2018 Lexus LS 500 Review and Comparison

Nearly 30 years ago Toyota rocked the luxury car world by creating an all-new luxury brand and an all-new flagship sedan: the first Lexus LS. The LS was a game changer, not just because it quickly became a reliability legend, but because it proved that making a luxury car was about precision craftsmanship, not just snazzy parts. Over the years Lexus never forgot the reliability portion of the equation, but arguably the last generation LS left some of the "luxury" on the back burner. For the 5th generation LS however Lexus put luxury trappings, gadgets, gizmos and engine power high on the priority list without forgetting the value proposition that the LS has always brought to the table. So whether you're shopping for the best buy in the full-size luxury segment or just the best Lexus ever, the 2018 LS 500 is the car for you.
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[@ChrisRaymond1]

"If you can't find a comfortable position in these seats, you're probably not human" LOL!

[@kyrosmike]

I have owned my Lexus LS for 13 years(only owner), the only thing to go wrong been all the rubber bushings. They were so soft and tore pretty fast. I replaced what I could with urethane since I am likely keeping the car till it dies.

[@joepah51]

No reason to sell it.

[@rightlanehog3151]

itsMike, It is always refreshing to have a real-world vehicle owner visit the comment section. The naturally aspirated engine on your LS is far more appealing to me than the turbo on the new model. I hope you have many more luxurious miles and years in your LS. Happy trails.

[@김동준-t9p]

Yea chinese build nice cars

[@hbchristmas5352]

Ls ls ls ls ls I own one... currently.... Just amazing! I have owned 14 cars...total

[@bigjdm5460]

itsMike i’m a sales man at toyota and i drove a 08 LS and it was smoother and quite. was thinking of getting one with 70k miles but i am scared of the maintenance

[@Toyota4Life]

What a beautiful car. For the price point and it's quality this Lexus LS500 can not beat. I saw one at a gas station and my god it's beautiful in person. That interior is truly exquisite. That front is the money shot.. love the headlights they remind me of eyelashes.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

It's 2023 and I love your older videos Alex.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Thanks Alex, Your analysis was worthy of this complex car and your final summation is so logical - lease a German car , buy a Lexus.

[@MusicLuv80]

This guy is the best car reviewer in history of all car reviews.

[@mountainhobo]

That inside spindle with short horns sticking out is bizarre. Looks like a cow head mounted on the dashboard.

[@Mamo878]

Too bad it's an F-Sport. Would have been better to test a normal version.

[@Toyota4Life]

Mamo nope. Both models have their purpose.

[@김동준-t9p]

Mamo 왜 ㅈㅂㅅ아

[@Mamo878]

+Toy Um, not really. It's a big Lexus sedan, which is really _supposed_ to be about having the best ride quality possible. If you want handling and performance to be top priority there are better brands for that. F-Sport in the big sedans is really just a marketing gimmick. It will never be an AMG. Most big Lexus sedan buyers want comfort as a priority over lower lap times!

[@김동준-t9p]

Mamo no

[@Toyota4Life]

Mamo dude. Wake up. It's not 2002 anymore lexus cars are not just about being comfortable anymore. There is a market for cars like the AMG and M cars which is why Lexus made F performance cars and a supercar like the LFA. The LFA has been said one of the best driving cars ever made and people like you said the same ignorant crap lexus cold never make a great supercar and they did. Lexus is making a LSF that will have over 600hp and it will be badass. So please be ignorant all you want that and talk down on lexus all you want stop lexus from beating the Germans which they have before.

[@saeidnazemi1312]

How is it that your channel only got 209k subscribers? This is by far the most comprehensive and informative car channel I've come across. I want to see subscribers go over 1 million mark :(

[@bird718]

long term car ownership, lexus is definitely the way to go. my bmw has been at the dealer for 3 days now, gonna pick it up tomorrow, found out bmw has lots of parts with extended warranties because they are all going to fail in great numbers and that's called a class action. might try leasing next time and swap cars every 3 years because that's less stressful or maybe buy a lexus or genesis?

[@tamaskiss6558]

I bet that dark rectangle at the bottom of the video is a GDPR notice.

