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.

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krew
  • krew
    krew
  • September 27, 2017
Review Roundup: The 2018 Lexus LS 500 & LS 500h

[​IMG]

A collection of the best reviews of the new Lexus flagship.
View the original article post
bogglo
Its funny he said the touch pad is so bad considering most reviewers said it has improved when compared to the first version. its funny how Mercedes command is somewhat similar to it and I haven't seen any complaint about it. I don't know if anyone here has used the Vaistech/beat sonic device in any of there Lexus before. I will take a system that works like that over any android/apple car play. A system Like that would make you appreciate the touch pad better too.
bogglo
Its funny he said the touch pad is so bad considering most reviewers said it has improved when compared to the first version. its funny how Mercedes command is somewhat similar to it and I haven't seen any complaint about it. I don't know if anyone here has used the Vaistech/beat sonic device in any of there Lexus before. I will take a system that works like that over any android/apple car play. A system Like that would make you appreciate the touch pad better too.
S
krew
Hate to do this, but I can't believe this Autoblog review:



The Volvo S60 has an optional Technology package that costs $3,500 and adds the safety features that comes standard in the LS (along with pedestrian detection & road sign recognition). It does not actively avoid collisions with pedestrians or use the preceding car to draw a path to follow on the road, for instance. It does not include a massive heads-up display that provides information directly in your field of view.
It is hard to understand these things... Actually Volvo S60 basic system has less features that what Toyota includes in their cheapest cars like Yaris as base equipment. And its high end system is more like Camry system (thats free).

At the same time, AB will likely do a PR about new A8 and it is level 3 system thats not available for another year, while most of their lineup has less safety features than base Yaris. It is doing disservice to their readers that depend on them for their purchase decisions, and this is about safety too.
S
krew
Hate to do this, but I can't believe this Autoblog review:



The Volvo S60 has an optional Technology package that costs $3,500 and adds the safety features that comes standard in the LS (along with pedestrian detection & road sign recognition). It does not actively avoid collisions with pedestrians or use the preceding car to draw a path to follow on the road, for instance. It does not include a massive heads-up display that provides information directly in your field of view.
It is hard to understand these things... Actually Volvo S60 basic system has less features that what Toyota includes in their cheapest cars like Yaris as base equipment. And its high end system is more like Camry system (thats free).

At the same time, AB will likely do a PR about new A8 and it is level 3 system thats not available for another year, while most of their lineup has less safety features than base Yaris. It is doing disservice to their readers that depend on them for their purchase decisions, and this is about safety too.
Tragic Bronson
A few more:

Automobile
Bangkok Post
CNET
KBB
Tragic Bronson
A few more:

Automobile
Bangkok Post
CNET
KBB
Tragic Bronson
Most of these guys in the industry don't drive a Toyota or Lexus. They mostly have used cars :D, and lucky that they don't have to do a boring A to B commute that they are relegated to driving a Corolla or other mundane vehicle.

Anyway, a lot of these "news publications" are being helmed by folks that skew younger than not. I noticed that Motoman is a middle aged guy (lol), while a lot of these 'blogs tend to be younger than him. Jordan G from AB seems to be a millennial, so perhaps his yappin' is because he couldn't figure it out. Even Sofyan Bey (Definitely millennial) will point out vehicles that omit Apple Carplay/Android Auto, so when you consider different reviews, consider the person who writes it and what their tastes in cars are. Alex Dykes is a little older than Sofyan but he tries the most to be the least biased of all these guys I've watched.

If anything, a review from Doug DeMuro (His mom is a loyal Lexus owner) wouldn't have hurt either and that would be a guaranteed 1 million views in less than a week (Just look at his LFA and LC vids).
Tragic Bronson
Most of these guys in the industry don't drive a Toyota or Lexus. They mostly have used cars :D, and lucky that they don't have to do a boring A to B commute that they are relegated to driving a Corolla or other mundane vehicle.

Anyway, a lot of these "news publications" are being helmed by folks that skew younger than not. I noticed that Motoman is a middle aged guy (lol), while a lot of these 'blogs tend to be younger than him. Jordan G from AB seems to be a millennial, so perhaps his yappin' is because he couldn't figure it out. Even Sofyan Bey (Definitely millennial) will point out vehicles that omit Apple Carplay/Android Auto, so when you consider different reviews, consider the person who writes it and what their tastes in cars are. Alex Dykes is a little older than Sofyan but he tries the most to be the least biased of all these guys I've watched.

If anything, a review from Doug DeMuro (His mom is a loyal Lexus owner) wouldn't have hurt either and that would be a guaranteed 1 million views in less than a week (Just look at his LFA and LC vids).
meth.ix
Tragic Bronson
If anything, a review from Doug DeMuro (His mom is a loyal Lexus owner) wouldn't have hurt either and that would be a guaranteed 1 million views in less than a week (Just look at his LFA and LC vids).
Doug is the G.O.A.T. :joy:
meth.ix
Tragic Bronson
If anything, a review from Doug DeMuro (His mom is a loyal Lexus owner) wouldn't have hurt either and that would be a guaranteed 1 million views in less than a week (Just look at his LFA and LC vids).
Doug is the G.O.A.T. :joy:
B
Ian Schmidt
The LF-FC was designed *after* this LS. It is the concept for the *next* LS, not this one. You *will* see a production car with those cues, but it'll be in 2021 or so probably.

