5th Generation (2018+) Lexus LS 500 & LS 500h Megathread
- Thread starter krew
- Start date
Ian Schmidt
Moderator
- Messages
- 2,378
- Reactions
- 4,170
Neat, although it's easy to crash it right now 
Also, you must have the interior upgrade package to have the HUD, even though I think everything in that package is also in the Luxury and Executive packages.
Also, you must have the interior upgrade package to have the HUD, even though I think everything in that package is also in the Luxury and Executive packages.
mikeavelli
Moderator
- Messages
- 7,079
- Reactions
- 15,716
I spent some more time with it yesterday. Saw my first F-Sport in person. I can't get over how good the interior is. It is a real throwback to me to when I felt Lexus interiors were the best in the world. It is simply gorgeous and very well built. Sadly I do feel the rear is not as spacious as the last gen and with the panoramic roof my head hits the rear. I have no issues in the S-class or 7 series. The Panamera is tight so those coupe like looks hurt room.
Overall it is stunning, fell in love looking at the F-Sport.....
Gecko
Administrator
- Messages
- 4,932
- Reactions
- 11,902
2018 Lexus LS 500 F Sport Drivers' Notes Review | Pretty but imperfect
An LC sedan this is not, but boy does it look good.
The ultimate Lexus, and the one that launched the brand, the LS was completely redesigned for the 2018 model year. It introduced an aggressive version of the famous (infamous?) "spindle" grille, a swoopy interior, and went to a completely V6-powered lineup, the fully gas-powered model featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter engine. Not only that, but it adopted the platform of the stunning Lexus LC 500.
With all that in mind, the LS 500 sounds like it's got the potential to not only be a first-class luxury cruiser, but may have even gained some of the LC 500's sporting expertise. To find out, we spent some time in an all-wheel-drive model with the F Sport package, which adds a meaner-looking grille, sporty seats and the trick sliding gauge ring to remind us of the LFA supercar that first used such a cluster. The only thing it lacks is the handling upgrades exclusive to the rear-drive gas-only LS.
Associate Editor Joel Stocksdale: I love the Lexus LC 500, like, a lot. It was my favorite car I drove last year because it has the perfect combination of style, comfort and performance. So knowing that the LS has LC roots, I was excited to drive it, hoping it would basically be a four-door version of that car.
It certainly looks the part. Though not the gorgeous beast the LC is, it's still a looker. It's aggressive and intimidating, particularly with the black F Sport grille. And when you get in, you're greeted by hip-hugging leather seats and a flashy instrument cluster. Everything around you is leather, suede or metal in really interesting, unique shapes that make this Lexus feel like something different and special to most luxury cars. I particularly like the floating arm rest/grab handles in the doors.
But things fall apart with the driving experience. The twin-turbo V6, although plenty powerful, doesn't sound nearly as lovely as the growling V8 monster in the LC. It also has really sluggish throttle response, and the gearbox doesn't shift as quickly and crisply as in the LC, even in Sport+ mode. The steering refuses to tell you anything either, feels too light, and what weight exists feels very artificial. The ride quality also doesn't quite seem to know if it wants to be La-Z-Boy cushy or sports sedan firm. It's a shame, too, because there are brief moments in quick corners when the car starts to feel more confident — it's just let down most other places by other bits and pieces. But hey, at least it looks great.
Senior Editor, Green, John Beltz Snyder: My, this is a beautiful car, especially on the inside. The design is bold, and unlike anything other brands are doing. It might not be everyone's cup of tea (just like that grille), but I find it to be excellently and elegantly executed. The floating armrests that Joel mentions are eye-catching and modern. The way the door trim panels look layered, almost as though they're being peeled away one by one, is something that seems straight out of an auto-show concept car, but it works here in this production model. I also love the lines that swoop all the way across the dash and appear mirrored in the stitching of the door trim.