[@douglasdonatien7044]

Nice review, I love this car

[@TofuProductionCinema]

I love my LS 460, but that LS 500 is definitely impressive as well!

[@netrun4]

Fantastic review, as usual. Love getting ALL the information on a vehicle from your reviews. I agree with you that the interior spindle design behind the steering wheel is not aesthetically pleasing

[@apl175]

Want to like the LS - but it lacks the "stately elegance" of previous LS generations, and even the current S-Class , 7-series, and dare I suggest the G90 as well.

[@mariowhyte2816]

Amaaaaaaaazing review as usual, Alex!!! Thank you for all your hard work!!!

[@sheridanbucket]

don't like the gaping front end, covered in chicken wire.

[@Arturchik77]

Class of car

[@TheKiing81]

Alex another exceptional review

[@dipinprakash6870]

Again a beautiful and informative review

[@YayoLife]

Alex on Autos the best!

[@maestroadam]

The previous generation was much more elegant. This new car is overwrought, and tries way too hard to be taken seriously. The fourth generation was effortless and full of class.

[@robertprisco1935]

Hi Alex - huge fan of yours...you rated the 2018 base model LS 500 ride an A+. Even with the optional air suspension, the 2018's ride is still too harsh over medium to large road imperfections. Lexus addressed this in their 2021 release of the LS 500 by changing the dampers, shocks & springs. If I were to rate the overall ride of the 2018 LS 500 (I own one with the air suspension option), would give it a B at most. In the future, when I need to replace my shocks, will also replace the dampers & springs to the 2021 version and hopefully will rate it an A+ at that time. Overall, excellent and accurate review as always. Thank you.

[@ksawaleed62]

So far how’s going did you intend to replace the dampers?

[@Yamtz250]

@@ksawaleed62 Hello, I'm still running with all stock suspension components. My car only has 24k miles and I'll probably wait until~50k miles before I address the suspension components (including the dampers).

[@ksawaleed62]

@@Yamtz250 I’m planning to buy used 2018 ls500 and keeping it long term kinda concerned with turbos long term any suggestions ?that would great!

[@jeeheon]

I like the little historical bit in the beginning

[@roywhiteo5]

ive had my eye on the 2008-2012 ls460. they only cost around 16k for decently low miles

[@rightlanehog3151]

Get one while you can.

[@tharinduprasanna]

Favorite car brand

[@Jluislive]

Great review. Seems like a great car and it looks fantastic minus the front and the instrument cluster.

[@karlp8484]

I think the Lexus grill treatments are over-styled hideousness, but taste is a purely personal attribute. Strange that cabin noise scores a "C". Wasn't refinement a Lexus USP?

[@rrrogster]

I can't begin to imagine how many sales Toyota/Lexus have lost because of their front end design from Uglyville. They wanted their vehicles to stand out in a crowd. They do but for the wrong reason. I read where they paid someone millions to come up with it. Just goes to show even the best make stupid decisions.

[@IronMan-db1eb]

F sport

[@aex90832]

Great review! Nice to see that Lexus is bucking the trend of red turn indicators on their US spec cars. Are there any plans to get the new Mercedes E400 Wagon for review. I've been looking really hard about getting one CPO in a few years, and I'd be curious as to your thoughts in comparison to the V90.

[@rightlanehog3151]

AS, I love wagons but do you really want to buy a second hand Mercedes?

[@aex90832]

Right Lane Hog I would likely buy a CPO/ lease return. Take advantage of depreciation and extended warranties. Never owned a MB before though. Mostly owned BMWs and currently have an V6 Diesel Phaeton.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alexander Schlesinger, You are going into the transaction with your eyes wide open. As long as MB supplies you with a long warranty and a free loaner you should be fine. I just wish the Japanese makes were selling their wagons in our market though I admit they don't make one directly comparable to the E400. BTW my 'dream' wagon would be a Toyota Avensis, Toyota Auris, Honda Civic or late model Accord . All of those are/were sold in Europe.

[@aex90832]

Right Lane Hog having lived in Germany's for the past 4 years, I've fallen in love with wagons. My dream would be an S4 avant or the E63S wagon. But the S4 is forbidden fruit and the E63S is wayyyyyyy out of my price range.

