2018 Lexus LS 500 | Road Test

The 2018 Lexus LS packs more luxury and technology than we've ever seen before from a Japanese flagship.
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[@landyachtfan79]

I still remember the first LS400 I ever sat in, & how I thought it was the coolest car in the world. 28 years later, it's VERY refreshing to know that the LS is STILL the LS. And better than ever!!!!!!

[@bighunter5476]

I fixed lexus cars for 6 years. if u dont like the looks its ok but dont fool yourself these cars r just so reliable nothing comes close . Benz bmw n audi r nice but they like going to the shop for weird issues that take days to fix

[@chasevineland1508]

I remember being a valet for Nieman Marcus in 1993. The LS400 was basically the new guy on the block. As valets we fought to get the Lexus. Spending all day valeting BMW and Mercedes made one truly appreciate the caliber Lexus was. The first time I hopped in a Lexus LS400, it felt as if the Lexus was a decade or two ahead of Mercedes and BMW. The Lexus interior and instrument panel was on a different level. The smoothness was scary amazing. Now I’m older and own a Mercedes and Porsche. Still haven’t bought a Lexus yet... I’m warming up to the idea.

[@bluesky-ud9wg]

What are you waiting on?

[@Shabbe02]

Have you bought a Lexus now?

[@penvon]

Absolutely beautiful car.

[@getbenzd]

No V8 option = epic mistake. My LS430 gets 24mpg highway and it's 12 years old, and I don't have to worry about blowing a turbo.

[@3UZFE]

Exactly! All these people fanning over this new LS500 rave about the power and torque figures, yes the V6 has good numbers, but where it counts is the smoothness, a V6 isn't a bad engine but does require more development to make it smooth running. The problem with the V6 is the less than luxurious power stroke intervals, one every 120 degrees of the crank rotation, a V8 delivers a power stroke every 90 degrees,. So over one crank rotation, V6 = 3 power strokes, V8 = 4 power strokes, for refinement and smoothness - A v8 is and will always be superior, throw on a couple of turbos along with direct injection and you'd forget V6 Turbos even existed!

[@jaec6986]

yah thats why my last car was 2002 GS 430 and I just bought a 2005 LS430 with 81k miles yesterday, great engine! great cars!

[@afa6361]

They should have gone with a small v8 twin turbo. I am not going to give up my LS430 easily though.

[@InvestBetter.]

When's the last time an LS "blew a turbo?" When was the last time a LS blew anything? Oh.....

[@AdrianC12345]

No one blows turbos these days.... Least of all Lexus. I had a Fiat running 18psi of boost stock w/74K miles by the time I traded it in and never had an issue with the turbo.

[@ChrisG-gl5st]

I work at a Body shop and saw this car and I was drooling. I had to see a review of this car very beautiful

[@jmos96]

This is a truly spectacular car with best in class safety features and level two self driving features like the Tesla and Cadillac super cruise. The car can actually steer itself out of an impending accident similar to the Mercedes. Surprised none of these features where mentioned.

[@clairekennedy8767]

Want this when I retire

[@edbtzkhud]

Claire Kennedy I thought you’re an Avalon girl.

[@plsniper]

Honey, when you retire, that thing will be in the junk yard. You will however find a Lexus LS400 from the 1990s. :) Those real Lexuses will be still running.

[@TheHelghast1138]

Me too ;)

[@allexxo_]

@@plsniper it’s just a car…

[@DiaperSNiFFER]

@@allexxo_hey

[@ManuJohn380]

Really nice looking car. Lexus has come a long way.

[@TheHelghast1138]

Absolutely beautiful car

[@extremeanalogmusic6296]

amazing car !!

[@77devera]

Great review. Can you do a review of the 2018 NX?

[@1beck2en3ham]

I like the interior. I think The LS is the first in its class. But I have still hated that spindle grill. V6 turbo is good but Lexus should have V8 as a choice.

[@davidaubin3902]

Love this gen better the last, except for the touch pad controller. I'd take a 7 Series, or S class with controller knob.

[@zeuth_Sengsou]

I liked it.

[@kenc2386]

All of the camera views were very shaky. Was this a Ford f550 or a Lexus LS?

[@mechanicandi1064]

Team Lexus 💯💯💯😬

[@larquefausse3623]

If an LS doesn't come with V8, don't even talk to me.

[@siseesan3147]

Larque Fausse they should’ve at least did a twin turbo version of the LC500s V8 so it can compete directly with Mercedes S Class and BMW 7 series

[@kyongkim5162]

so damn beautiful.....

