Used 2018 Lexus LS

The all-new 2018 Lexus LS brings together elegance, quality, luxury and value, in a new boldly styled package. It expands on what already made this sedan remarkable: an exquisite interior with luxury amenities and modern tech; fantastic materials and build quality; and a strong emphasis on value that doesn’t compromise content. However, the new looks, inside and out, may make this the most polarizing LS to date. This Lexus offers the niceties of models such as the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with a lower starting price and a long tradition of excellent resale value. The new LS is offered with a gasoline engine or hybrid powertrain and the option of all-wheel drive (AWD). The gas-powered Lexus is also available in F Sport trim.

Driving the new LS is a more engaging experience than in the past, yet the ride remains comfortable. The LS 500’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 has more horsepower and torque than the V8 it replaces, and makes the LS plenty quick from a stop. It’s backed by a wonderfully smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. With Drive Mode Select in Sport+ mode, suspension and engine and transmission response become more aggressive. For those who prefer to stay on the comfort side of the equation, adjustable air suspension is available for a pleasant highway ride. The LS 500 F Sport doesn’t offer more power, but has a firmer ride, quick transmission shifts and feels more agile than the LS 500. Its excellent brakes are strong but not jarring. The LS 500h hybrid, with 354 total system horsepower, is almost as quick as the LS 500, with the added bonus of better fuel economy.

Always known for its high-quality, well-crafted interiors, Lexus adds modern lines and traditional Japanese artisanship to the equation. There are unique touches, such as available Kiriko-cut glass and origami-inspired cloth panels on the doors. We preferred the beautiful wood accents instead of the glass. Want to be enveloped in luxury? Enjoy the 23-speaker audio, 28-way-power seats, Shiatsu-inspired seat massagers and a reclining rear seat with ottoman. A touch pad accesses some of the car’s technology. It isn’t the most intuitive system, but is worth learning, as there are plenty of appealing features there.

The Lexus LS has the most expressive styling of any LS to date, and has a newfound attitude. There’s a large spindle grille up front — a design element that’s not for everyone — flanked by jagged, angular headlights. Along the sides, the sharp angles are overtaken by smooth curves. There are design cues that would seem to contradict each other, but end up working well together. The car is longer, lower and wider than the previous LS, dimensions that put its size within a half-inch of its BMW and Mercedes-Benz competition.

SUMPTUOUS INTERIOR
The stylish cabin offers tastefully crafted seats inspired by comfortable armchairs, and rich materials throughout. Design cues were inspired by traditional Japanese artisanship, and there are plenty of high-tech amenities. Options include Shiatsu-inspired seat massagers, 28-way-power seats, a reclining rear seat with ottoman, and 23-speaker audio.

HYBRID POWERTRAIN
The LS 500h’s powertrain puts out 354 total system horsepower. It offers a seemingly impossible combination of speed — reaching 60 mph from a stop in 5.1 seconds — and excellent fuel economy. Lexus estimates the LS 500h will get combined fuel economy as good as 28 mpg.

An all-new 416-horsepower twin-turbo V6 with more horsepower and torque than the V8 it replaces bows in the new LS 500. It’s controlled by a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The LS 500 comes as a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) car with 19-inch wheels. All LS sedans give you the ability to choose among Eco, Comfort and Sport drive modes. Inside, the Lexus uses a touch pad to access navigation and more, and there’s Active Noise Control to keep the interior quiet. The extensive Lexus Safety System+ is standard, which includes pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, lane-departure alert and adaptive cruise control.

The optional hybrid powertrain has plenty of power plus improved fuel economy. Another choice for LS buyers is the F Sport. While it doesn’t offer an increase in horsepower or torque, it adds larger brakes and wheels. Adjustable air suspension and all-wheel drive are available on all LS models. The Executive Package includes 28-way-adjustable seats, seat massagers and a reclining rear seat with an ottoman. Adding the Advanced Package to the standard safety suite provides pedestrian alert, active steering assist and front cross-traffic alert. The interior is available with Kiriko glass accents and pleated panels inspired by origami.

There are two powertrain choices with the LS: The LS 500 is powered by a twin-turbo V6 backed by a 10-speed automatic transmission. Horsepower and torque are higher than last year, and the torque is easier to access. The LS 500h uses an Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 and two electric motors, which put out 354 total system horsepower. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is matched with a 4-speed automatic gear set, a setup designed to deliver the feel of a 10-speed automatic, with more feedback than you find in a more straightforward CVT. This transmission does offer more feedback, but at times the shifts feel artificial.

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6
416 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
442 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/30 mpg (RWD), 18/27 mpg (AWD)

3.5-liter Atkinson cycle V6 + 2 electric motors
354 total system horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/33 mpg (RWD), 23/31 mpg (AWD)