[@rightlanehog3151]

AS, We can always dream;)

[@joeychitwood6004]

Your auto reviews are great but please lose the transition lenses glasses.

[@caedom21]

Great video. If only Toyota could give me the interior of the Mercedes, exterior of the Audi, and the price of the Genesis.

[@lounge2fly2]

Stephen Y lmao 😂🤦🏼‍♂️ How would this ever be possible?

[@TheStimie]

You need to just makeup your mind not makeup a car

[@caedom21]

Thank you. My comment was a want. Just like I want a V8 twin turbo motor in the Raptor. Just because it doesn't exist, doesn't mean I can't hope. Every great product starts out as a dream.

[@DeeRenaissance]

I hate mercedes interiors and i know many who agree

[@DeeRenaissance]

And audi exteriors are so sad and bland, if you look at them from the back, they look like frowning faces... blehhhh

[@fahhad17]

lexus for life......thats the end point ....

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Thanks, Alex. 👍🏻real exhaust tips! 👎🏼front girdle grill 😖

[@marinoint]

Car manufacturers measure their cars' legrooms differently, so the combined legroom numbers are not accurate. Go sit in the Lexus LS & BMW 7-series yourself and see if there's really a 6" difference between the two! And the Audi A8L definitely has more legrooms than the standard-wheelbase 7-series & S-class!

[@powerofpinesol8002]

For some reason the flicker so more noticeable in this video than others you’ve made

[@fantomtuba]

Theres a bit of Fisker Karma going on in the side profile.

[@hamadmirza7325]

Thanks Alex for reviewing new Lexus LS 500 so can u compare it to Cadillac CT6 in terms of everything plz?

[@rrrogster]

Please don't do that Alex. You cannot compare trash with a Lexus.

[@Life_of_A_Man]

I don't like the c-pillar design with the rear quarter glass. They should've kept it similar but evolve from the previous generation. That is the only thing I don't like about this car.

[@robodroid2662]

Alex is not human. ;)

[@ralphmcmahan2139]

At least you don't have to look at the hideous front end as you drive it.

[@splashtop672]

driving it is no better of a view… interior looks cheap and cheap

[@swanblake]

To bad the infotainment system is completely unusable when in motion because the stupid mouse like tracked is terrible. Why a $23k Camry has a manual etter infotainment system than your flagship luxury brands sedan, will always baffle me. The LS is such an amazing car. It's just a letdown as it could have been perfect with a touch screen

[@Jaymac720]

The LS500h with the executive package is easily my old man dream car. It has gorgeous, styling, tons of tech, excellent fuel economy, and reliability ratings that stomps on the German rivals. Also I agree that the normal model is better looking than the F-sport model. Waiting for an LS-F tho. Probably won’t happen

[@Peizxcv]

An improvement over the old version but the German, Swedish and Korean improved much more. There is not a single Lexus I'd pick over the competition.

[@femiogunsola5436]

I want to like this design of the LS500, but I think it will get lost in the crowd. At this price point, you want your car to stand out

[@rrrogster]

Not in an UGLY way please.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

30 grand mustang makes more power. Hope this Lexus doesn't have the Ford issue of Eco or boost but never both.

[@briangray5921]

I’d lease that so hard

[@DM-xt3rl]

The interior is okay but you can get similar for a lot less. As far as the exterior it is awful IMO. Like I’ve said before why does Lexus get away with the terrible grill but Acura was vilified for years for it’s large grill design for its previous models. In retrospect the old Acura grill was better than this monstrosity. Both the Mercedes and BMW exteriors are far superior to the Lexus. Interior wise using the ridiculously large and multiple screens in the Mercedes and BMW is tremendous overkill. Actually the Genesis is the best blend of all three of the other cars as far as price and styling but lacks the brand cache as was stated in the video. I’m really interested in the upcoming Genesis SUV which I think could be a game changer for Genesis and really boost the brand.

[@knightmarel]

Starts at $103000 in Canada :(

[@mohamadkhaled8901]

Excellent review as usual Alex. I know they are different categories but after test driving both, the 2017 Volvo S90 T6 had a surprisingly better handling and drive feel than the LS500.