[@King-fw8xs]

I have an LS400, and I still would miss the V8 just because, no matter how well a v6 performs, you can't replace a v8 with a v6. A v8 is a v8, and a v6 is a v6.

[@dohc1067]

A powerful, luxury sedan used as a foundation for the new Tundra of today.

[@chesspiece81]

I think the LS 500 F should have the 5.0 V8 and be an ultra luxury version of the IS 500.

[@InvestBetter.]

I'm not in love with the interior design, and the interior has shrunken dramatically, so it is more midsize than flagship spacious inside. However, it trade space for sexy appeal, as it looks far more attractive than any top dog from Germany, and it also more engaging to drive, if that's what you want in a vehicle of this size. Considering it's low $75k starting price, great value is still the calling card for the LS. Hopefully, a V8 comes in the mid-gen refresh,

[@TheDonYG]

Why theres no IS F current gen, LS F of current gen, and LCF??

[@WaywardAnalysis]

Why did you pick the LS 500 Sport? I would never get the sport with the digitally tuned loud exhaust and stiffer ride and gaudy teenagary exterior but rate the LS 500 as the top car for the money

[@Nightbird.]

I agree. But they use whatever is given to them by Lexus at the time of filming.

[@EzMDr]

Its 3.5 V6 not 3.4

[@normt5463]

The 103 mph trap speed is a little low for 424 go and 440 trq.

[@kalielwebb3774]

Right! The new Nissan Maxima can do that it and it had 300hp with no turbo.

[@toorani17]

I thought it had a 3.3 liter displacement

[@mhdfrb9971]

I'm concern about the reliability on luxury cars. How is it?

[@JH-qy7zw]

It's lexus.... they have great reliability

[@93remix]

TT V6... that's a nice start but, AUDI, BMW, & BENZ have potent V6 and 8s in their flagship, let's see how Lexus does a V8

[@davidchase4324]

Is it just me, or does the overall exterior shape of the new LS look a lot like the 1998 GS?

[@JH-qy7zw]

I hate to say this as I am a fan of lexus, but the new LS looks like a stretched mazda 6 to me, maybe the color played into it?

[@kode3]

Looks like a largemouth bass

[@tenhundredkills]

What's up with saying "Most luxury drivers will never lift the hood anyway"? That's absolutely wrong. Smart luxury buyers want to know exactly what they're spending so much money on, including the engine specifications.

[@JH-qy7zw]

He did say "most", not "all"

[@5150sixfortysevenF]

How did @MotorWeek editors miss the "3.4L V6" comment...this show will end just like @Car&Driver so sad.

[@dimaslopez-dejesus2371]

Lexus evolution from early 90s LS400 250 HP 4.0L V8 to today LS 500 416 HP 3.5L Twin Turbo V6.

[@E46325mod]

Lol @ the cars weight, both Mercedes and BMW have v8 twin turbo flagships that both weigh 1,000 lbs less

[@JH-qy7zw]

but the lexus is built a 1,000 times better...

[@jasonthach44]

What if they add a Lexus LS F?

[@08VaNupe]

They need to

[@koston777]

Looks like big Camry.

[@thomasnew8606]

Since when is $80,000 "not a whole lot of money"???

[@philtripe]

sure feels like a lot of money to me

[@iBlewupthemoon98]

It's more relative to its competition This starts at $75k, while the BMW 7 series starts at $83k and Mercedes S class is almost $90k. That's, of course, not counting options which easily brings the S class and 7 series to high 100k's, but a well equipped LS can be gotten for much lower

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Considering its market segment, it's definitely not a whole lot of money. This is a solid full size luxury car, not a gussied up one made from the parts bin of the econo lineup.

[@SureShot_2]

it's 2018 man... 80g's is easy. Im only 27 and i even make 105k a year. Some people got it and some people don't i guess.

[@thecman26]

That's more than my house cost, so YEAH that's a lot of money!

[@joreldavis4069]

@MotorWeek 3.4L V6? You mean 3.5L V6?

[@Motorweek]

Nope. It's a 3.4L twin-turbo V6. All-new engine.

[@joreldavis4069]

@MotorWeek Nope. It's definitely 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6. You are correct it's an all new engine. file:///C:/Users/Owner/Downloads/2018_Lexus_LS_500_Product_Info.pdf

[@brawlfreakl0w]

M8, if you literally read the document that you linked, it states that the engine is 3444cc, ie. around 3.44 litres

[@syxepop]

Even Wikipedia lists the new engine as 3.5L, but going on specifics it is listed as 3445cc, so it becomes Toyota's first 3.4L (that older one was smaller at 3378cc) since the 5VZ quadcam V6.

