The biggest news for the LS's power plant in 2018 is the switch to turbo power. While the old V8 powering the LS 460 was torquey and sounded good, it ate quite a bit of gas. Lexus has addressed the problem by substituting a more powerful turbocharged 6-cylinder engine in place of the old V8. The new twin-turbo V6 displaces 3.5 liters and makes 416 horsepower, up from the 386 horsepower its predecessor made. Power is sent to either the rear wheels or to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. While Lexus expects better fuel economy from the new engine, they've also brought back the hybrid version for those who wish to be even more economical with their gasoline. Though the hybrid makes a little less horsepower, Lexus still claims the sprint to 60 will take just 5.1 seconds, which is plenty quick.
The LS 500 comes in three basic trims, LS 500, LS 500 F Sport and LS 500h, with each trim being available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The LS 500 comes with plenty of equipment as standard including a power moonroof, dual-zone climate control with a built-in smog sensor, a navigation system displayed on a 12.3-inch display, a park assist system, heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, electronically dimming inside and outside mirrors and tons more.
Springing for the F Sport package adds 20-inch wheels, bigger brakes, an LFA-inspired digital instrument panel, perforated leather trimming throughout the cabin, 28-way power operated front seats with embossed headrests, aluminum pedals, tuned suspension, a black suede headliner and a passenger seat power cushion extender.
Option packages include an interior upgrade package for the LS 500 and LS 500h that mimics the interior goodies from the F Sport. However, the rear fun starts with the Luxury Package which includes, among other things, 4-zone climate control, power window shades, climate controlled outboard rear seats, a 7-inch touchscreen console between the two rear seats and power reclining rear seats. Top dog amongst the packages belong to the Executive Package with Kiriko glass, which features patterned glass sculpting on the interior door trim along with hand pleated leather. Front seats get massage functions, but the rear seats get "shiatsu" massage chairs along with an ottoman. The rear seats are also power adjustable in 22 different ways.
The Lexus LS 500 is an all-new vehicle for 2018, Lexus having completely redesigned the platform from the ground up with the purpose of adding even more luxury, while cutting down on fuel usage. The new LS gains a little bit of size with the car having grown slightly longer and wider. But the new car is also lower than the one it replaces and while that car could sometimes toe the line into boring, the new 2018 LS makes an effort to be a little bit more sporty and fun.
For a car competing in the ultra-luxury segment against the likes of the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes Benz S-Class, the Lexus LS maintains a curious history of value. When it was first introduced in the late 80s, the LS surprised its rivals by offering a luxury car competitive with the best in the world that was more reliable to boot. Though much has changed in the intervening years, the basic facts remain the same: the LS starts at more than $8,000 less than a 7 Series and close to $15,000 less than the S-Class. For that price it offers massive levels of refinement, luxury and performance, all while continuing to display the build quality that shocked the world when it was first introduced.