[@damefaso]

The lighter car drives better than the heavier one,what a surprise.

[@mohamadkhaled8901]

damefaso the surprise comes from the fact that the ratio of the difference in weight 4800 vs 4150 (1.15) is less than the ratio of the difference in horse power 416 vs 316 (1.31).

[@damefaso]

* insert confused black guy * I don't know what does power has to do with weight

[@mohamadkhaled8901]

damefaso don't bigger cars have more power so it can handle the increased weight? If the increase in power is more significant than the increase in weight wouldn't you expect better handling? No?

[@damefaso]

Once again,power has nothing to do with handling.Power will give you better acceleration and top speed

[@rightlanehog3151]

Worst in class rear headroom and turbo only for the non-hybrids. What a shame.

[@Alisters_Adventures]

A noisy Lexus LS? They have really messed up this time.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Just change the tires to touring type instead of summer high performance.

[@damefaso]

That come from the tire. Do you even pay attention to what he said?

[@eriknephrongfr8847]

Get in the trunk Alex.

[@vanderaj]

+Alex on Autos 05:00 there's a typo in the engine spec discussion around 4:30 to 5:00 mins in - "hyrbid" in the mpg area. I don't know if you want to re-render the entire video, but it's pretty glaring.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Darn it. Sadly the KZbin gods really discourage re-uploading in that manner so I think I'm going to have to live with the Hyrbid. #CovfefeOops

[@edmondtam88]

I don't see any errors.

[@keithbeef]

what the hell is with those knobs high up on the dash behind the steering wheel....

[@LlyleHunter]

They remind me of the windshield wiper and headlight controls in my mother's old Tempo

[@gmman010983]

Bruce Solomon I was gonna say that, my grandma had a Tempo also.. Lolll

[@LlyleHunter]

My mother had hers for sixteen years.

[@wolframluchner5316]

Lots of steering wheel shuffle...

[@harper7489]

It is a design that does not fit perfectly with the luxury sedan. It is not luxurious. Lightweight and complex designs are disappointing. I will buy a Genesis G90 or G80 or German car.

[@Ruxor]

Doug Demuros video was better

[@DavekayBSC]

Just not at all impressive. The gauge cluster is straight out of their cheapest F-sport models, and they keep trying to convince anyone that the touchpad is a good idea, and they keep failing. The German cars are all state of the art, whereas this looks like it could've come out ten years ago.

[@Toyota4Life]

David Kay dude get off the internet with your bullshit.

[@jmasoncars4452]

Toyota4Life "get off the internet with your bullshit" lmao. You do realize you are the queen of bullshit comments on the internet right? Like *"the 2019 ES doesn't share platforms with the Camry or Avalon"* remember that bullshit you tried to spew?? Lol. you're an angry little guy aren't you?

[@quietguy1948]

Way overpriced Toyota... Not interested.

[@gmman010983]

quietguy1948 sanfrd everybody knows Toyota makes Lexus so this comment is so played out.

[@igie0525]

Vw makes audi so?

[@geft]

I find it stunning that Lexus won't include Android Auto/Apple CarPlay on their flagship vehicle. Especially when their infotainment system is horrible.

[@rajmalani]

The only thing I don't like about Alex's videos is the intro music. Regardless, the best auto reviewer on KZbin

[@plumwolf280]

agree, i hate this weird op, others reviewer "oh it's so fast, oh it's quiet" but dont compare in it's class.

[@qncsc]

exactly. it sounds like a 1980s or 1970s intro to an educational video. so bizarre.

[@joepah51]

You BUY a Lexus.. You LEASE a Mercedes

[@swanblake]

Joe Pah you CRASH a Lexus trying to use the infotainment system

[@김동준-t9p]

Blake Swan buy acura

[@splashtop672]

why would you buy a slow, ugly, no rear-headroom, POS Toyota? Take public transportation or Uber if you're pinching pennies.

[@김동준-t9p]

Splash Top says a guy who says buy a lexus lol

[@joepah51]

LOL.. I didn't buy a Lexus SUV because the infotainment system was not human friendly... Maybe the LS500 is better.