[@mbwilson2625]

Jorel Davis... Maybe because they plan to drive it for 10 years.

[@pbjracing14yearsago49]

V6? Imma pass, V8 all the way. I care more about smoothness than power/mpg.

[@hussguy1990]

They shoulda made this a straight 6 instead and also put it in the new Supra.

[@georgedoughly6344]

Lexus should have kept the V8 in the LS!

[@mhdfrb9971]

Toyota Century vs Lexus ls?

[@syxepop]

Century went HSD last year; it has the same gas hybrid combo (w/a 5.0L V8) as the just axed LS600h. Sizewise (in the standard configuration) both seem to be in the same size league: 210" long on a 122" w/b for Century and 206" long on a 123" w/b for the standard length LS.

[@orangejuiceneggs]

I’ll miss the V8! How bout twin turbo V8 instead the V6? What ya say Lexus?

[@my2moneypits]

I dont like how it pipes sound into the cabin 🤦‍♂️ that's just not necessary

[@Nightbird.]

This model..the F Sport..is made for people who enjoy the engine sound.

[@Divine_Serpent_Geh]

Nowhere near as elegant as previous gen LS, plus that color doesn’t help either. This whole design language is OK on the RC F or the GS F, but on a limo like the LS, understatement is the way to go. Just like the way it was before. Too many sharp creases and edges.

[@BanBiofuels]

No. The grill is too small. Make it bigger! We want BIG, BIG, BIG, BIG BIG! Right? No? :)

[@SureShot_2]

like the new camaro.. like the front is just 2 headlights and a gaping hole.

[@alexandredegreef7015]

Christopher Calder 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@3UZFE]

Yeah you will definitely miss the V8.

[@juanrodriguez-ry6yt]

the 5.7 now there's an engine

[@3UZFE]

Lexus hammer :)

[@chrisdawson9130]

Why do new cars have to make everything so complex and frustrating.

[@BDoOC99]

The engine is a 3.5 not a 3.4.

[@syxepop]

News, Wikipedia lists it at 3445cc and another poster had a doc putting it at 3444cc, so it's barely there (just like Ford's Coyote V8, which was 4949cc / 302ci until '18 when it went to 5042cc / 307ci). The new engine is slightly larger total displacement than the 3378cc 5VZ quadcam V6, Toyota's latest 3.4L until now.

[@tropicalstorm339]

syxepop The LS engine is the 8GR-FXS 3456 cc... not 3444 cc or 3444 cc

[@syxepop]

Would you link where it is stated? At least I pointed 2 sources for the other number...

[@tropicalstorm339]

syxepop Ooooppsss... my bad. The 8GR-FXS engine is for the hybrid version.

[@TheStimie]

3.4 is correct

[@Darksyne]

Why anyone would spend over 100grand on a car that will lose 50% of it's resale value in the next 5 years is beyond me...

[@3UZFE]

Like a Tesla :p

[@Acc0rd79]

That grille just kills what otherwise would be a great looking car. The person who designs the grill must have been hired from Acura with those beak grills they used to make......they don't make them anymore haha

[@majorvictory3231]

A twin turbo v6 on a Toyota, sounds good. V6 on an American muscle, now that would be a sacrilege!

[@syxepop]

Wait for them, they're coming (Ford's EB-3.5, GM's 2T-3.6 and FCA's 2T-3.6)... The former is already here, with up to 450 / 510 on more mainstream apps, only needs more apps. The latter 2 are just waiting for getting out.

[@GLA45Amg716]

Why can’t Toyota give us a muscle car 🤗 I mean Toyota not Lexus

[@majorvictory3231]

thuglifezeem716 the Supra was technically a muscle car

[@1Reddd]

Cadillac ATS-V uses a twin turbo V6... Don't underestimate the 6, they're starting to make better numbers than 8's these days. If Ford put the twin turbo V6 ecoboost into their Mustang, it'd be faster than the 5.0

[@majorvictory3231]

OfficialEpic222 it may produce better numbers, but for die hard muscle car fanatics, it doesn't get any better than the rumble of a V8

[@brucelivingston2220]

Is the humor in this video intentional? Or is it because I'm high?

[@ubiased23]

The previous generation 2007 was better looking.

[@maestroadam]

The previous generation looks far more elegant.

[@ManuJohn380]

Adam Bernard this car looks much better in person.

[@LacoteCohen]

Adam Bernard you need to see this in person!

