The Lexus LS 500 arrived on the scene not merely as a new car, but as a statement. Echoing the seismic impact of the original LS 28 years prior, this fifth-generation flagship sedan aimed to once again disrupt the luxury automotive landscape. The 2018 Lexus LS 500 wasn’t just an evolution; it was a revolution, meticulously crafted to embody Japanese tradition while appealing to a global audience seeking cutting-edge innovation and unparalleled driving experience. This in-depth exploration delves into the aspects that make the LS 500 a true standard-bearer for modern luxury.
A Bold Departure in Design and Philosophy
Chief Engineer Toshio Asahi articulated the ambitious vision for the LS 500: to transcend conventional luxury car expectations and become “the definitive new-generation luxury car embodying Japanese tradition and culture.” This wasn’t about incremental improvement; it was about a fundamental reimagining of what a flagship sedan could be.
The design philosophy of the Lexus LS 500 marks a radical shift. It’s longer, lower, and wider than its predecessor, adopting a striking coupe-like silhouette that belies the spaciousness within. This design choice reflects a conscious effort to move beyond the traditional three-box sedan aesthetic, appealing to a contemporary luxury consumer who values both elegance and dynamism. The LS 500 achieves this “Yet” philosophy – offering the roominess of a prestige sedan, yet with the captivating lines of a coupe.
This bold exterior is underpinned by the new global architecture for luxury vehicles (GA-L) platform. This premium rear-wheel-drive foundation is crucial to the LS 500’s redefined driving character, promising enhanced agility and performance while upholding Lexus’ renowned ride comfort. The GA-L platform allowed designers to push the boundaries of proportion, contributing to the LS 500’s ground-hugging stance and sophisticated presence.
The GA-L Platform: Foundation for Agility and Serenity
The GA-L platform is more than just a structural base; it’s the bedrock of the 2018 Lexus LS 500’s dynamic capabilities and serene ride. Engineered to be the stiffest platform in Lexus history, it provides an unwavering foundation for superior handling, ride smoothness, and exceptional cabin quietness. The wheelbase, extended to 123 inches, contributes to both interior spaciousness and ride stability. Furthermore, the wide and low design optimizes the center of gravity and weight distribution, contributing to the car’s balanced and planted feel on the road.
The pursuit of ideal ride and handling is further refined by the latest iteration of Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). This sophisticated chassis control technology orchestrates the interplay of various vehicle subsystems – ABS, TRAC/TRC, VSC, EPS, VGRS, and DRS – to harmonize longitudinal, lateral, and vertical motion, as well as yaw, roll, and pitch. VDIM ensures seamless transitions between handling prowess and ride comfort, adapting to diverse driving conditions and driver inputs.
The construction of the GA-L platform itself is a testament to innovative engineering. Lexus engineers started with a clean slate, employing lightweight materials like ultra-high tensile hot stamped steel and aluminum alloys. Advanced joining techniques, such as self-piercing rivets and high-strength adhesive bonding, were used to combine aluminum and steel components, achieving a remarkable balance of strength and weight reduction. This meticulous approach results in a structure that is both incredibly rigid and surprisingly light, enhancing both handling and fuel efficiency.
Twin-Turbo V6 and 10-Speed Transmission: Performance Reimagined
The heart of the Lexus LS 500 is an all-new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, a departure from the V8 engines traditionally associated with flagship sedans. This engine isn’t a compromise, but a strategic upgrade, delivering 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque – figures that surpass the previous generation’s 4.6-liter V8. The undersquare design and twin turbochargers contribute to improved thermal efficiency and potent performance, drawing on technology honed in Formula 1.
The engine’s long stroke, optimized bore-to-stroke ratio, and advanced combustion technologies ensure both power and refinement. The in-house designed and produced twin turbochargers feature curved turbine blades, electric wastegates, and coolant-cooled intercoolers, all working in concert to deliver responsive and lag-free power delivery. The D-4ST fuel injection system further optimizes combustion efficiency and performance across the rev range.
Mated to this potent engine is another first for Lexus: a 10-speed automatic transmission. This transmission, initially featured in the Lexus LC 500, provides incredibly quick shift times, rivaling dual-clutch transmissions, while maintaining the smoothness of a torque converter automatic. The closely spaced ratios ensure optimal gear selection for any driving scenario, from brisk acceleration to relaxed highway cruising. AI-Shift Control further enhances the driving experience by adapting shift patterns to driver input and road conditions, ensuring intuitive and perfectly timed gear changes.
The LS 500’s powertrain is not just about raw power; it’s about refined performance. The engine and transmission are meticulously tuned to deliver instant acceleration and a seamless surge of torque. Drivers can further tailor the powertrain response with selectable driving modes, ranging from Normal to Sport S+, allowing for a personalized driving experience. Even the exhaust note is carefully crafted to enhance the car’s dynamic character without compromising cabin serenity.
Lexus LS 500h: The Multi Stage Hybrid System
For those seeking efficiency without sacrificing performance, the Lexus LS 500h presents an advanced hybrid powertrain. The Multi Stage Hybrid System, shared with the LC 500h coupe, combines a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine with two electric motor/generators and a lightweight lithium-ion battery. This system delivers a combined output of 354 horsepower, enabling the LS 500h to accelerate from 0-60 mph in a brisk 5.1 seconds.
The innovative Multi Stage Hybrid System goes beyond conventional hybrid setups. It pairs the electronically controlled planetary CVT with a four-speed automatic gear set. This combination expands the overall gearing range, allowing the V6 engine to operate more efficiently across a wider range of speeds. In “M” mode, the system simulates ten distinct gear ratios, providing a more engaging and driver-focused experience with paddle shifters.
