Video: The 2018 Lexus LS 500 from the Driver’s Seat

A really nice car, finally. I like the 'anonymous' side if the 4th gen pre-facelift LS. But I also like that this 5th gen LS stands out and makes not even the German and Korean, but also Jaguar, Bentley, Rolls and Maserati look bland and boring.

Regarding the engines, while the TTV6 does not have the sound of NA V8, I think the LS 500 powertrain is still an upgrade over the LS 460. As for the LS 500h, just as the number tells, it is a downgrade compared to the LS 600h. While both are NA, the V8 was still much more powerful and it had AWD. The good about the new LS 500h is the Li-ion battery instead of the Ni-MH battery, and the improved yet retained CVT that I really like. Just as some hope there will be new V8, I hope there will be a new LS 600h.


This new LS makes me eagerly look forward to the next Land Cruiser, with new IRS, but hopefully with the same capability and ruggedness as the current one.

A really nice car, finally. I like the 'anonymous' side if the 4th gen pre-facelift LS. But I also like that this 5th gen LS stands out and makes not even the German and Korean, but also Jaguar, Bentley, Rolls and Maserati look bland and boring.

Regarding the engines, while the TTV6 does not have the sound of NA V8, I think the LS 500 powertrain is still an upgrade over the LS 460. As for the LS 500h, just as the number tells, it is a downgrade compared to the LS 600h. While both are NA, the V8 was still much more powerful and it had AWD. The good about the new LS 500h is the Li-ion battery instead of the Ni-MH battery, and the improved yet retained CVT that I really like. Just as some hope there will be new V8, I hope there will be a new LS 600h.


This new LS makes me eagerly look forward to the next Land Cruiser, with new IRS, but hopefully with the same capability and ruggedness as the current one.

A really nice car, finally. I like the 'anonymous' side if the 4th gen pre-facelift LS. But I also like that this 5th gen LS stands out and makes not even the German and Korean, but also Jaguar, Bentley, Rolls and Maserati look bland and boring.

Regarding the engines, while the TTV6 does not have the sound of NA V8, I think the LS 500 powertrain is still an upgrade over the LS 460. As for the LS 500h, just as the number tells, it is a downgrade compared to the LS 600h. While both are NA, the V8 was still much more powerful and it had AWD. The good about the new LS 500h is the Li-ion battery instead of the Ni-MH battery, and the improved yet retained CVT that I really like. Just as some hope there will be new V8, I hope there will be a new LS 600h.


This new LS makes me eagerly look forward to the next Land Cruiser, with new IRS, but hopefully with the same capability and ruggedness as the current one.

Regarding noise and whatnot, Winding Road posted a beautiful 14 minute drive in an LS with no talking or other audio, just the sound of the car itself. The NVH does make itself known in Sport S+ mode, but in the regular mode it's as quiet as a Lexus. And holy cow, listen to the TTV6 rev and tell me you aren't in love.

Regarding noise and whatnot, Winding Road posted a beautiful 14 minute drive in an LS with no talking or other audio, just the sound of the car itself. The NVH does make itself known in Sport S+ mode, but in the regular mode it's as quiet as a Lexus. And holy cow, listen to the TTV6 rev and tell me you aren't in love.

Regarding noise and whatnot, Winding Road posted a beautiful 14 minute drive in an LS with no talking or other audio, just the sound of the car itself. The NVH does make itself known in Sport S+ mode, but in the regular mode it's as quiet as a Lexus. And holy cow, listen to the TTV6 rev and tell me you aren't in love.

Regarding noise and whatnot, Winding Road posted a beautiful 14 minute drive in an LS with no talking or other audio, just the sound of the car itself. The NVH does make itself known in Sport S+ mode, but in the regular mode it's as quiet as a Lexus. And holy cow, listen to the TTV6 rev and tell me you aren't in love.

I am wondering why there is such a wide gap between Japanese launch and that of U.S. launch? October 2017 and February 2018. For the previous generation, it was launched on September 19, 2006 in Japan and October 20, 2006. Last gen Toyota Celsior was in September 2000 and 2001 LS 430 in October 2000.

I'm a little confused, as I understand domestic markets are easier to deliver new assembled units to the dealers. But a 4-month gap seems not typical of Lexus patterns.

What I love about the U.S. marketplace for automobiles, is that, sales launch only counts when a customer can walk into a dealer and go home with their own paid-for example.

Europe and Asia's system of calling "sales launch", when someone can only order their new car, yet wait 6 months (because production hasn't even started yet), annoys me in being a little misleading. I don't consider a car on sale, until I can walk into a dealer, pay for it and go home with it that same day. Ordering doesn't really count for much.