And as a long-time LS owner I'm getting a little salty about people advocating that Lexus price me out of the car. Lexus just does not have the brand image that Mercedes and BMW have and making the car more expensive for no reason isn't gonna help.
That makes no sense, and is unlike anything they've ever done before.
So why would they show it before this one, and 5 years before production?
Why does this have several cues from that concept? This LS is about 60% of the concept.
They've never done anything like that before. What proof do you have that this is the case?
BD
B
Ian Schmidt
The LF-FC was designed *after* this LS. It is the concept for the *next* LS, not this one. You *will* see a production car with those cues, but it'll be in 2021 or so probably.

And as a long-time LS owner I'm getting a little salty about people advocating that Lexus price me out of the car. Lexus just does not have the brand image that Mercedes and BMW have and making the car more expensive for no reason isn't gonna help.
That makes no sense, and is unlike anything they've ever done before.
So why would they show it before this one, and 5 years before production?
Why does this have several cues from that concept? This LS is about 60% of the concept.
They've never done anything like that before. What proof do you have that this is the case?
BD
S
I like them showing the schematics of the V35A engine. OK I still hate the 3.5 V6 decision, but that engine is a wonder. The packaging is so compact there's no problem it can appear in the ES, RX, or even smaller vehicles like the NX. The only engine that matches its compactness is Mercedes' counterpart. They mounted the intercoolers on top which helps packaging a lot, it also means this engine is definitely designed with transverse mounts in mind, ES-F/RX-F confirmed?
The fact that the 500h is only 65 kg heavier than the 500 is also encouraging. Finally we can have performance hybrids that are not compromised by the added weight. I would go one step further and say the improved weight balance will mostly counteract the weight increase when it comes to driving feel.
S
I like them showing the schematics of the V35A engine. OK I still hate the 3.5 V6 decision, but that engine is a wonder. The packaging is so compact there's no problem it can appear in the ES, RX, or even smaller vehicles like the NX. The only engine that matches its compactness is Mercedes' counterpart. They mounted the intercoolers on top which helps packaging a lot, it also means this engine is definitely designed with transverse mounts in mind, ES-F/RX-F confirmed?
The fact that the 500h is only 65 kg heavier than the 500 is also encouraging. Finally we can have performance hybrids that are not compromised by the added weight. I would go one step further and say the improved weight balance will mostly counteract the weight increase when it comes to driving feel.
Gecko
Black Dynamite
That makes no sense, and is unlike anything they've ever done before.
So why would they show it before this one, and 5 years before production?
Why does this have several cues from that concept? This LS is about 60% of the concept.
They've never done anything like that before. What proof do you have that this is the case?
BD
We've all been telling you this for months - @Carmaker1 and others have laid out the design timelines and production decisions in previous threads.
Gecko
Black Dynamite
That makes no sense, and is unlike anything they've ever done before.
So why would they show it before this one, and 5 years before production?
Why does this have several cues from that concept? This LS is about 60% of the concept.
They've never done anything like that before. What proof do you have that this is the case?
BD
We've all been telling you this for months - @Carmaker1 and others have laid out the design timelines and production decisions in previous threads.
S
ssun30
I like them showing the schematics of the V35A engine. OK I still hate the 3.5 V6 decision, but that engine is a wonder. The packaging is so compact there's no problem it can appear in the ES, RX, or even smaller vehicles like the NX. The only engine that matches its compactness is Mercedes' counterpart. They mounted the intercoolers on top which helps packaging a lot, it also means this engine is definitely designed with transverse mounts in mind, ES-F/RX-F confirmed?
The fact that the 500h is only 65 kg heavier than the 500 is also encouraging. Finally we can have performance hybrids that are not compromised by the added weight. I would go one step further and say the improved weight balance will mostly counteract the weight increase when it comes to driving feel.
indeed... complexity of twin turbos adds weight too... while hybrids are getting lighter.

Another thing is that they now have 59hp from battery power. Thats 18hp more than before, or 43%!

So in cars like RX and GS, and maybe future IS300h?, quite possibly there will be quite a bit more oomph from "electric" turbo.
S
ssun30
I like them showing the schematics of the V35A engine. OK I still hate the 3.5 V6 decision, but that engine is a wonder. The packaging is so compact there's no problem it can appear in the ES, RX, or even smaller vehicles like the NX. The only engine that matches its compactness is Mercedes' counterpart. They mounted the intercoolers on top which helps packaging a lot, it also means this engine is definitely designed with transverse mounts in mind, ES-F/RX-F confirmed?
The fact that the 500h is only 65 kg heavier than the 500 is also encouraging. Finally we can have performance hybrids that are not compromised by the added weight. I would go one step further and say the improved weight balance will mostly counteract the weight increase when it comes to driving feel.
indeed... complexity of twin turbos adds weight too... while hybrids are getting lighter.