The way the controls are incorporated into the design is interesting, as well. They're different than a lot of cars — especially the haptic touchpad infotainment interface — but they're worth getting used to for the unique look they afford. I dig the twist/push controls for drive modes and traction control located up on the sides of the instrument cluster. The tiny metal dots below the HVAC controls are useful, attractive and out of the way. I'd have never thought up a design like this in a million years, but I'm glad someone did.
While I agree with Joel's assessment of the drive experience (if you want a great twin-turbo V6, check out the Cadillac XTS V-Sport we drove recently), I honestly don't care that it's not an exciting car to drive, despite the engine under the hood. It creates a comfortable space that'll cruise comfortably and quickly to your destination. In style, no less. I just plopped it in Eco Mode, fired up the cruise control, and enjoyed my surroundings.
Source: https://www.autoblog.com/2018/02/02/2018-lexus-ls-500-f-sport-review/#slide-7230941
I suppose this is the first F Sport review I've read. A little disappointing to read their comments about the transmission, steering and throttle response, but nice to hear universal praise for how the car looks inside and out.
An LC sedan this is not, but boy does it look good.
The ultimate Lexus, and the one that launched the brand, the LS was completely redesigned for the 2018 model year. It introduced an aggressive version of the famous (infamous?) "spindle" grille, a swoopy interior, and went to a completely V6-powered lineup, the fully gas-powered model featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter engine. Not only that, but it adopted the platform of the stunning Lexus LC 500.
With all that in mind, the LS 500 sounds like it's got the potential to not only be a first-class luxury cruiser, but may have even gained some of the LC 500's sporting expertise. To find out, we spent some time in an all-wheel-drive model with the F Sport package, which adds a meaner-looking grille, sporty seats and the trick sliding gauge ring to remind us of the LFA supercar that first used such a cluster. The only thing it lacks is the handling upgrades exclusive to the rear-drive gas-only LS.
Associate Editor Joel Stocksdale: I love the Lexus LC 500, like, a lot. It was my favorite car I drove last year because it has the perfect combination of style, comfort and performance. So knowing that the LS has LC roots, I was excited to drive it, hoping it would basically be a four-door version of that car.
It certainly looks the part. Though not the gorgeous beast the LC is, it's still a looker. It's aggressive and intimidating, particularly with the black F Sport grille. And when you get in, you're greeted by hip-hugging leather seats and a flashy instrument cluster. Everything around you is leather, suede or metal in really interesting, unique shapes that make this Lexus feel like something different and special to most luxury cars. I particularly like the floating arm rest/grab handles in the doors.
But things fall apart with the driving experience. The twin-turbo V6, although plenty powerful, doesn't sound nearly as lovely as the growling V8 monster in the LC. It also has really sluggish throttle response, and the gearbox doesn't shift as quickly and crisply as in the LC, even in Sport+ mode. The steering refuses to tell you anything either, feels too light, and what weight exists feels very artificial. The ride quality also doesn't quite seem to know if it wants to be La-Z-Boy cushy or sports sedan firm. It's a shame, too, because there are brief moments in quick corners when the car starts to feel more confident — it's just let down most other places by other bits and pieces. But hey, at least it looks great.
Senior Editor, Green, John Beltz Snyder: My, this is a beautiful car, especially on the inside. The design is bold, and unlike anything other brands are doing. It might not be everyone's cup of tea (just like that grille), but I find it to be excellently and elegantly executed. The floating armrests that Joel mentions are eye-catching and modern. The way the door trim panels look layered, almost as though they're being peeled away one by one, is something that seems straight out of an auto-show concept car, but it works here in this production model. I also love the lines that swoop all the way across the dash and appear mirrored in the stitching of the door trim.
The way the controls are incorporated into the design is interesting, as well. They're different than a lot of cars — especially the haptic touchpad infotainment interface — but they're worth getting used to for the unique look they afford. I dig the twist/push controls for drive modes and traction control located up on the sides of the instrument cluster. The tiny metal dots below the HVAC controls are useful, attractive and out of the way. I'd have never thought up a design like this in a million years, but I'm glad someone did.