[@805NAVE]

I saw the new LS next to the LC and an LFA at Lexus of Escondido California. In person, the LS looks so elegant, and the interior is just impeccable. I still love the old LSs of course.

[@TheDonYG]

Adam Bernard It would look better if everything was sloping like the LC.

[@eniolafolorunso1095]

You have to see it in person. I definitely has a presence

[@Mabeylater293]

5.2sec??? That’s slow compared to the 4.6 that they advertised.

[@andrewjacobson556]

Hmm, yeah I miss the V8!!!

[@AmraphelofShinar]

Toyota/Lexus needs to ditch the awful front end design.

[@chasevineland1508]

AmraphelofShinar I agree. It’s a love it or hate it design. Unfortunately for us haters, ever since the spindle grill came about, Lexus sales have doubled. Nope... not grown by 10, 20, 30, 50%.... Lexus doubled... 100%. I’m trying to convince myself that it’s a cool design but I can’t do it. I’m spindle design challenged.

[@senorgato70]

The sad truth for Lexus is that none of their sedans are putting a dent in their German competition. The IS doesn't come close to the C/A4/3 Series. The GS isn't a threat to the E/5/A6. The LS will do pretty well at launch, but will fade fairly quickly, I suspect. The twin-turbo V-6 just doesn't justify a flagship sedan in this category. And its styling really isn't far from a Buick Lacrosse at a much steeper price.

[@senorgato70]

FiatDuster The reality for you is the Germans are outselling Lexus. You can rationalize it all you want, it's just a fact. Even Audi was only 2,000 units behind Lexus last month. Whether the Germans are selling prestige or not, they're selling and have been for decades. Three years ago, I test drove a C/3/4/A4/IS350/GS350/TLX/Q50 and I was coming from an S5. I would have EASILY chosen ANY of the 4-cylinder German cars over both the IS350 and GS350 because the powertrains in the Germans were flat-out superior, not even close. Yes, the Lexuses had great steering and suspensions, but not enough of a difference to sway me. The only advantage the Lexuses had (and Infiniti) were the absurdly affordable lease deals the dealerships were throwing at me. And that didn't even make me budge. And the used car market for these German cars are more robust than ever, so making your claim that "savvy consumers" don't want to own an out of warranty German car is absurd. And I'll tell you something else, I personally will continue to shy away from buying a used Lexus based on my own personal experience with a used GS with less than 40K miles on it. Two warranty repairs and an ongoing transmission problem later, I decided I needed to get rid of it...after just 6 months of ownership.

[@SureShot_2]

lexus will do fine.... there are two type of buyers in the world - ones who lease and ones who buy. people that lease will get the germans but people that buy know the solid lexus is the only way to go. and in the segment of people that buy their cars.... no one can compete with lexus.

[@senorgato70]

Bruise Knee Come on now. Is that why Lexus is offering aggressive leasing options across the board? Be real. Just as many people lease Lexus as people lease German brands. Don't lie to yourself. Take the ES, NX and RX out of the equation, and Lexus would look no different than Volvo, Acura, or Infiniti when compared to their direct German rivals. That's just the facts. For a car company trying to tout itself as "dynamic" and "sporty' and whatever, their 3 most vanilla cars are what is carrying them, and that's mainly because those three cars are absolute BARGAINS when compared to their German rivals, especially the RX.

[@SureShot_2]

obviously lexus leases too, that's where the money is, i never said don't lease. i said when it comes to BUYing luxury cars... lexus is the leader in the market. learn to read bro.

[@senorgato70]

Bruise Knee You need to re-read your own shit, BRO.

[@243wayne1]

Fuck this Twin Turbo V6 bullshit.

[@a.person7825]

5000lbs to 60 in 5.2 seconds. Not bad. Bye bye V8..bye bye KMart..bye bye Aunt Jemima..bye bye Yaris..bye bye Puddin' Pops..bye bye manual transmissions..bye bye Zaxby's milkshakes..bye bye Trapper Keepers..bye bye Steak and Ale..bye bye democracy. Did I leave anything out?

[@Nightbird.]

Old and outdated products nobody wants. That's called the free market. And it's Democracy that makes it happen.

[@emmanuelgeraldo5337]

Expensive Toyota

[@esteemedenergy]

Super slow.

[@esteemedenergy]

WOW, that is SLOW!

[@eurosonly]

Wheels are boring and it looks like an infinity from the side

[@CTOInformation]

looks like a 50K car. not bad for a Toyota.

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

1st

[@esteemedenergy]

Wow, slow.

