Video & Photo Gallery: 2018 Lexus LS 500 in Manganese Luster

Just my .02.[/QUOTE]

Gecko

I took several shots from the reveal video to share... sorry that there are so many, but

1) Lexus' press photos are always way over-processed and the cars never look like that in real life. Shadowy and dark and yet totally overexposed.

2) Auto show lighting is barely better than point 1, with lots of harsh lights.

3) Even though these are a CGI car, I think they're a lot more representative of what the LS will look like in the flesh:



This shot is particularly gorgeous. Look at that profile - that roofline - those curves!!






Hood is similar to the LC here - low, wide, wheels tucked under wide fenders:



A couple of points about the design.

With the photos above and very few others that I've seen, I like this car a lot more. The LS 500 looked overstyled to me in many of the other photos, both Lexus' own and some of the other press coverage. I felt like there were too many curves and too much happening, but I also had a hunch that the car "came together" better in person. I think I am right on that.

I feel like the creases and curves that look so sharp and dramatic in pics will actually be more subtle in person. Especially looking at the low hoodlike, wide fenders and that series of rear profile shots of the car above...... This car is beautiful.

At first, I thought I saw similarities to the Infiniti Q70. I lined up pics side by side, and I am wrong.

Someone posted pics of the new Buick LaCrosse and I can see a few similarities there.

However, I do not really see the Hyundai references, and if they're there, I don't see that as Lexus' fault. Hyundai has been stealing cues from other brands for a while now, so if the back half of the car looks similar to the Genesis, I more feel that the back half of the car is very true to LS lineage, which Hyundai ripped off with the Genesis.

Just my .02.

We all know when a new car debuts its compared to everything and a letdown until later :D Rarely does a car debut and get glowing praise like the LC. Being told info I couldn't share the exterior met my expectations. It was going to be sportier but no LC. I think that was clearly accomplished. The front is distinctly Lexus and the rear continues the L shaped theme with the usual Lexus exhaust cut outs. The LS lost its more traditional 3 box shape for a swoopier profile. We heard this was coming and the Panamera was a huge design influence.

My biggest gripe is the D-pillar which lost its usual LS version of the Hoffmeister Kink for something more generic. I understand the reason, to match the more coupe like roof but we have seen this before many times. The good news is unlike the concept the bottom of the windows sweep upward for a sportier look. I am not a fan of drooping window-lines into the rear.

That said to me in this class it and the Panamera have the most style with the Quattroporte up there.

Just my .02.[/QUOTE]

Gecko

I took several shots from the reveal video to share... sorry that there are so many, but

1) Lexus' press photos are always way over-processed and the cars never look like that in real life. Shadowy and dark and yet totally overexposed.

2) Auto show lighting is barely better than point 1, with lots of harsh lights.

3) Even though these are a CGI car, I think they're a lot more representative of what the LS will look like in the flesh:



This shot is particularly gorgeous. Look at that profile - that roofline - those curves!!






Hood is similar to the LC here - low, wide, wheels tucked under wide fenders:



A couple of points about the design.

With the photos above and very few others that I've seen, I like this car a lot more. The LS 500 looked overstyled to me in many of the other photos, both Lexus' own and some of the other press coverage. I felt like there were too many curves and too much happening, but I also had a hunch that the car "came together" better in person. I think I am right on that.

I feel like the creases and curves that look so sharp and dramatic in pics will actually be more subtle in person. Especially looking at the low hoodlike, wide fenders and that series of rear profile shots of the car above...... This car is beautiful.

At first, I thought I saw similarities to the Infiniti Q70. I lined up pics side by side, and I am wrong.

Someone posted pics of the new Buick LaCrosse and I can see a few similarities there.

However, I do not really see the Hyundai references, and if they're there, I don't see that as Lexus' fault. Hyundai has been stealing cues from other brands for a while now, so if the back half of the car looks similar to the Genesis, I more feel that the back half of the car is very true to LS lineage, which Hyundai ripped off with the Genesis.

Just my .02.

We all know when a new car debuts its compared to everything and a letdown until later :D Rarely does a car debut and get glowing praise like the LC. Being told info I couldn't share the exterior met my expectations. It was going to be sportier but no LC. I think that was clearly accomplished. The front is distinctly Lexus and the rear continues the L shaped theme with the usual Lexus exhaust cut outs. The LS lost its more traditional 3 box shape for a swoopier profile. We heard this was coming and the Panamera was a huge design influence.

