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
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Comments
zeusus
momers
Hi Guys,

And in a Head 2 Head at MT (YouTube: 2018 Aston Martin DB11 V8 vs. 2018 Lexus LC 500 - Head 2 Head Ep. 96), despite being almost a 100K cheaper, and at par or better than the competition, the Lexus (the LC 500) STILL doesn't win over the Aston Martin DB11!

How come Lexus never wins at MT!? This review for me was another surprising conclusion. Just when you think MT would tip in favour of the Lexus!
Yea they apparently had a hard time deciding which was the winner but they wore their bias like a romper.

They specifically said the LC was the more 'balanced' car, the better 'drivers' car and the Aston Martin was a better road car whereas the LC performed better on the track. They specifically stated they were NOT considering price (even though there is a clear 100k+ difference) and gave it to the AM for the sole reason that it was a better road car and in the GT category. To be honest, they couldn't just say no to the badge. The badge won the review but the LC won the real test that day.

If anybody watched that video and did not watch the conclusion, I think 90% would assume the LC won. Take a look at the comments, overwhelming positive remarks for the LC over the DB. No question in my mind Lexus made a great decision with the LC, it brought them so much street cred in terms of sex appeal.

See for yourself folks

zeusus
momers
Hi Guys,

And in a Head 2 Head at MT (YouTube: 2018 Aston Martin DB11 V8 vs. 2018 Lexus LC 500 - Head 2 Head Ep. 96), despite being almost a 100K cheaper, and at par or better than the competition, the Lexus (the LC 500) STILL doesn't win over the Aston Martin DB11!

How come Lexus never wins at MT!? This review for me was another surprising conclusion. Just when you think MT would tip in favour of the Lexus!
Yea they apparently had a hard time deciding which was the winner but they wore their bias like a romper.

They specifically said the LC was the more 'balanced' car, the better 'drivers' car and the Aston Martin was a better road car whereas the LC performed better on the track. They specifically stated they were NOT considering price (even though there is a clear 100k+ difference) and gave it to the AM for the sole reason that it was a better road car and in the GT category. To be honest, they couldn't just say no to the badge. The badge won the review but the LC won the real test that day.

If anybody watched that video and did not watch the conclusion, I think 90% would assume the LC won. Take a look at the comments, overwhelming positive remarks for the LC over the DB. No question in my mind Lexus made a great decision with the LC, it brought them so much street cred in terms of sex appeal.

See for yourself folks

maiaramdan
This head 2 head is a clear indication that Lexus still not premium as Europeans, just not yet as Toyoda San want
maiaramdan
This head 2 head is a clear indication that Lexus still not premium as Europeans, just not yet as Toyoda San want
maiaramdan
This head 2 head is a clear indication that Lexus still not premium as Europeans, just not yet as Toyoda San want
L
Europeans are greater badge whores than Americans.
L
Europeans are greater badge whores than Americans.
L
Europeans are greater badge whores than Americans.
L
Europeans are greater badge whores than Americans.
zeusus
maiaramdan
This head 2 head is a clear indication that Lexus still not premium as Europeans, just not yet as Toyoda San want
Your deduction is flawed.

This review was all about perception and the fact that a Lexus literally won the review but lost the brand battle to a AM DB11 which is $100k+ more expensive. That is a clear indication that Lexus is closer than they've ever been to European premium reputation.
zeusus
maiaramdan
This head 2 head is a clear indication that Lexus still not premium as Europeans, just not yet as Toyoda San want
Your deduction is flawed.

This review was all about perception and the fact that a Lexus literally won the review but lost the brand battle to a AM DB11 which is $100k+ more expensive. That is a clear indication that Lexus is closer than they've ever been to European premium reputation.
zeusus
maiaramdan
This head 2 head is a clear indication that Lexus still not premium as Europeans, just not yet as Toyoda San want
Your deduction is flawed.

This review was all about perception and the fact that a Lexus literally won the review but lost the brand battle to a AM DB11 which is $100k+ more expensive. That is a clear indication that Lexus is closer than they've ever been to European premium reputation.
zeusus
maiaramdan
This head 2 head is a clear indication that Lexus still not premium as Europeans, just not yet as Toyoda San want
Your deduction is flawed.

This review was all about perception and the fact that a Lexus literally won the review but lost the brand battle to a AM DB11 which is $100k+ more expensive. That is a clear indication that Lexus is closer than they've ever been to European premium reputation.
Alexander Li
At least we can the GAL in action with this car. It did VERY well on the MT figure eight and nearly ties the 1 ton lighter Lexus GS 350 F sport in that measure. I'm just disappointed that they couldn't get RWD press cars.
Alexander Li
At least we can the GAL in action with this car. It did VERY well on the MT figure eight and nearly ties the 1 ton lighter Lexus GS 350 F sport in that measure. I'm just disappointed that they couldn't get RWD press cars.
Alexander Li
At least we can the GAL in action with this car. It did VERY well on the MT figure eight and nearly ties the 1 ton lighter Lexus GS 350 F sport in that measure. I'm just disappointed that they couldn't get RWD press cars.
Alexander Li
At least we can the GAL in action with this car. It did VERY well on the MT figure eight and nearly ties the 1 ton lighter Lexus GS 350 F sport in that measure. I'm just disappointed that they couldn't get RWD press cars.
maiaramdan
@zeusus
I mean this from Europeans perspective, which from my view can be upside-down if Lexus bought a European car maker to be under it even if they will left it fully dependent
maiaramdan
@zeusus
I mean this from Europeans perspective, which from my view can be upside-down if Lexus bought a European car maker to be under it even if they will left it fully dependent
maiaramdan
@zeusus
I mean this from Europeans perspective, which from my view can be upside-down if Lexus bought a European car maker to be under it even if they will left it fully dependent
maiaramdan
@zeusus
I mean this from Europeans perspective, which from my view can be upside-down if Lexus bought a European car maker to be under it even if they will left it fully dependent
S
Motor Trend isn't my favorite mag, but felt this was worth posting.