[@ohp1571]

The skillful sparrow marginally reject because oyster nationally fasten an a precious shake. outstanding, hissing medicine

[@freeyourmind8849]

car is just for bragging rights.

[@MyLife-so1jl]

Meh....looks like a Telsla/Mazda....I don't like it...the design is too busy inside and out.

[@JH-qy7zw]

I thought the same, a stretched mazda 6

[@galatiel77ify]

This is laughable. Ugly as an AMC Pacer, in a failing sedan market.... hey!! let's give it a V6 fo 85 grand! That won't piss off the 85 year old customer base, lol

[@senortaco3563]

_It's got "Aids"..._

[@koston777]

Looks like big sized camry

[@solidussnake2987]

The 2nd generation ls and ls430 look way better. This design is so generic it doesn't give me that classic Lexus elegant look.

[@jdmjimmy]

Electronic AIDS 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@uberenthusiasts]

Looks like a large Camry. V6? In the land of V8 S-Classes and 750is? And that horrible infotaiment system. Wow.

[@ManuJohn380]

uberenthusiasts lol. Most people buy the v6 offered in the German cars. Only small amount of people opt in for the v8 offered.

[@esteemedenergy]

V6? What an embarrassment.

[@grabir01]

V6? No thanks...

[@extremeanalogmusic6296]

lol.

[@grabir01]

No reason to go backwards. Not a fan of the V6. Gag me with a spoon. Let everyone know how your new buy goes Allen.. lol

[@inomad]

The base Mercedes S, BMW 7, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ all come with V6 engines. It is becoming standard in the class.

[@3UZFE]

So the LS500 is a base model V6, as all the other luxury sedans have V8 or V12s. Maybe Lexus will wake up and put a real Luxury engine under the hood...

[@uberenthusiasts]

MPG concerns on a $90k car. LMAO.

[@bmwmsport11]

Looks a lot like the Toyota Avalon...

[@Sanpedranoazul]

Hideous design!

[@3UZFE]

Yeah especially the rear 1/4, looks like every generic sedan.

[@Sanpedranoazul]

It does!

[@Sanpedranoazul]

You`re so right, when I think of Lexus the SC300 comes to mind or the first gen ES300, but now there are too many models from each brand that it`s hard to remember a model in particular, too much quantity but not quality, and you can tell. Thanks Mahmood!

[@carlm8821]

Mario Torrez Quant Agreed, not as classy or well balanced as previous generations. Looks like they are trying too hard to compete with the Tesla Mode S.

[@Sanpedranoazul]

Yes! Tesla has its own design cues, trying too hard as you say ;) Can you imagine when it has a car crash, all of the front bumper and headlights needed to be change, too complicated

[@liberalweirdo7886]

The interior is too all over the place. I’d look elsewhere for a full size sedan. I loved all the LS before this but this ones a swing and a miss

[@leedye6687]

Very slow and boring, lacks any excitement, but for those that lack a soul and stopped enjoying life, this is the perfect car.

[@davidn5861]

Mercedes Benz is better in every way.

[@philipsieja3410]

David Nacson except reliability

[@davidn5861]

Philip Sieja Can you give me the definition of reliable, not your own definition?

[@philipsieja3410]

David Nacson how about I give you a real world example. Matt farah's million mile Lexus ls vs my dads w221 with 130 000 kilometers on the odometer which constantly has problems. List of issues its had: - airbag adjustment in seats stop working - multimedia radio/speakers stop working - failed starter motor - seized brake caliper ( I assume from sitting a while during winter but our 3 other vehicles didn't have any issues) - folding mirrors stopped working -failed water pump It's a 2008 and all of these issues happened before the car was 10 years old with less than average use. Benz makes cars with tons of great features but they are littered with problems. To close, my dad got himself his "dream" car for his 50th birthday and it was the biggest mistake he ever had. Up until then we had only ever owned Toyota and Lexus products and our experience with Mercedes will be our last.

[@the_DOS]

Maybe the best to lease just like BMW. If you are going to own a luxury car, Lexus is the best hands down.

[@c.s.c.]

Philip Sieja Matt Farrah's is a nice anecdote, but do you really think that it was driven up to that point without replacing anything? Those "issues" (excluding the starter) don't disable the car.

[@esteemedenergy]

Slow and boring, much like all Lexus products

[@Nightbird.]

It's a sedan, not a race car. Family sedans don't need to make it to 60 in 2 seconds..lol.

[@Lrules364]

Absolute trash. Its no wonder the sedan segement isnt doing well in this country. With awful cars like this roaming around, crossovers seem like gold.