I mentioned the above paragraph, as I don't think the new LS is really available to buy in showrooms in Japan. While in Tokyo, I didn't get to visit a Lexus showroom as I hoped, since I had to rush to Dallas last weekend for my sister's wedding. At this point, I am just convinced only the car can be ordered and production of parts is only getting underway. I am not sure Job #1 has taken place yet.

What did Toyoda allegedly delay this car for, as it was supposed to originally "launch" in Japan in the summer and then U.S. in the fall?

I am wondering why there is such a wide gap between Japanese launch and that of U.S. launch? October 2017 and February 2018. For the previous generation, it was launched on September 19, 2006 in Japan and October 20, 2006. Last gen Toyota Celsior was in September 2000 and 2001 LS 430 in October 2000.

I'm a little confused, as I understand domestic markets are easier to deliver new assembled units to the dealers. But a 4-month gap seems not typical of Lexus patterns.

What I love about the U.S. marketplace for automobiles, is that, sales launch only counts when a customer can walk into a dealer and go home with their own paid-for example.

Europe and Asia's system of calling "sales launch", when someone can only order their new car, yet wait 6 months (because production hasn't even started yet), annoys me in being a little misleading. I don't consider a car on sale, until I can walk into a dealer, pay for it and go home with it that same day. Ordering doesn't really count for much.

I mentioned the above paragraph, as I don't think the new LS is really available to buy in showrooms in Japan. While in Tokyo, I didn't get to visit a Lexus showroom as I hoped, since I had to rush to Dallas last weekend for my sister's wedding. At this point, I am just convinced only the car can be ordered and production of parts is only getting underway. I am not sure Job #1 has taken place yet.

What did Toyoda allegedly delay this car for, as it was supposed to originally "launch" in Japan in the summer and then U.S. in the fall?

I am wondering why there is such a wide gap between Japanese launch and that of U.S. launch? October 2017 and February 2018. For the previous generation, it was launched on September 19, 2006 in Japan and October 20, 2006. Last gen Toyota Celsior was in September 2000 and 2001 LS 430 in October 2000.

I'm a little confused, as I understand domestic markets are easier to deliver new assembled units to the dealers. But a 4-month gap seems not typical of Lexus patterns.

What I love about the U.S. marketplace for automobiles, is that, sales launch only counts when a customer can walk into a dealer and go home with their own paid-for example.

Europe and Asia's system of calling "sales launch", when someone can only order their new car, yet wait 6 months (because production hasn't even started yet), annoys me in being a little misleading. I don't consider a car on sale, until I can walk into a dealer, pay for it and go home with it that same day. Ordering doesn't really count for much.

I mentioned the above paragraph, as I don't think the new LS is really available to buy in showrooms in Japan. While in Tokyo, I didn't get to visit a Lexus showroom as I hoped, since I had to rush to Dallas last weekend for my sister's wedding. At this point, I am just convinced only the car can be ordered and production of parts is only getting underway. I am not sure Job #1 has taken place yet.

What did Toyoda allegedly delay this car for, as it was supposed to originally "launch" in Japan in the summer and then U.S. in the fall?

I am wondering why there is such a wide gap between Japanese launch and that of U.S. launch? October 2017 and February 2018. For the previous generation, it was launched on September 19, 2006 in Japan and October 20, 2006. Last gen Toyota Celsior was in September 2000 and 2001 LS 430 in October 2000.

I'm a little confused, as I understand domestic markets are easier to deliver new assembled units to the dealers. But a 4-month gap seems not typical of Lexus patterns.

What I love about the U.S. marketplace for automobiles, is that, sales launch only counts when a customer can walk into a dealer and go home with their own paid-for example.

Europe and Asia's system of calling "sales launch", when someone can only order their new car, yet wait 6 months (because production hasn't even started yet), annoys me in being a little misleading. I don't consider a car on sale, until I can walk into a dealer, pay for it and go home with it that same day. Ordering doesn't really count for much.

I mentioned the above paragraph, as I don't think the new LS is really available to buy in showrooms in Japan. While in Tokyo, I didn't get to visit a Lexus showroom as I hoped, since I had to rush to Dallas last weekend for my sister's wedding. At this point, I am just convinced only the car can be ordered and production of parts is only getting underway. I am not sure Job #1 has taken place yet.

What did Toyoda allegedly delay this car for, as it was supposed to originally "launch" in Japan in the summer and then U.S. in the fall?