[@davidmagen415]

I have a beautiful 2021 LS 500 AWD dark blue with white interior. The car is a pleasure to ride in. Smooth quiet and a pleasure to be in. The car is a gem to own🏖

[@HALWG51]

Ugliest grill I have ever seen. Looks like chicken wire or hardware cloth.

[@Whoracle8531]

That Infotainment system kills the LS for me, worst in class..

[@MyLife-so1jl]

looks weird in inside and out....Im personally not a fan of the styling....Id buy a 2019 ES over this.

[@rrrogster]

I agree. The new ES design is much easier on the eye. I guess Toyota Corporate is committed to "controversial" aka ugly.

[@jamesowens3577]

I own a 2007 LS460 and by far its the best all around car I have ever owned. Ride, Quality, Looks, Power, Fuel Economy, Comfort and Reliability are done so well in the LS. The thing that Im most impress by with the LS is the low cost of ownership. I will purchase the LS500 once my LS turns 15. Great Comments and Great Review.

[@RyanDoonan]

We have an 2008 LS460 RWD and i agree wonderful vehicle and best car ever we been wanting a Lexus and so thankful we did and would not want any other brand cannot go wrong with Lexus quality in there cars

[@MBakugames90]

Seeing these cars in person and actually sitting in them or driving them. Most will change there opinion. The interior quality is top notch. Option for this car will let you get what you want. He didnt even talk about the world's biggest heads up display on a production vehicle. The looks is a hate or love it thing. Lexus and Toyota knows that and they dont care. They have there look and there sticking to it. If your an Audio person. May I say. A 23 speaker 3D surround sound 2400Watt Mark Levinson. Possible the best sounding vehicle on the market right now. The car gives you everything and then some. So why hate it.

[@rrrogster]

There their.

[@SDav21]

Also, a lot of features do not make a good car.

[@TheKiing81]

Alex i see your Durango citadel A/A...I like the placement of the drive controls. It's intentional and different...at least it's covered in leather...

[@WillMoon]

If I could have swung the size, I would have bought a LS500 when I went car shopping earlier this year. Alas, I can't fit a behemoth like that into my garage, had to settle on a RC. Not that I'm complaining tho, the RC is an amazing car.

[@rrrogster]

RC. A stylized IS with boy racer pretensions. Amazing? Hardly.

[@MillerVanDotTV]

@@rrrogsterI bet the RC has been trouble free these 4 years…. Kraut shit wouldn’t be

[@BillySmith808]

Ugliest car interior I’ve ever seen

[@gocofamily6086]

William D Yup. As ugly as your face.

[@davideselvi3906]

Best car ever made

[@PaulyGuy1]

My dream car

[@clairekennedy8767]

Great job Lexus!

[@LacoteCohen]

This car is definitely worth every penny, also the LC500

[@rrrogster]

Just don't look at first year depreciation on the LC's. Not good.

[@MillerVanDotTV]

@@rrrogsterI want them to depreciate more…. As soon as they hit the low $50k range, I’m buying one

[@hazwell6811]

Your reviews are stellar, Alex! Bless you, sir.

[@Threxx]

The LS has always been the benchmark for interior quietness aside from mayyyybe the Mercedes S class. I'm shocked to hear their first ground of redesign of it in over a decade has actually seen a step backward in interior noise and per your measurements is louder inside than many cars selling for half the price.

[@Progan666]

this is a sport trim. I would be looking for a regular trim review of the cabin if I were to consider buying this car.

[@IronMan-db1eb]

It's because this was the F sport model

[@jmos96]

Great job Alex. You are the first reviewer to cover the Lexus safety system with the option of +A which gives you level two autonomous driving capability. Too bad you didn’t get on to test with these options.

[@Fadic4]

Disappointed to hear that it's louder than the competition

[@kpnitrl38]

Outstanding review and comparison. This is exactly what I've been waiting for. Thank you for your hard work.

[@jordancatcher6663]

Love the looks of this car. If I could afford one I would get the f sport in white with the red interior.

