered boot | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with Panoramic View Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Power Door | Soft close function, all doors | Soft close function, all doors |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years | 5 years✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
XF40 Facelift vs XF50 FAQ
Is the Lexus LS XF40 Facelift or Lexus LS XF50 better?
The Lexus LS XF50 is better for most buyers: it is quicker, more economical on its rated figure, safer and far better equipped for rear passengers. The XF40 Facelift only makes more sense when lower purchase cost, a larger boot and a full-size spare matter most.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus LS XF50 costs RM418,552 more than the Lexus LS XF40 Facelift. That extra outlay brings the twin-turbo V6, 10-speed automatic, active safety systems, upgraded seats and a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
Which Lexus LS has lower annual road tax and better warranty cover?
The Lexus LS XF50 has lower annual road tax at RM4,133, against RM9,366 for the XF40 Facelift. It also has a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, versus three years or 100,000 km for the XF40 Facelift.