My biggest gripe is the D-pillar which lost its usual LS version of the Hoffmeister Kink for something more generic. I understand the reason, to match the more coupe like roof but we have seen this before many times. The good news is unlike the concept the bottom of the windows sweep upward for a sportier look. I am not a fan of drooping window-lines into the rear.

That said to me in this class it and the Panamera have the most style with the Quattroporte up there.

These vids help visualize the exterior better...

These vids help visualize the exterior better...

Black Dynamite

Can anyone spin Lexus going twin-turbo V6, when competing with twin-turbo V8s, as a market advantage?
Unless fuel economy has become the #1 buyer consideration in the Prestige sedan class, with gas under $2 a gallon, I'm not seeing it......

I see execs at BMW and Mercedes lighting up a big fat spliff right now.....
BD

You seem really burned by the omission of a V8. Truth is that Lexus new TT V6 is closer to Mercedes/BMW's V8s than their V6s, and the LS is lighter. If the V6 also allows for a better weight distribution - probably very close to 50/50, then I am on board with the V6.

I've been having a hard time with the extinction of the V8, but for some reason, I feel really good about this application. Think about 90% of LS buyers, and really, S Class and 7 Series buyers. They could get along just fine with 240hp.

415hp/442lb-ft is major power. It's going to feel like a V8. The torque is probably going to make it feel like Lexus' most powerful engine outside of the LFA's V10.

This is the first time that Lexus has delivered a higher horsepower engine that isn't torque deficient since maybe the 3UZ-FE.

Black Dynamite

Can anyone spin Lexus going twin-turbo V6, when competing with twin-turbo V8s, as a market advantage?
Unless fuel economy has become the #1 buyer consideration in the Prestige sedan class, with gas under $2 a gallon, I'm not seeing it......

I see execs at BMW and Mercedes lighting up a big fat spliff right now.....
BD

You seem really burned by the omission of a V8. Truth is that Lexus new TT V6 is closer to Mercedes/BMW's V8s than their V6s, and the LS is lighter. If the V6 also allows for a better weight distribution - probably very close to 50/50, then I am on board with the V6.

I've been having a hard time with the extinction of the V8, but for some reason, I feel really good about this application. Think about 90% of LS buyers, and really, S Class and 7 Series buyers. They could get along just fine with 240hp.

415hp/442lb-ft is major power. It's going to feel like a V8. The torque is probably going to make it feel like Lexus' most powerful engine outside of the LFA's V10.

This is the first time that Lexus has delivered a higher horsepower engine that isn't torque deficient since maybe the 3UZ-FE.

mikeavelli

Also surprised no LS 500h announced at launch.

I'm not the least bit surprised. Since the 4GS launch (if not earlier), Lexus has been spreading out its new generation variant launches across multiple shows. LC 500 launched at last year's Detroit show, with LC 500h being saved for Geneva last year in late February/early March. The pattern should repeat for LS 500h.

mikeavelli

Also surprised no LS 500h announced at launch.

I'm not the least bit surprised. Since the 4GS launch (if not earlier), Lexus has been spreading out its new generation variant launches across multiple shows. LC 500 launched at last year's Detroit show, with LC 500h being saved for Geneva last year in late February/early March. The pattern should repeat for LS 500h.

Joaquin Ruhi

I'm not the least bit surprised. Since the 4GS launch (if not earlier), Lexus has been spreading out its new generation variant launches across multiple shows. LC 500 launched at last year's Detroit show, with LC 500h being saved for Geneva last year in late February/early March. The pattern should repeat for LS 500h.

I guess thats right, I was thinking of the LC release last NAIAS.... Geneva makes sense for hybrids (Europe market).....

Joaquin Ruhi

I'm not the least bit surprised. Since the 4GS launch (if not earlier), Lexus has been spreading out its new generation variant launches across multiple shows. LC 500 launched at last year's Detroit show, with LC 500h being saved for Geneva last year in late February/early March. The pattern should repeat for LS 500h.

I guess thats right, I was thinking of the LC release last NAIAS.... Geneva makes sense for hybrids (Europe market).....

mikeavelli

Just my .02.


We all know when a new car debuts its compared to everything and a letdown until later :D Rarely does a car debut and get glowing praise like the LC. Being told info I couldn't share the exterior met my expectations. It was going to be sportier but no LC. I think that was clearly accomplished. The front is distinctly Lexus and the rear continues the L shaped theme with the usual Lexus exhaust cut outs. The LS lost its more traditional 3 box shape for a swoopier profile. We heard this was coming and the Panamera was a huge design influence.