While I agree with Joel's assessment of the drive experience (if you want a great twin-turbo V6, check out the Cadillac XTS V-Sport we drove recently), I honestly don't care that it's not an exciting car to drive, despite the engine under the hood. It creates a comfortable space that'll cruise comfortably and quickly to your destination. In style, no less. I just plopped it in Eco Mode, fired up the cruise control, and enjoyed my surroundings.
Source: https://www.autoblog.com/2018/02/02/2018-lexus-ls-500-f-sport-review/#slide-7230941
I suppose this is the first F Sport review I've read. A little disappointing to read their comments about the transmission, steering and throttle response, but nice to hear universal praise for how the car looks inside and out.
Well they were expecting LC500 like ride quality and driving dynamics, it shouldn't come as a surprise they didn't like it. Though it makes one wonder why the engineers didn't fully optimize the transmission and engine mapping to give it more responsiveness. Also the comment on the suspension not being decisive between soft and firm suggests insufficient effort into the tuning as well. It's active suspension, after all, which should mean it knows how to behave depending on road condition.
Seems there are still some low-hanging fruits with the F-Sport models. It won't bode well for them if the packages don't deliver, especially when they preclude other luxury packages.
Seems there are still some low-hanging fruits with the F-Sport models. It won't bode well for them if the packages don't deliver, especially when they preclude other luxury packages.
Gecko
Administrator
- Messages
- 4,932
- Reactions
- 11,902
Lazy throttle response + bad transmission mapping is going to make many people feel like they're getting "less engine" with this TT V6 than they were with the V8, let alone the apprehension about downsizing in the first place. Hopefully this was a preproduction car and Lexus has made some tweaks for production.
mikeavelli
Moderator
- Messages
- 7,079
- Reactions
- 15,716
It just needs a nice V-8 with over 500hp and some more fine tuning.....F-Sport adds a flair of sport, they are not F cars... hopefully a potential LS F fixes these items....
It looks amazing in red..
It looks amazing in red..
- Messages
- 8
- Reactions
- 10
really digging the herringbone woodtrim.
F1 Silver Arrows
Expert
- Messages
- 2,387
- Reactions
- 3,857
Bravo Lexus. Amazing job. I could say, you may have just reignited the luxury flagship segment. More so, you may have just have reignited the brand again. I really feel like this car, exudes 1989 Lexus excellence again. My god. :heart_eyes:
i wonder whats the difference between it and the car in MT comparo, that was certainly fast enough and actually fastest on track.
Gecko
Administrator
- Messages
- 4,932
- Reactions
- 11,902
If anyone is curious, it seems that Lexus sponsored another AMCI test between the LS 500 F Sport and the S560 AMG. Scroll down here for the video:
http://www.lexus.com/models/LS
http://www.lexus.com/models/LS
maiaramdan
Expert
- Messages
- 1,811
- Reactions
- 1,419
Needs more engine variants
The 5.0l in the LC500 and be named LS550
The V8 hybrid as the NG LS600h
The V8 TT as LS-F
The 5.0l in the LC500 and be named LS550
The V8 hybrid as the NG LS600h
The V8 TT as LS-F
CIF
Premium Member
- Messages
- 1,681
- Reactions
- 1,833
Yeah, this is pretty disappointing to keep hearing. This is not the first review/preview to complain about poor transmission/engine response and inconsistent ride quality in the new LS. Given how long we waited for a new LS, and given how the 5LS was delayed for quite a bit, it's mind boggling that seemingly Lexus did a poor job in tuning the powertrain and suspension on the new LS.
seems to show same things as MT did about the handling, ie best in class.
they made it the sportiest car, i guess that was their idea... from that MT comparo:
So basically nice cruiser but gets harsher when driving fast? Also fastest car despite being heaviest and also stops the best, fastest on the track, and highest mpg?
Did they all drive different preproduction vehicles or just different expectations?
They still said the engine struggles to accelerate when the drivers wants to go hard on the gas, i.e. laggy throttle response. Harsh transmission shifts is not a compliment.
I have a feeling that the 500h should be a better driving car. But it seems that no one has put the two against each other.