[@nimab8935]

I like the look of this car over S class, A8 and 7 series. They have become too conservative and boring in their design. I only wish Lexus had added Apple car play. By the way, you should’ve considered Tesla Model S in your comparison too

[@rrrogster]

You can't compare junk to real quality. Why try?

[@RyanDoonan]

We love Lexus even our 08 LS460 RWD we got about a month ago and 132k miles absolutely love it a lot best vehicle and brand by comfort and everything our car has

[@filippkhan3935]

Fantastic car. It's just too bad that the infotainment is still ass.

[@akila219]

the older and the previous ls looks way better than this one

[@salehsaif1023]

03:17 . Sounds fart ?

[@holycross2]

REAL FART

[@lounge2fly2]

Lol. Did he add that in post?

[@wannabedal-adx458]

The interior controls in this car are horrible. Given all the crap Buick gets for its shifter in the LaCrosse and Enclave, I don't see why people hate on this shifter!! Also that grill look is ugly!! Biggest exterior turn off for me. It is funny that when the 2020 Genesis G90 came out it, the improvements blew away the Lexus LS AND was cheaper too!!

[@bshehram]

What a great review, thanks so much for all your hard work Alex!

[@mikemorales1725]

Ride B? Noise C??? no V8? Is Toyota kidding? I prefer a previous gen model

[@huythai1222]

Mike Morales this is the F-Sport, with stiffer dampers and a tuned exhaust. Of course it’s going to be less comfortable than the normal LS and less quiet, that’s the point of the F-sport.

[@MusicLuv80]

I had a chance to sit down on this car in the back but it was very disappointing because I am 5ft 11 in and my head touches the ceiling. I wish the ceiling was taller, not that I can buy this car but... still....

[@hellkitty1014]

Very nice of Lexus to continue to break the mold of their very staid reputation. That said, they missed several benchmarks that are key for this luxury class. The infortainment is severely dated, with graphics that are reminiscent of at least a decade ago. No Apple Carplay/Android Auto is not necessarily a fault of Lexus, as it is parent company Toyota in their dispute with Apple and Google, but this is a high-luxury field, and it is expected. The rear seats, perhaps the greatest of misnomers of the LS, given it's S-Class-like length, is inexcusable. A Toyota Avalon looks to have better rear-seat space. I do like that Toyota is giving V8-like power for the base model(although the silken 5.0 V8 and it's soundtrack would definitely be more appropriate for the F-Sport, ESPECIALLY given it's price premium). It won't make an M750i or Audi 4.0T sweat much, but it is closer to the S550 in performance. After being on sale since 2007, the last-gen LS gave Lexus ample time to get it right. I do love the exterior design, perhaps better than the safe Germans and Korean models, but their risks should have included sweating details more than they did...

[@rrrogster]

Smart and old money purchases cars like these. New money needs more attention and be seen. MB's and BMW's have that market.

[@plumwolf280]

It's a GS plus, not up to LS level.

[@jimmacmurdo355]

Hands down, were I wanting to buy a large luxury vehicle and keep it 5 to 10 years, I'd buy the Genesis G90. That 10 year warranty combined with Genesis's reliability scores make it my absolute best pick in this category.

[@flamingguy21]

Why did Lexus ever ditch the joystick controller that they used for their navigation systems? It was way better than a trackpad.

[@BanBiofuels]

It would be a good looking car if the grill was 50% smaller. Does Toyota think we all have grill envy? Is bigger always better?

[@yili4964]

I just went to the lexus website to build a ls, it seems I need to get the luxury package to get 4 zone climate and ventilated rear seats, and that package costs 12k!!! That will actually put Lexus just a few k less than bmw 7 or mb s similarly equipped with climate and rear seats options. I think the base price is a little bit deceptive, the ls is not that less expensive than bmw 7, so I think the main advantage of ls is not the price, but the reliability. Overall it's indeed a great car and thanks to Alex for another great review.

[@revmotor]

LS all day.

[@ElapsedBeats]

Where does the Lincoln Continental fit in terms of interior dimensions?

[@pjay1281]

I'm gonna take a nap, wake me up when APPLE CARPLAY and ANDROID AUTO is available.