2018 Lexus LS500 Sports Luxury review
Lexus also elected to remove the traditional short- and long-wheelbase variants offered in the upper-crust limo segment. Instead, the new LS features a longer wheelbase than even the long-wheelbase model that came before it as its standard length.
If cars like this are all about rear-seat accommodation, the LS already starts to look promising against rivals from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. All the more so when you take into consideration the LS500 Sports Luxury’s $195,500 price (before on-road costs).
That also happens to buy a twin-turbo V6 engine with rather prodigious 310kW and 600Nm outputs. The previous V8 has been retired, but with outputs that trail the new TTV6 by 25kW and 107Nm, it’s unlikely to be missed.
At the same time, the Lexus chips in 40kW and 80Nm more than the Benz and a substantial 70kW and 150Nm over the 740i. Powertrain differences alone cast the LS500 Sports Luxury in a favourable light, but standard equipment pushes it even further forward.
While the more sportily styled LS500 F Sport is the entry-level model, the upscale Sports Luxury incurs only a relatively small $5000 premium, and includes standard equipment like four-zone climate control, heated, cooled and massaging seats in all outboard positions, including reclining rear seats with ottoman on the passenger-side rear, a rear drinks cooler, powered side and rear sunshades, dual 11.6-inch screen with central touchpad controller, and semi-aniline leather trim.
Nearly that entire list features as optional equipment for Euro competitors, and even then there’s no way $5000 would net you even half of that list.
All LS models also arrive with 23-speaker premium audio, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, 28-way power adjustable front seats, soft-close doors, 20-inch wheels, keyless entry and start, sunroof, and adjustable air suspension.
Lexus also elected to remove the traditional short- and long-wheelbase variants offered in the upper-crust limo segment. Instead, the new LS features a longer wheelbase than even the long-wheelbase model that came before it as its standard length.
If cars like this are all about rear-seat accommodation, the LS already starts to look promising against rivals from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. All the more so when you take into consideration the LS500 Sports Luxury’s $195,500 price (before on-road costs).
That also happens to buy a twin-turbo V6 engine with rather prodigious 310kW and 600Nm outputs. The previous V8 has been retired, but with outputs that trail the new TTV6 by 25kW and 107Nm, it’s unlikely to be missed.
At the same time, the Lexus chips in 40kW and 80Nm more than the Benz and a substantial 70kW and 150Nm over the 740i. Powertrain differences alone cast the LS500 Sports Luxury in a favourable light, but standard equipment pushes it even further forward.
While the more sportily styled LS500 F Sport is the entry-level model, the upscale Sports Luxury incurs only a relatively small $5000 premium, and includes standard equipment like four-zone climate control, heated, cooled and massaging seats in all outboard positions, including reclining rear seats with ottoman on the passenger-side rear, a rear drinks cooler, powered side and rear sunshades, dual 11.6-inch screen with central touchpad controller, and semi-aniline leather trim.
Nearly that entire list features as optional equipment for Euro competitors, and even then there’s no way $5000 would net you even half of that list.
All LS models also arrive with 23-speaker premium audio, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, 28-way power adjustable front seats, soft-close doors, 20-inch wheels, keyless entry and start, sunroof, and adjustable air suspension.
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