Take a spin in the all-new 2018 Lexus LS 500 with Edmunds Senior Writer Mark Takahashi to see if this fifth-generation evolution lives up to expectations. The previous LS was praiseworthy for its comfort and craftsmanship but was knocked for its dull driving feel and slow acceleration. The new LS maintains the best parts of its predecessor and overcomes its drawbacks with engaging driving dynamics and an appropriate amount of power for a car this size.
Transcript
[MUSIC PLAYING] MARK TAKAHASHI: I'm standing next to the all new Lexus LS 500. This is the fifth generation LS. Now, this all started in 1989 when Lexus set the automotive world on its head with the first LS. It was groundbreaking. No one really had the audacity to think that a Japanese company could, number one, create a luxury brand. And number two, create something that was so good. Now, this one isn't nearly as groundbreaking. It's more an evolution. But there are some really good bits about this. And there's a few that I could do without as well. So let's go take a look. To be perfectly honest, I haven't been a big fan of the Lexus spindle grill. However, on this new LS, it does seem to work much better. I like the sculpting. I like all the bevelling. It's aggressive. It's slightly sporty. It's not trying too hard in some ways. Maybe the grill is a little too horsey still. But there is a lot of detail there. And there's a certain elegance to it as well. Like a lot of luxury vehicles out there, you have a power trunk lid. And it's hands free, as long as you have the key in your pocket. Now, the trunk, it's not as big as some of the luxury flagship sedans I've seen out there. But it will certainly hold all your stuff. There are some nice cutouts behind the wheel arches that will definitely get two full sized golf bags in. Now, you also have the button up here, like you normally do with all power trunk lifts to close it. But it's the same operation. That's convenient. So the interior of the LS 500 is really well done. The design has a lot of organic flowing shapes. But it's not overly done. Materials' quality throughout is really quite good as well. So as you'd expect from a flagship luxury sedan, the ride quality is really nice and compliant and smooth. It's fairly quiet. I do hear some road noise. But it's not that big of a problem. And you have the selector up here for the different normal sport modes and custom modes, rather than down here. So you could just kind of adjust it on the fly, rather than having to look down and get distracted that way. The one bummer though is they're still using this trace pad. Now, they're using the latest version of the trace pad, that they have in the LC 500, but even that, it's probably one of the worst systems, quite honestly, to use for infotainment. It's fine if you're parked. But when you're moving, it just takes a lot of effort to make sure you're on the right hotspot here and they're just kind of bouncing all over the place. Really, truly I wish they would just go to a regular touch screen, or even the knob that all the Germans are using. As far as seat comfort is concerned, they're pretty firmly padded. They're not too cushiony and pillowy. So it feels a little bit like an Audi in that way. There's not a lot of side bolstering. But one cool thing about the side bolstering is, when you put it in park, it sort of dips down, so you don't have to climb over it. So I'm on this curving valley road here. I can feel a little bit of body roll, but it's kind of what you'd expect from any luxury sedan. Throw it in sport plus mode and it dials way way back. But then, it also starts stiffening up the ride. And the steering also wakes up in the sport modes. You have manual control over the transmission, if you need it. But as I was driving this tight, twisty road in, I was surprised, and impressed, by how smartly it was downshifting as I was hitting the brakes and going into a turn. I had the opportunity open a few times and kind of carve through a few fun turns. And I can say, yes, this is actually kind of fun to drive. I'm not a fan of the engine noise. My guess is that it's being piped in through the speakers. I'll have to verify that. But it's a little too loud for my taste, especially for such a big luxury sedan. Earlier, I drove the hybrid LS 500H. and I was actually quite impressed by it. It was responsive and it had plenty of passing power. The brakes also felt like a typical car, not so much a hybrid, where you get a little softness and a little lack of feel and response. It was just fine. So because of that, I wouldn't be too surprised to see the hybrid lead for sales. In front of me, I have a really, really big head up display. I've got navigation. I've got some of the safety features, as well as the driver assistance in the middle. It's tack sharp. And visually, it looks like it's half a foot in from of the nose of the car. So focus wise, it's really easy to read and the alerts will pop up right in your vision. Easily one of the better head up displays. So here I am in the backseat of the LS 500. And this one is optioned with the executive rear seat, so a lot more comfort to be had back here. However, much like the infotainment system up front, the one back here is about as easy to use, which is not quite a good thing. In any case, just demonstrate for you right now, that you can fold the front seat all the way forward, the headrest tucks in, and it all starts moving forward like that. And you just have a ton of leg room. You have this ottoman that will come out, nice little leg rest. So really and truly, you have a level of luxury back here that would be akin to, let's say, business class before they went to the fold flat sleeper beds. Now, you can still recline quite a bit. It'd be pretty easy to doze off back here like this. So you do have all the climate control stuff back here, ventilated seats, heated seats, a full body massage, full body refresh. Now, it's not like an aggressive shiatsu massage or anything. It's a nice rolling action. And you have the same functions in the front seats. There's the rear sunshade. There's my sunshade. Under here, two USB ports. That's pretty good. Decent size cup holders. And materials' quality, it's just like the front, impeccable. So with Mark Levinson surround sound system option, you even have some speakers up in the headliner. And these speakers are just kind of everywhere. It's an all enveloping system. And it sounds amazing. If you're an audiofile, in my opinion, this is one of the better ones. So those are my initial impressions of the all new Lexus LS 500. In terms of price, it sits just above the new offerings from Genesis, especially the G90. However, it's quite a bit less than the typical German flagships, like the Audi A8, Mercedes S-Class, and BMW 7 series. It is a marked improvement when it does come to performance. This thing is actually quite fun to drive. My recommendation is the hybrid. You get better fuel economy, obviously, and very little sacrifice as a result. For more information on the Lexus LS 500, as well as all of its competition, head on over to edmunds.com. 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High-end resorts make it their business to indulge their clients' whims at every turn. The 2018 Lexus LS 500 is a lot like that, except on wheels.
