Automotive

2018 Lexus LS gets its hybrid on

View 15 Images
The 2018 Lexus LS 500h model debuted in Detroit with its standard gasoline sibling, but details were not released for the hybrid until now
C.C. Weiss/New Atlas
Lexus is competing with well-established European designs and has thus begun to set itself apart by going bolder in styling
C.C. Weiss/New Atlas
The new look for the Lexus LS is long, low, and statement-making
C.C. Weiss/New Atlas
The 2018 Lexus LS 500h model debuted in Detroit with its standard gasoline sibling, but details were not released for the hybrid until now
C.C. Weiss/New Atlas
A choice of nine interior color schemes are available for the 2018 Lexus LS series, plus two more available in the F Sport model
Lexus
The original LS launched the Lexus brand and the all-new 2018 LS advances the brand’s more dynamic direction
Lexus
The 2018 Lexus LS is the first Lexus sedan to offer a six-window exterior aimed towards achieving a coupe-like look with a more traditional three-box sedan design
Lexus
Lexus' designers said they wanted a stretched, ground-hugging appearance for the new LS sedan
Lexus
The 2018 Lexus LS 500h is the hybrid model for the LS sedan and outside of a couple of badge additions, it is identical to the other LS models externally
Lexus
The LS 500h (hybrid) has a 3.5-liter engine that is functionally the same V6 found in the LS 500 model, but drops the turbos and retools for a less performance-oriented Atkinson-cycle
Lexus
As with most Toyota hybrids, the electrification also uses two motors and a planetary continuously variable transmission (CVT), but with four physical gears added to improve ratios
Lexus
The huge 12-inch Lexus display became a common feature in Lexus infotainment a couple of years ago and carries forward in the 2018 Lexus LS
Lexus
The 2018 LS aims to be an executive sedan to compete with mostly German makes like the BMW 7 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Lexus
Lexus is known for its luxurious interiors and this new 2018 LS does not deviate from that expertise
Lexus
The 2018 Lexus LS F Sport model is available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive as the performance version of the LS series
Lexus
Debuting when the 2018 LS enters showrooms in February 2018 will be the F Sport model with its performance-tuned design
Lexus
View gallery - 15 images

The 2018 Lexus LS flagship sedan will soon enter showrooms in the US. To go with that, Lexus has detailed the hybrid model's specifications as well as some trim level and price point notes. The longer, lower new sedan is the pinnacle of the Lexus offerings and we've been waiting for it since the Detroit Auto Show.

The 2018 LS was debuted in Detroit back in January of 2017 and we loved its bold new design. There was a lot of buzz about the longer and lower sedan with its "Hey, look at me!" styling. Now we have some more details on the car.

The standard engine is an impressive intercooled, twin-turbocharged, direct-injected gasoline V6 that outputs 416 horsepower (310 kW) and 442 pound-feet (599 Nm) of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission translates that power to the rear wheels by default, with all-wheel drive available. Impressive as that is, the LS 500 model is just the first of three models available for the LS sedan.

The new look for the Lexus LS is long, low, and statement-making
C.C. Weiss/New Atlas

The LS 500h (hybrid) has a 3.5-liter engine that is functionally the same V6 found in the LS 500 model, but drops the turbos and retools for a less performance-oriented Atkinson-cycle. This engine is also found in the LC 500h coupe, as are most of the hybrid parts attached to it. The D-4S direct fuel injection and lightweight valvetrain components allow the engine to rev up to 6,600 RPM and a longer torque plateau is made with the variable valve timing.

As with most Toyota hybrids, the electrification also uses two motors and a planetary continuously variable transmission (CVT). Added to the CVT, however, are four fixed gears as per an automatic transmission to improve gearing ranges and performance output.

The gears are added at the transmission's output point, where they change the RPM rate before going to the wheels. Up to 10 gear ratios are thus available to give the car optimum torque outputs throughout its range, giving it a wider speed range than previous hybrids from Lexus. Shifting is automated, but paddle shifters mounted to the steering column are standard for manual control.

The total system output of the engine and electric motors is 354 horsepower (264 kW), and Lexus estimates the LS 500h's 0-60 mph (0-92 km/h) time to be 5.1 seconds. Its estimated fuel economy is 25 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined (9.4/7.3/8.4 l/100km) with EPA numbers coming very soon.

Debuting when the 2018 LS enters showrooms in February 2018 will be the F Sport model with its performance-tuned design
Lexus

The 2018 Lexus LS lineup will include the standard LS 500, the LS 500h, and the LS F Sport, which is chassis-tuned for performance and handling. The F Sport model will include exclusive interior color options, 20-inch alloy wheels, and tires sized specifically for the car's dynamics for maximum performance. Braking is similarly upgraded and a Performance Package option will add a Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system, Active Rear Steering, and Active Stabilizer to up the ante.

The 2018 Lexus LS models will go on sale in the US in February 2018, with a list price starting at about $75,000. Our Detroit show gallery included pictures of both the LS 500 and the LS 500h.

Source: Lexus

View gallery - 15 images
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • LinkedIn
3 comments
Bob
I was thinking of buying a new car but these new front grills are so repulsive looking. I can't think of anything but a bottom sucking carp every time I see one of these designs. No bumper protection in the center of the grill just invites damage along with being just plain ugly. While I love my older Toyota, I absolutely hate the new front ends on the current models. Maybe other people like the new design but I sure don't.
DaveWesely
Wow, $75k and all you get is a complex hybrid. For that kind of money you should just buy a Tesla.
David Priol
With each new model the front end of a Lexus just gets uglier and uglier like the design had fallen down the ugly tree!!! What are they thinking about when they look at this crap? It's the Phyllis Diller of luxury cars... only she was funny and sweet.