The LS 500h achieves a remarkable balance of performance and fuel economy, with manufacturer-estimated figures of 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined for the RWD model. Coupled with a large 22.2-gallon fuel tank, the LS 500h offers an impressive driving range, minimizing stops and maximizing driving pleasure.
Interior Craftsmanship: Omotenashi and Cabin Couture
The interior of the Lexus LS 500 is a sanctuary of modern luxury, deeply rooted in the Japanese concept of Omotenashi – anticipatory hospitality. It’s an environment designed to envelop and welcome occupants, prioritizing their comfort and well-being. Chief Designer Koichi Suga aimed to create an interior that is “unlike any luxury car before,” an immediate and intuitive experience of bespoke luxury.
New seating designs, including available 28-way power-adjustable front seats, offer unparalleled customization and support. Rear seats are also meticulously crafted, with available features like dedicated heaters in the shoulder and lower back areas, ensuring personalized comfort for all passengers. The organically shaped dashboard design clusters information displays at a uniform height, adhering to the “seat-in-control” layout that prioritizes driver ergonomics and ease of use.
The LS 500 offers a rich palette of interior color schemes and trim options, allowing for a high degree of personalization. From meticulously stitched upholstery to available quilting and perforation patterns, every detail reflects exceptional craftsmanship. Inspired by Shimamoku wood patterns, new wood trim options like Art Wood Organic, Art Wood Herringbone, and Laser Special Matte showcase the fusion of natural materials and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Exclusive to the Executive models, Kiriko Glass ornamentation and hand-folded pleats on the door trim exemplify Lexus’ commitment to “Innovative elegance through Japanese craftsmanship.” The Kiriko glass, a world-first in a production vehicle, replicates the intricate patterns of traditional Japanese glassware using laser technology and meticulous polishing. The hand-pleated upholstery, a result of four years of development, adds a tactile and visually stunning dimension to the cabin, creating an ambiance of serene sophistication.
Technology Seamlessly Integrated
The Lexus LS 500 seamlessly integrates advanced technology to enhance both the driving experience and passenger comfort. The next-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) mimics smartphone operation and supports handwritten input, providing intuitive control over vehicle functions. An optional 24-inch color heads-up display (HUD), the largest in the world, projects essential driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight.
Rear seat passengers are also pampered with technology, with available “Relaxation Seats” offering warming and massage functions. The Executive Package further elevates rear seat luxury with a passenger-side seat that reclines up to 48 degrees. To enhance ingress and egress, the available air suspension system features an access function that automatically raises the vehicle when unlocked.
For audiophiles, the LS 500 offers an available 3D surround Mark Levinson QLI Reference Surround Sound System. This system boasts 23 speakers in 16 locations, a 16-channel amplifier producing 2400 watts, and Quantum Logic Immersion and Clari-Fi technologies, creating an unparalleled auditory experience within the serene cabin.
Lexus LS 500 F SPORT: Injecting Performance DNA
The Lexus LS 500 F SPORT injects a dose of dynamic athleticism into the flagship sedan. While maintaining exceptional comfort, the F SPORT variant enhances driving engagement through carefully tuned chassis components and distinctive styling cues.
The F SPORT benefits from the GA-L platform’s inherent agility and features enhanced VDIM settings for optimized handling. Exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels, performance tires, and larger brakes further underscore the F SPORT’s dynamic intentions. The available Performance Package adds Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), Active Rear Steering, and Active Stabilizer, transforming the LS 500 F SPORT into a remarkably agile and responsive luxury sedan.
Visually, the LS 500 F SPORT distinguishes itself with a unique spindle grille featuring heightened intricacy, special rocker moldings, and distinctive 20-inch wheels. Inside, F SPORT seats, Naguri aluminum trim, a driver-centric instrument cluster inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar, and aluminum pedals create a sportier ambiance.
Advanced Safety Technologies: Lexus Safety System+ A
Safety is paramount in the Lexus LS 500, which incorporates advanced safety technologies under the umbrella of Lexus Safety System+ and the available Lexus Safety System+ A (Advanced) Package. These systems are designed to mitigate risks associated with various accident scenarios, aiming to enhance driver awareness and prevent collisions.
Lexus Safety System+ A includes Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, which can automatically brake to mitigate or avoid collisions. Pedestrian Alert and Active Steering Assist further enhance pedestrian safety by providing directional warnings and steering assistance in certain collision-imminent situations.
Lexus CoDrive, integrating All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Lane Trace Assist (LTA), provides “co-driver” functionality, assisting with steering and maintaining lane position on highways and motorways. Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA), Intelligent High-beam with Adaptive Front Lighting (AFS), and Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist further contribute to a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features. Parking Support Brake (PKSB) and Panoramic View Monitor further enhance safety and convenience during parking maneuvers.
Connectivity and Convenience with Lexus Enform
The 2018 Lexus LS 500 keeps occupants connected and informed with Lexus Enform services. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provides emergency assistance and vehicle location services. Lexus Enform App Suite 2.0 integrates popular mobile applications. Lexus Enform Destination Assist offers concierge-level navigation support. Lexus Enform Wi-Fi provides in-car internet connectivity. Lexus Enform Remote allows remote vehicle control via a smartphone app. And Lexus Enform Service Connect provides vehicle health monitoring and maintenance alerts.
Conclusion: The LS 500 – A Flagship for the Future
The Lexus LS 500 is more than just a luxury sedan; it’s a testament to Lexus’ unwavering commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and Omotenashi. It redefines flagship luxury by seamlessly blending bold design, exhilarating performance, serene comfort, and cutting-edge technology. The LS 500 is a vehicle designed to not just meet, but exceed the expectations of the most discerning global luxury customers, solidifying its position as a true icon for a new generation. The Ls Lexus 500 stands as a beacon of automotive excellence, signaling the future of luxury vehicles.
