CAR Magazine Review: The 2018 Lexus LS 500h Hybrid

Posted by Kevin on February 22nd, 2018

Ben Oliver at CAR Magazine has written a balanced review of the new Lexus LS 500h hybrid:

I’d usually let you decide for yourself about a car’s exterior design but as you’re unlikely ever to see an LS in the metal, here’s what I think. I love it. In proportion if not in detail, this is how the Maserati Quattroporte (not a fan) should have looked.

It’s a 3.5-litre atmo V6 with the new Lexus Multi-Stage hybrid system and a CVT transmission, first seen in the LC coupe and retuned slightly for the saloon. Its system total of 354bhp is worked hard by the 2340kg mass of the car. Exiting a roundabout at the pace of a chauffeur just starting to get worried about delivering you to the airport on time easily sends the needle to 3000rpm or beyond to deliver the required torque, and an unpleasant moo-whine-thrash into the cabin.

Also buried in the review is this technical tidbit to file for future reference:

The car’s deputy chief engineer told me there hadn’t been time to hybridise the twin-turbo version of the V6 before this car was launched, but the job was now in hand. More torque lower down would probably solve both the refinement and the engagement issues, and make the LS a much better car.

Lexus LS: Fourth GenerationReviews
Popular Stories

Sorry. No data so far.

Comments
Ian Schmidt
MichaelL
I would be shocked if the LS is that bad, can't believe it. Can't wait to see more US reviews and customer reviews. The British do love their German cars though....
Krew's driven a new LS. I think he would've noticed :)
Ian Schmidt
MichaelL
I would be shocked if the LS is that bad, can't believe it. Can't wait to see more US reviews and customer reviews. The British do love their German cars though....
Krew's driven a new LS. I think he would've noticed :)
krew
Serpens
I too can’t wait to see this in person. I have very mixed opinions about the exterior styling so I’m looking forward to continued exposure.
LS is impressive in real life -- the exterior design is cohesive, with the lines of the spindle grille carrying through the rest of the body. Detailing in the angles and curves makes it unlike anything else on the road. Lexus has really embraced its outsider status, and it's all on display with the new LS.

MichaelL
I would be shocked if the LS is that bad, can't believe it. Can't wait to see more US reviews and customer reviews. The British do love their German cars though....
There are some ride comfort differences between the standard and F SPORT models, but no way would I classify either as noisy or bumpy. New LS has different priorities than the outgoing model, but it's still a Lexus at its core.
krew
Serpens
I too can’t wait to see this in person. I have very mixed opinions about the exterior styling so I’m looking forward to continued exposure.
LS is impressive in real life -- the exterior design is cohesive, with the lines of the spindle grille carrying through the rest of the body. Detailing in the angles and curves makes it unlike anything else on the road. Lexus has really embraced its outsider status, and it's all on display with the new LS.

MichaelL
I would be shocked if the LS is that bad, can't believe it. Can't wait to see more US reviews and customer reviews. The British do love their German cars though....
There are some ride comfort differences between the standard and F SPORT models, but no way would I classify either as noisy or bumpy. New LS has different priorities than the outgoing model, but it's still a Lexus at its core.
krew
Serpens
I too can’t wait to see this in person. I have very mixed opinions about the exterior styling so I’m looking forward to continued exposure.
LS is impressive in real life -- the exterior design is cohesive, with the lines of the spindle grille carrying through the rest of the body. Detailing in the angles and curves makes it unlike anything else on the road. Lexus has really embraced its outsider status, and it's all on display with the new LS.

MichaelL
I would be shocked if the LS is that bad, can't believe it. Can't wait to see more US reviews and customer reviews. The British do love their German cars though....
There are some ride comfort differences between the standard and F SPORT models, but no way would I classify either as noisy or bumpy. New LS has different priorities than the outgoing model, but it's still a Lexus at its core.
John Strange
The “Configure/Build Your LS” feature on the Lexus site should be coming soon? Krew?
John Strange
The “Configure/Build Your LS” feature on the Lexus site should be coming soon? Krew?
John Strange
The “Configure/Build Your LS” feature on the Lexus site should be coming soon? Krew?
mikeavelli
After seeing it lowered on wheels at SEMA I'm sold.... lol
mikeavelli
After seeing it lowered on wheels at SEMA I'm sold.... lol
mikeavelli
After seeing it lowered on wheels at SEMA I'm sold.... lol
bogglo
mikeavelli
After seeing it lowered on wheels at SEMA I'm sold.... lol
I think lowered on wheels make it look seroiusly good.
bogglo
mikeavelli
After seeing it lowered on wheels at SEMA I'm sold.... lol
I think lowered on wheels make it look seroiusly good.
bogglo
mikeavelli
After seeing it lowered on wheels at SEMA I'm sold.... lol
I think lowered on wheels make it look seroiusly good.
bogglo
bogglo
bogglo
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.
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.
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.
krew
Photo Gallery: The LS 500 & LS 500h from Lexus Japan

[​IMG]

36 new photos of the fifth-generation flagship.
View the original article post
krew
Photo Gallery: The LS 500 & LS 500h from Lexus Japan

[​IMG]

36 new photos of the fifth-generation flagship.
View the original article post
krew
Photo Gallery: The LS 500 & LS 500h from Lexus Japan

[​IMG]

36 new photos of the fifth-generation flagship.
View the original article post
L
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.
L
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.
L
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.
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.

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.

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.

Carmaker1
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?

C