5th Generation (2018+) Lexus LS 500 & LS 500h Megathread

[sl0519]

Some things truly defy logic and it might sound strange, but if Lexus can casually uproot and discontinue the LS, the very foundation and soul of the brand, then it’s hard to believe this brand has a future. At this pace, even the name Lexus itself might eventually vanish.

It’s hard and painful to be a Lexus fan these days…

I swear, there’s someone inside Lexus trying to ruin the whole company from within. The entire product line is being deliberately run into the ground, then they act surprised when no one’s buying anything. And then when they finally build a proper halo car, they slap a Toyota badge on it. Like… seriously??

At this point, just shut it all down. That “whatever” attitude is killing the brand. No passion, no direction - just corporate apathy. Sad to say it, but it feels like no one at Lexus cares anymore…and if they don’t care, why should we?

 

[Tyronne M]

Not hearing good things at all 😟

Mike, is the LS going to be discontinued? When are you going to be allowed to talk about this?

 

[Sebass]

Not hearing good things at all 😟

 

[ssun30]

1.5 million km 4th gen 2008 LS600hL. Caption says "Piston skirt coating still there. Crankshaft looks almost new. Only one main bearing is worn out". Owner spent about ￥200k to restore it to pristine condition. Mechanic says another 500k km is easily achievable.

Those old V8 LS are just so well made. All they needed to do was putting that 2UR-FSE with a 10AT on the 5LS. That's the kind of car I will keep until maybe 2050.

 

[Kennyth]

probably doesnt mean much but just found that LEXUS LS was trademarked in July. https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=...TION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch

 

[supra93]

The Lexus LS Gets Just Enough For 2026, But How Long Can It Hold On? | Carscoops

The Japanese flagship sedan looks the same, but you can now get the F Sport trim with optional red brake calipers

www.carscoops.com

 

[mikeavelli]

This makes me so sad.

2026 LEXUS LS: A HOMAGE TO THE ORIGINAL - Lexus USA Newsroom

PLANO, Texas (Sep. 26, 2025) – Over the past 36 years, the Lexus LS has defined what a flagship luxury sedan should be: the perfect balance of performance, innovation, and timeless comfort. For 2026, the LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition arrives as a thoughtfully curated, mono spec model with elevated...

pressroom.lexus.com

 

[Kelvin2020]

Lexus, why have you fallen to this point?

 

[Motor]

 

[Gecko]

Lexus, why have you fallen to this point?

GS, RC, LC, F brand, IS, and LS aren't easy fits for a Toyota+ strategy.

Lexus = Acura and Infiniti now.

 

[Kelvin2020]

At this point just cancel the whole brand. Everything is gone, GS, RC, LS, LC soon. They just canceled everything, Lexus don’t even care anymore, they are keep building FWD underpowered can.

Stop fooling us!!!!

 

[Kelvin2020]

GS, RC, LC, F brand, IS, and LS aren't easy fits for a Toyota+ strategy.

Lexus = Acura and Infiniti now.

Never seen a brand so willing to degrade itself to this level.

Unbelievable

 

[Falcon]

This is so sad. I hope they keep the LS nameplate alive.

 

[Flying3]

To be clear, they are killing off their sedans. Their SUVs sell well.

Still sad, the Germans have plenty of nice sedan offerings.

 

[mmcartalk]

Sad news....just anounced today. The LS is being discontinued........another bone-headed move on the company's part. Instead of addressing the faults of the current LS sedan, and restoring it to the excellence that we saw in the LS400/430/460 models, they just do away with it. This link announces the special Going-Away version to "celebrate" its demise.

2026 LEXUS LS: A HOMAGE TO THE ORIGINAL - Lexus USA Newsroom

PLANO, Texas (Sep. 26, 2025) – Over the past 36 years, the Lexus LS has defined what a flagship luxury sedan should be: the perfect balance of performance, innovation, and timeless comfort. For 2026, the LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition arrives as a thoughtfully curated, mono spec model with elevated...

pressroom.lexus.com

 

[Kelvin2020]

They will do the same mistake as Jaguar did.

This brand is done.

 

[cookieyh]

LS is the soul of Lexus brand. R.I.P Lexus

 

[Sulu]

This is so sad. I hope they keep the LS nameplate alive.

Maybe it will be resurrected as an EV in a few years, but to see the LS gone in a year's time and the little effort being put into Toyota and Lexus models (here in North America), I am afraid it is becoming what GM was before its bankruptcy -- a lowest common denominator brand.

 

[NomadDan]

I think the biggest problem with Toyota/Lexus/Crown/Century is there's been too much consolidation in the platforms and drivetrains. When Lexus was in it's peak, the 1990s and 2000s, they had drivetrains that were exclusive to the brand. The SC, GS, and LS all had inline-6s with V8s being an option. With the exception of the I6 in the Supra, they didn't share a drivetrain. Even the original IS300 had the inline-6. SC and IS were available with manual transmissions too! Only the ES shared a drivetrain with the Camry. Now the Century shares a platform with a RAV4. It's embarrassing.

Lexus/Century/Crown would really benefit from a new rear-drive platform, and more engine options. They need a new turbo inline-6 (which could be given a longer stroke for future Toyota BOF applications) and a TT V8. That TT V8 could then be exclusive to a new SC, LS (SUV?), LX, Century, and maybe some high performance products (GR Tundra, GR LC300, GR Crown Sedan, IS-F).

Interior design needs to be stepped up too.

 

[Flying3]

Realize that most on this board are speaking from an ethusiast point of view. Lexus had record sales the first half of 2025. They are hardly a dying brand.

With that said, I ventured away from Lexus and recently bought a 2022 BMW M550i. Fantastic machine, but have decided to trade it in for one of the last old school Lexus products, the IS 500.