My biggest gripe is the D-pillar which lost its usual LS version of the Hoffmeister Kink for something more generic. I understand the reason, to match the more coupe like roof but we have seen this before many times. The good news is unlike the concept the bottom of the windows sweep upward for a sportier look. I am not a fan of drooping window-lines into the rear.

That said to me in this class it and the Panamera have the most style with the Quattroporte up there.

Yes, the more I see the car and the video, the more I see the sexy Panamera (and some A7) influence at the rear. The rear is growing on me. I can also envision how much nicer it will look with tinted windows to mask some of the "busyness" in the rear door to the D-pillar.

I think the color unveiled looks to be Atomic Silver (Sonic Titanium) which is appropriately elegant but I bet some of us would have been more excited (and less critical of the rear) seeing it in Ultra White or Obsidian as an F-Sport version with tinted windows. :D

View attachment 2044

mikeavelli

Just my .02.


We all know when a new car debuts its compared to everything and a letdown until later :D Rarely does a car debut and get glowing praise like the LC. Being told info I couldn't share the exterior met my expectations. It was going to be sportier but no LC. I think that was clearly accomplished. The front is distinctly Lexus and the rear continues the L shaped theme with the usual Lexus exhaust cut outs. The LS lost its more traditional 3 box shape for a swoopier profile. We heard this was coming and the Panamera was a huge design influence.

My biggest gripe is the D-pillar which lost its usual LS version of the Hoffmeister Kink for something more generic. I understand the reason, to match the more coupe like roof but we have seen this before many times. The good news is unlike the concept the bottom of the windows sweep upward for a sportier look. I am not a fan of drooping window-lines into the rear.

That said to me in this class it and the Panamera have the most style with the Quattroporte up there.

Yes, the more I see the car and the video, the more I see the sexy Panamera (and some A7) influence at the rear. The rear is growing on me. I can also envision how much nicer it will look with tinted windows to mask some of the "busyness" in the rear door to the D-pillar.

I think the color unveiled looks to be Atomic Silver (Sonic Titanium) which is appropriately elegant but I bet some of us would have been more excited (and less critical of the rear) seeing it in Ultra White or Obsidian as an F-Sport version with tinted windows. :D

View attachment 2044

A further thought on the LS interior, and versus the S Class:

The big slab of leather right around the door handles and seat memory on the door panel on the LS interior; is that the best Lexus could do? No intricate stitching or detailing there, just a very plain piece of leather. Yes it's not the end of the world, but since the LS will be compared directly to the S Class, top end S Class designo trims have more intricate door panel detailing. It's these small touches that can really make a difference in this class.

A further thought on the LS interior, and versus the S Class:

The big slab of leather right around the door handles and seat memory on the door panel on the LS interior; is that the best Lexus could do? No intricate stitching or detailing there, just a very plain piece of leather. Yes it's not the end of the world, but since the LS will be compared directly to the S Class, top end S Class designo trims have more intricate door panel detailing. It's these small touches that can really make a difference in this class.

Can someone photoshop a different wheel on this car? Like maybe the split 5 spokes from the LC?

I think another thing I'm hating is the TERRIBLE wheel choices that Lexus spec'd out for this car. It looks like a take on these disgusting ES wheels:

Can someone photoshop a different wheel on this car? Like maybe the split 5 spokes from the LC?

I think another thing I'm hating is the TERRIBLE wheel choices that Lexus spec'd out for this car. It looks like a take on these disgusting ES wheels:

Dani

Here is a picture that gives us a little hint of the new infotainment design. I haven't seen the infotainment on the new LC yet and i don't know if its different from it or not. But in my opinion it looks not to bad at all. Hopefully we have not to wait too long for more information.

At the moment it's too early to judge the car.

What is with that absolutely god awful Passenger Airbag light though?

Dani

Here is a picture that gives us a little hint of the new infotainment design. I haven't seen the infotainment on the new LC yet and i don't know if its different from it or not. But in my opinion it looks not to bad at all. Hopefully we have not to wait too long for more information.

At the moment it's too early to judge the car.