Ian Schmidt

Regarding noise and whatnot, Winding Road posted a beautiful 14 minute drive in an LS with no talking or other audio, just the sound of the car itself. The NVH does make itself known in Sport S+ mode, but in the regular mode it's as quiet as a Lexus. And holy cow, listen to the TTV6 rev and tell me you aren't in love.

After what lexus did with LC and LS am really looking forward to the redesign of all their cars. The exhaust note of the LC is just amazing so you can imagine what all future F cars are going to sound like (somewhere in the middle of an LC and LFA?). Also with the TTV6 in the LS given such note it should only get better in the sport focused cars RC/IS/GS. Now if lexus can just atleast drop a hint for the next GS.

Ian Schmidt

Regarding noise and whatnot, Winding Road posted a beautiful 14 minute drive in an LS with no talking or other audio, just the sound of the car itself. The NVH does make itself known in Sport S+ mode, but in the regular mode it's as quiet as a Lexus. And holy cow, listen to the TTV6 rev and tell me you aren't in love.

After what lexus did with LC and LS am really looking forward to the redesign of all their cars. The exhaust note of the LC is just amazing so you can imagine what all future F cars are going to sound like (somewhere in the middle of an LC and LFA?). Also with the TTV6 in the LS given such note it should only get better in the sport focused cars RC/IS/GS. Now if lexus can just atleast drop a hint for the next GS.

Ian Schmidt

Regarding noise and whatnot, Winding Road posted a beautiful 14 minute drive in an LS with no talking or other audio, just the sound of the car itself. The NVH does make itself known in Sport S+ mode, but in the regular mode it's as quiet as a Lexus. And holy cow, listen to the TTV6 rev and tell me you aren't in love.

After what lexus did with LC and LS am really looking forward to the redesign of all their cars. The exhaust note of the LC is just amazing so you can imagine what all future F cars are going to sound like (somewhere in the middle of an LC and LFA?). Also with the TTV6 in the LS given such note it should only get better in the sport focused cars RC/IS/GS. Now if lexus can just atleast drop a hint for the next GS.

Ian Schmidt

Regarding noise and whatnot, Winding Road posted a beautiful 14 minute drive in an LS with no talking or other audio, just the sound of the car itself. The NVH does make itself known in Sport S+ mode, but in the regular mode it's as quiet as a Lexus. And holy cow, listen to the TTV6 rev and tell me you aren't in love.

After what lexus did with LC and LS am really looking forward to the redesign of all their cars. The exhaust note of the LC is just amazing so you can imagine what all future F cars are going to sound like (somewhere in the middle of an LC and LFA?). Also with the TTV6 in the LS given such note it should only get better in the sport focused cars RC/IS/GS. Now if lexus can just atleast drop a hint for the next GS.

They could have start below $100K CAD....
Seems lexus.ca is a spam site????
Oh...and only the Executive trim gets adaptive headlamps (note: auto high beam & auto-leveling is standard)???Hope this is just an omission as none of the trims have the Mark Levinson pkg.

They could have start below $100K CAD....
Seems lexus.ca is a spam site????
Oh...and only the Executive trim gets adaptive headlamps (note: auto high beam & auto-leveling is standard)???Hope this is just an omission as none of the trims have the Mark Levinson pkg.

They could have start below $100K CAD....
Seems lexus.ca is a spam site????
Oh...and only the Executive trim gets adaptive headlamps (note: auto high beam & auto-leveling is standard)???Hope this is just an omission as none of the trims have the Mark Levinson pkg.

They could have start below $100K CAD....
Seems lexus.ca is a spam site????
Oh...and only the Executive trim gets adaptive headlamps (note: auto high beam & auto-leveling is standard)???Hope this is just an omission as none of the trims have the Mark Levinson pkg.

Gecko

I feel like so much of this semi-autonomous tech is exactly what he says, "It works, but I'm not sure how worthwhile or useful it is."

Really cool to see it in motion though.

i guess useful part is the safety, which is all automated (auto brake) :). This new system can also brake faster than previous systems, and also it works much better for keeping in lane and keeping the distance.

Toyota announced month ago that according to their findings, first generation systems from 2 years ago dropped accident rate in Japan by around 50%... and this system has almost 2x stopping power compared to cheapest one used in most Toyotas, and it has backup safety that those did not have, so it likely approaches 60-70% now... going up more will likely happen when both cars in the "accident" have the system, which means 2x stopping power.

Rather cool... and i guess lane change is something you can show to your friends once.

Gecko

I feel like so much of this semi-autonomous tech is exactly what he says, "It works, but I'm not sure how worthwhile or useful it is."