This full-size luxury sedan pairs supreme ride comfort with a handsome cabin awash in high-quality leather, genuine wood trim and acres of passenger room. For 2018, a comprehensive redesign inside, outside and underneath once again places the LS in the same rare air as recently updated large luxury sedan designs from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.
The cushioned ride and whisper-quiet interior are made to pamper, and cutting-edge technology increases driver safety. Overall, the LS 500 reminds you that you don't need to look exclusively to Europe for a world-class full-size luxury sedan.
The new fifth-generation Lexus LS 500 departs from its predecessor, the LS 460, with a bold new look that incorporates a coupelike profile. The evolved shape suggests a slimmer, more lithe luxury sedan, and there's even a modest amount of "sport" baked into the new LS' suspension design. We use that term loosely, though. This is still a big sedan better suited to arcing through turns than attacking them.
A new turbocharged V6 engine generates 416 horsepower and will make you forget all about the predecessor's lower-powered V8, especially when paired to the quick-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. These powertrain changes are enough to put the LS 500 over the 20 mpg mark, with an EPA rating of 23 mpg combined (19 city/29 highway) for rear-wheel-drive models. That's a discernible improvement over the last generation's rating of 19 mpg combined.
A longer wheelbase, longer even than the previous extended-length model, ensures an expansive cabin experience guaranteed to cosset weary passengers, especially when you spring for the seats with up to 28 separate adjustments.
A base model LS 500 comes with enough appointments to satisfy most buyers, but optional enhancements such as a lowered suspension to ease entry and exit, advanced driver safety aids, and an audiophile-grade sound system should satisfy those with a more discerning eye. An optional advanced safety system adds even more protective layers, with adaptive cruise control and steering assist that deliver a semiautonomous driving experience.
Key updates return the 2018 Lexus LS 500h to its rightful place among the world's elite luxury sedans. When it comes time to find your own world-class luxury, let Edmunds guide you to the perfect choice.
2018 Lexus LS 500 Overview
The 2018 Lexus LS 500 is offered in the following submodels: Sedan. Available styles include 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A), F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A), and 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A). LS 500 models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2018 LS 500 comes with rear wheel drive or all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 10-speed shiftable automatic. The 2018 LS 500 comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 6 yr./ 70000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What should I pay for a new 2018 Lexus LS 500?
2018 Lexus LS 500 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
The 2018 Lexus LS 500 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $88509. The average price paid for a new 2018 Lexus LS 500 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) is trending $1200 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1200 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $87309.
The average savings for the 2018 Lexus LS 500 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) is 1.4% below the MSRP.
We are showing 10 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) 2018 Lexus LS 500 F SPORT 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Lexus LS 500 F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
The 2018 Lexus LS 500 F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $85897. The average price paid for a new 2018 Lexus LS 500 F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) is trending $1000 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1000 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $84897.
The average savings for the 2018 Lexus LS 500 F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) is 1.2% below the MSRP.
We are showing 1 F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) 2018 Lexus LS 500 F SPORT 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2018 Lexus LS 500 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A)
The 2018 Lexus LS 500 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $103899. The average price paid for a new 2018 Lexus LS 500 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) is trending $1075.2 below the manufacturer's MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1075.2 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $102823.8.
The average savings for the 2018 Lexus LS 500 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) is 1% below the MSRP.
We are showing 15 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) 2018 Lexus LS 500 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Is the 2018 Lexus LS 500 a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Lexus LS 500 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 LS 500 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
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We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
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