Specifications and pricing for the all-new 2018 Lexus LS flagship sedan have been announced, the Japanese limo will open with a starting price of $190,500 plus on-road costs.
The fifth-generation LS will be offered with two powertrain options and a choice of two trim levels. The V8 engine has been dropped which is somewhat surprising, Lexus is one of the last premium manufacturers still utilising a naturally-aspirated V8.
The LS500 will feature a 310kW/600Nm twin-turbo V6 petrol engine that sends power to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.
It’s fast enough for a large sedan, the claimed 0-100km/h time is only 5.0 seconds while the top speed is a very unusable 250km/h.
There is also a hybrid option available, the LS500h which uses a 220kW/350Nm naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 combined with a 132kW/300Nm electric motor that delivers a total output of 264kW. The total torque figure will require Lt. Columbo, Lexus hasn’t revealed the figure.
Changing gears in the LS500h is the same multi-stage hybrid transmission (CVT) programmed with 10-ratios. It’s the same unit found in the LC500h coupe.
The LS500h is slightly slower to three figures taking 5.4 seconds with the same 250km/h top speed.
F Sport variants feature unique exterior and interior treatments, 20-inch alloys with a front-rear tyre size differential, high-performance brakes, variable gear-ratio steering, dynamic rear steering and active stabiliser bars.
On the inside, a 12.3-inch multi-media screen, head-up display with segment-leading size, Mark Levinson 23-speaker audio and auto-closing doors are all standard.
Moving to the Sports Luxury model adds four-zone climate control with rear cooler, 22-way power rear seats with passenger-side ottoman and seven massage programs, rear-seat entertainment and noise-dissipating 20-inch alloy wheels.
All variants will feature the Lexus Safety System+ which includes a pre-collision system with all-speed radar active cruise control, lane keep assist and adaptive high-beam system to control the LED headlamps.
There’s also blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, pop-up bonnet and tyre pressure monitoring system.
Lexus already has a very good reputation when it comes to customer care, yet it has announced the LS will come with an unconditional 10-year complimentary roadside assistance program.
2018 Lexus LS pricing (excludes on-road costs):
LS500 F Sport - $190,500
LS500h F Sport - $190,500
LS500 Sports Luxury - $195,500
LS500h Sports Luxury - $195,500
More: All News
More: 2018 Lexus LS
More: 2017 Lexus GS F Review
More: 2017 Lexus IS350 Review