S
Motor Trend isn't my favorite mag, but felt this was worth posting.













S
Motor Trend isn't my favorite mag, but felt this was worth posting.













S
Motor Trend isn't my favorite mag, but felt this was worth posting.













F1 Silver Arrows
That ending...... "This result surprised us". Are you joking?! Lexus has made strides to massively improve on their legendary LS, and it gets beaten by the Genesis? It's so ironic how Motor Trend behaves towards Lexus cars. The last gen LS460 was constantly made criticized of being "dull, no excitement, no prestige" and once they revolutionize the LS, the only thing that they wont shut up about is the infotainment system?! Maybe if you took the time to learn how to use it (it is programmable to your own customization), and stopped being so blinded by your arrogance, it would have been the winner? They also criticize the price tag? So now the Genesis wins because it had the old Lexus LS formula? Come on......

Do I have to talk about the LC and the DB11 review too? In that stupid review, that Lexus was an order of magnitude better than that DB11 V8 in every considerable aspect, but yet the DB11 wins? What really pisses me off is that they have the audacity to now say: "Oh so despite these two cars have almost a $100,000 difference, we won't care because they're fundamentally focusing on the same thing?" It is just so ironic how they keep flipping on their morals.
F1 Silver Arrows
That ending...... "This result surprised us". Are you joking?! Lexus has made strides to massively improve on their legendary LS, and it gets beaten by the Genesis? It's so ironic how Motor Trend behaves towards Lexus cars. The last gen LS460 was constantly made criticized of being "dull, no excitement, no prestige" and once they revolutionize the LS, the only thing that they wont shut up about is the infotainment system?! Maybe if you took the time to learn how to use it (it is programmable to your own customization), and stopped being so blinded by your arrogance, it would have been the winner? They also criticize the price tag? So now the Genesis wins because it had the old Lexus LS formula? Come on......

Do I have to talk about the LC and the DB11 review too? In that stupid review, that Lexus was an order of magnitude better than that DB11 V8 in every considerable aspect, but yet the DB11 wins? What really pisses me off is that they have the audacity to now say: "Oh so despite these two cars have almost a $100,000 difference, we won't care because they're fundamentally focusing on the same thing?" It is just so ironic how they keep flipping on their morals.
F1 Silver Arrows
That ending...... "This result surprised us". Are you joking?! Lexus has made strides to massively improve on their legendary LS, and it gets beaten by the Genesis? It's so ironic how Motor Trend behaves towards Lexus cars. The last gen LS460 was constantly made criticized of being "dull, no excitement, no prestige" and once they revolutionize the LS, the only thing that they wont shut up about is the infotainment system?! Maybe if you took the time to learn how to use it (it is programmable to your own customization), and stopped being so blinded by your arrogance, it would have been the winner? They also criticize the price tag? So now the Genesis wins because it had the old Lexus LS formula? Come on......

Do I have to talk about the LC and the DB11 review too? In that stupid review, that Lexus was an order of magnitude better than that DB11 V8 in every considerable aspect, but yet the DB11 wins? What really pisses me off is that they have the audacity to now say: "Oh so despite these two cars have almost a $100,000 difference, we won't care because they're fundamentally focusing on the same thing?" It is just so ironic how they keep flipping on their morals.
F1 Silver Arrows
That ending...... "This result surprised us". Are you joking?! Lexus has made strides to massively improve on their legendary LS, and it gets beaten by the Genesis? It's so ironic how Motor Trend behaves towards Lexus cars. The last gen LS460 was constantly made criticized of being "dull, no excitement, no prestige" and once they revolutionize the LS, the only thing that they wont shut up about is the infotainment system?! Maybe if you took the time to learn how to use it (it is programmable to your own customization), and stopped being so blinded by your arrogance, it would have been the winner? They also criticize the price tag? So now the Genesis wins because it had the old Lexus LS formula? Come on......

Do I have to talk about the LC and the DB11 review too? In that stupid review, that Lexus was an order of magnitude better than that DB11 V8 in every considerable aspect, but yet the DB11 wins? What really pisses me off is that they have the audacity to now say: "Oh so despite these two cars have almost a $100,000 difference, we won't care because they're fundamentally focusing on the same thing?" It is just so ironic how they keep flipping on their morals.
krew
CAR Magazine Review: The 2018 Lexus LS 500h Hybrid

[​IMG]

Loves the design, not crazy about the hybrid powertrain.
View the original article post

K