Really cool to see it in motion though.

i guess useful part is the safety, which is all automated (auto brake) :). This new system can also brake faster than previous systems, and also it works much better for keeping in lane and keeping the distance.

Toyota announced month ago that according to their findings, first generation systems from 2 years ago dropped accident rate in Japan by around 50%... and this system has almost 2x stopping power compared to cheapest one used in most Toyotas, and it has backup safety that those did not have, so it likely approaches 60-70% now... going up more will likely happen when both cars in the "accident" have the system, which means 2x stopping power.

Rather cool... and i guess lane change is something you can show to your friends once.

Gecko

I feel like so much of this semi-autonomous tech is exactly what he says, "It works, but I'm not sure how worthwhile or useful it is."

Really cool to see it in motion though.

i guess useful part is the safety, which is all automated (auto brake) :). This new system can also brake faster than previous systems, and also it works much better for keeping in lane and keeping the distance.

Toyota announced month ago that according to their findings, first generation systems from 2 years ago dropped accident rate in Japan by around 50%... and this system has almost 2x stopping power compared to cheapest one used in most Toyotas, and it has backup safety that those did not have, so it likely approaches 60-70% now... going up more will likely happen when both cars in the "accident" have the system, which means 2x stopping power.

Rather cool... and i guess lane change is something you can show to your friends once.

Gecko

I feel like so much of this semi-autonomous tech is exactly what he says, "It works, but I'm not sure how worthwhile or useful it is."

Really cool to see it in motion though.

i guess useful part is the safety, which is all automated (auto brake) :). This new system can also brake faster than previous systems, and also it works much better for keeping in lane and keeping the distance.

Toyota announced month ago that according to their findings, first generation systems from 2 years ago dropped accident rate in Japan by around 50%... and this system has almost 2x stopping power compared to cheapest one used in most Toyotas, and it has backup safety that those did not have, so it likely approaches 60-70% now... going up more will likely happen when both cars in the "accident" have the system, which means 2x stopping power.

Rather cool... and i guess lane change is something you can show to your friends once.

spwolf

Rather cool... and i guess lane change is something you can show to your friends once.

Only if you live in Japan, I believe. Won't be available in other markets at launch.

Ian Schmidt

Regarding noise and whatnot, Winding Road posted a beautiful 14 minute drive in an LS with no talking or other audio, just the sound of the car itself. The NVH does make itself known in Sport S+ mode, but in the regular mode it's as quiet as a Lexus. And holy cow, listen to the TTV6 rev and tell me you aren't in love.

Man, what a great video idea. Fantastic.

spwolf

Rather cool... and i guess lane change is something you can show to your friends once.

Only if you live in Japan, I believe. Won't be available in other markets at launch.

Ian Schmidt

Regarding noise and whatnot, Winding Road posted a beautiful 14 minute drive in an LS with no talking or other audio, just the sound of the car itself. The NVH does make itself known in Sport S+ mode, but in the regular mode it's as quiet as a Lexus. And holy cow, listen to the TTV6 rev and tell me you aren't in love.

Man, what a great video idea. Fantastic.

spwolf

Rather cool... and i guess lane change is something you can show to your friends once.

Only if you live in Japan, I believe. Won't be available in other markets at launch.

Ian Schmidt

Regarding noise and whatnot, Winding Road posted a beautiful 14 minute drive in an LS with no talking or other audio, just the sound of the car itself. The NVH does make itself known in Sport S+ mode, but in the regular mode it's as quiet as a Lexus. And holy cow, listen to the TTV6 rev and tell me you aren't in love.

Man, what a great video idea. Fantastic.

spwolf

Rather cool... and i guess lane change is something you can show to your friends once.

Only if you live in Japan, I believe. Won't be available in other markets at launch.

Ian Schmidt

Regarding noise and whatnot, Winding Road posted a beautiful 14 minute drive in an LS with no talking or other audio, just the sound of the car itself. The NVH does make itself known in Sport S+ mode, but in the regular mode it's as quiet as a Lexus. And holy cow, listen to the TTV6 rev and tell me you aren't in love.

Man, what a great video idea. Fantastic.

krew

Only if you live in Japan, I believe. Won't be available in other markets at launch.



Man, what a great video idea. Fantastic.

Europe too, just not usa

krew

Only if you live in Japan, I believe. Won't be available in other markets at launch.



Man, what a great video idea. Fantastic.

Europe too, just not usa

krew

Only if you live in Japan, I believe. Won't be available in other markets at launch.



Man, what a great video idea. Fantastic.

Europe too, just not usa