Another thing is that they now have 59hp from battery power. Thats 18hp more than before, or 43%!

So in cars like RX and GS, and maybe future IS300h?, quite possibly there will be quite a bit more oomph from "electric" turbo.
krew
  • krew
    krew
  • September 28, 2017
How about this -- a full review of the LS from lifestyle outlet Gear Patrol and not a single mention of Remote Touch:

https://gearpatrol.com/2017/09/28/review-lexus-ls-ls500-500h-luxury-car/

I'm not defending the tech, but I feel like automotive mags are using Remote Touch as a crutch, as a way to criticize Lexus.
krew
  • krew
    krew
  • September 28, 2017
How about this -- a full review of the LS from lifestyle outlet Gear Patrol and not a single mention of Remote Touch:

https://gearpatrol.com/2017/09/28/review-lexus-ls-ls500-500h-luxury-car/

I'm not defending the tech, but I feel like automotive mags are using Remote Touch as a crutch, as a way to criticize Lexus.
Ian Schmidt
People who hate Remote Touch should be sentenced to using the floating joy-mouse thing that preceded it (and which I still deal with daily). The trackpad's a million times better than that.
Ian Schmidt
People who hate Remote Touch should be sentenced to using the floating joy-mouse thing that preceded it (and which I still deal with daily). The trackpad's a million times better than that.
Ian Schmidt
krew
How about this -- a full review of the LS from lifestyle outlet Gear Patrol and not a single mention of Remote Touch:
I like this review! It's much more of a "here's what the LS is like, and what it'll do for you" type of thing than the standard recitation of specs sheet numbers.
Ian Schmidt
krew
How about this -- a full review of the LS from lifestyle outlet Gear Patrol and not a single mention of Remote Touch:
I like this review! It's much more of a "here's what the LS is like, and what it'll do for you" type of thing than the standard recitation of specs sheet numbers.
S
krew
How about this -- a full review of the LS from lifestyle outlet Gear Patrol and not a single mention of Remote Touch:

https://gearpatrol.com/2017/09/28/review-lexus-ls-ls500-500h-luxury-car/

I'm not defending the tech, but I feel like automotive mags are using Remote Touch as a crutch, as a way to criticize Lexus.
i can see them not liking it though, and since rest of the car is so good, it is something to point out... Autoblog went overboard with it and especially with safety tech comments which are just ridiculous.
S
krew
How about this -- a full review of the LS from lifestyle outlet Gear Patrol and not a single mention of Remote Touch:

https://gearpatrol.com/2017/09/28/review-lexus-ls-ls500-500h-luxury-car/

I'm not defending the tech, but I feel like automotive mags are using Remote Touch as a crutch, as a way to criticize Lexus.
i can see them not liking it though, and since rest of the car is so good, it is something to point out... Autoblog went overboard with it and especially with safety tech comments which are just ridiculous.
mikeavelli
Tragic Bronson
Most of these guys in the industry don't drive a Toyota or Lexus. They mostly have used cars :D, and lucky that they don't have to do a boring A to B commute that they are relegated to driving a Corolla or other mundane vehicle.

.
As I've gotten older and things around here continue to change I find most in this market give 2 shits about reviews. They just want what they want and its usually badge, prestige, looks, power, ride & handling, interior, features etc that. What I do find is they are much more apt to take the opinion of someone they respect, know or someone with similar car(s). That badge though... its powerful and all some care about. Many can't see themselves in a Lexus (or any other non German brand) no matter what.

Getting to the LS, I think its going to capture a market of people who want to stand out from the crowd and having a V-8 isn't a necessity. They care about the exterior, the interior, features and the lower price coupled with the usual Lexus quality/service is a winner. Contrarily they are going to lose a bunch of owners and prospective buyers that want something much more plain and they can choose from quite a few options.
mikeavelli
Tragic Bronson
Most of these guys in the industry don't drive a Toyota or Lexus. They mostly have used cars :D, and lucky that they don't have to do a boring A to B commute that they are relegated to driving a Corolla or other mundane vehicle.

.
As I've gotten older and things around here continue to change I find most in this market give 2 shits about reviews. They just want what they want and its usually badge, prestige, looks, power, ride & handling, interior, features etc that. What I do find is they are much more apt to take the opinion of someone they respect, know or someone with similar car(s). That badge though... its powerful and all some care about. Many can't see themselves in a Lexus (or any other non German brand) no matter what.

Getting to the LS, I think its going to capture a market of people who want to stand out from the crowd and having a V-8 isn't a necessity. They care about the exterior, the interior, features and the lower price coupled with the usual Lexus quality/service is a winner. Contrarily they are going to lose a bunch of owners and prospective buyers that want something much more plain and they can choose from quite a few options.
S
The target demographics who buy luxury vehicles are too busy to read reviews on the Internet. Same story that the rich can't care less about how quickly a car laps Nurburgring and buy "overpriced" Ferraris instead of "super value" GT-Rs that the Internet loves.

They will keep buying what they were buying before though, which is not a great thing for Lexus.

S