What is with that absolutely god awful Passenger Airbag light though?

corradoMR2

I think the color unveiled looks to be Atomic Silver (Sonic Titanium) which is appropriately elegant but I bet some of us would have been more excited (and less critical of the rear) seeing it in Ultra White or Obsidian as an F-Sport version with tinted windows. :D

I'm trying to figure out if that is, indeed, the case. It looks a bit darker , warmer and more beige than Atomic Silver (Sonic Titanium) in the pictures, but Lord knows between the lighting and computer monitor calibration differences... I was also wondering if this is, instead, the new Manganese Luster alluded to in the Toyota Global news release.

corradoMR2

I think the color unveiled looks to be Atomic Silver (Sonic Titanium) which is appropriately elegant but I bet some of us would have been more excited (and less critical of the rear) seeing it in Ultra White or Obsidian as an F-Sport version with tinted windows. :D

I'm trying to figure out if that is, indeed, the case. It looks a bit darker , warmer and more beige than Atomic Silver (Sonic Titanium) in the pictures, but Lord knows between the lighting and computer monitor calibration differences... I was also wondering if this is, instead, the new Manganese Luster alluded to in the Toyota Global news release.

CIF

A further thought on the LS interior, and versus the S Class:

The big slab of leather right around the door handles and seat memory on the door panel on the LS interior; is that the best Lexus could do? No intricate stitching or detailing there, just a very plain piece of leather. Yes it's not the end of the world, but since the LS will be compared directly to the S Class, top end S Class designo trims have more intricate door panel detailing. It's these small touches that can really make a difference in this class.

I think we are seeing Lexus head more and more towards simplicity as a form of luxury (it's a bigger conversation, but so is much of the rest of the world, in all forms of design). In the early 2000s, everything became cluttered with buttons, knobs and switches and I think some consumers started to revolt against that.

I'm on board for more simplicity, personally. To me, this is gorgeous:

CIF

A further thought on the LS interior, and versus the S Class:

The big slab of leather right around the door handles and seat memory on the door panel on the LS interior; is that the best Lexus could do? No intricate stitching or detailing there, just a very plain piece of leather. Yes it's not the end of the world, but since the LS will be compared directly to the S Class, top end S Class designo trims have more intricate door panel detailing. It's these small touches that can really make a difference in this class.

I think we are seeing Lexus head more and more towards simplicity as a form of luxury (it's a bigger conversation, but so is much of the rest of the world, in all forms of design). In the early 2000s, everything became cluttered with buttons, knobs and switches and I think some consumers started to revolt against that.

I'm on board for more simplicity, personally. To me, this is gorgeous:

This shot is gorgeous, and IMO, shows that the bulge at the back of the car is more fender than it is a crease, a la Buick and Hyundai. I won't know until we see the car in person. @krew, any insight?

This shot is gorgeous, and IMO, shows that the bulge at the back of the car is more fender than it is a crease, a la Buick and Hyundai. I won't know until we see the car in person. @krew, any insight?

Ahem.

EV Mode? Did Lexus accidentally include a shot from the unannounced LS 500h?

Ahem.

EV Mode? Did Lexus accidentally include a shot from the unannounced LS 500h?

Gecko

I think we are seeing Lexus head more and more towards simplicity as a form of luxury (it's a bigger conversation, but so is much of the rest of the world, in all forms of design). In the early 2000s, everything became cluttered with buttons, knobs and switches and I think some consumers started to revolt against that.

I'm on board for more simplicity, personally. To me, this is gorgeous:

Well it's a fair discussion, and regarding buttons, I think Lexus achieved a great balance on this interior. An extra knob or two would have been ideal IMHO. Regarding interior simplicity, I don't think Lexus has ever gone overboard in terms of interior complexity in previous LS generations, so not sure how much this applies to the LS here. It's all a matter of opinion of course, and IMHO that slab of leather is a bit too simple for me. The rest of the door panel is gorgeous though, with fine detailing and what looks like top level craftsmanship.

Gecko

I think we are seeing Lexus head more and more towards simplicity as a form of luxury (it's a bigger conversation, but so is much of the rest of the world, in all forms of design). In the early 2000s, everything became cluttered with buttons, knobs and switches and I think some consumers started to revolt against that.

I'm on board for more simplicity, personally. To me, this is gorgeous:

Well it's a fair discussion, and regarding buttons, I think Lexus achieved a great balance on this interior. An extra knob or two would have been ideal IMHO. Regarding interior simplicity, I don't think Lexus has ever gone overboard in terms of interior complexity in previous LS generations, so not sure how much this applies to the LS here. It's all a matter of opinion of course, and IMHO that slab of leather is a bit too simple for me. The rest of the door panel is gorgeous though, with fine detailing and what looks like top level craftsmanship.

I think this is a picture of the heads-up display. Taken from video at Lexus's website...

I think this is a picture of the heads-up display. Taken from video at Lexus's website...