In 2018, Lexus began using a twin-turbo V6 in place of the traditional V8 that powered the LS. While that V8 was torquey and sounded great, Lexus wanted better fuel economy for the LS. The twin-turbo V6 displaces 3.5 liters and makes 416 horsepower, up from the 386 horsepower its predecessor made. Power is sent to either the rear wheels or to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. While this powertrain gets up to 30 mpg on the highway, Lexus continues to offer a hybrid powertrain for those who are looking for both more miles-per-gallon as well as less greenhouse emissions. Though the hybrid makes a little less horsepower at 354, Lexus still claims the sprint to 60 will take just 5.1 seconds. Highway fuel economy goes up to 33, and combined fuel economy goes up to 28.
The LS 500 comes in three basic trims, LS 500, LS 500 F Sport and LS 500h, with each trim being available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The LS 500 comes with plenty of equipment as standard including a power moonroof, dual-zone climate control with a built-in smog sensor, a navigation system displayed on a 12.3-inch display, a park assist system, heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, electronically dimming inside and outside mirrors and tons more.
Springing for the F Sport package adds 20-inch wheels, bigger brakes, an LFA-inspired digital instrument panel, perforated leather trimming throughout the cabin, 28-way power operated front seats with embossed headrests, aluminum pedals, tuned suspension, a black suede headliner and a passenger seat power cushion extender.
Option packages include an interior upgrade package for the LS 500 and LS 500h that mimics the interior goodies from the F Sport. However, the rear fun starts with the Luxury Package which includes, among other things, 4-zone climate control, power window shades, climate controlled outboard rear seats, a 7-inch touchscreen console between the two rear seats and power reclining rear seats. Top dog amongst the packages belong to the Executive Package with Kiriko glass, which features patterned glass sculpting on the interior door trim along with hand pleated leather. Front seats get massage functions, but the rear seats get "shiatsu" massage chairs and leg support. The rear seats are also power adjustable in 22 different ways.
The Lexus LS 500 remains essentially unchanged for the 2020 model year, though a new special edition has been introduced and a couple of new exterior options are also available. The Inspiration Series is a limited run of just 300 cars that will feature a white leather interior, a Mark Levinson 23-speaker 2400-watt sound system, 20-inch wheels and Lexus' Kiriko glass ornamentation around the cockpit. New 20-inch "vapor chrome" wheels are now available on the base LS 500 and LS 500h while a white interior is now optional on the F SPORT version of the LS 500.
The LS starts at $11,000 less than a 7 Series and close to $19,000 less than the S-Class. For that price it offers massive levels of refinement, luxury and performance, all while continuing to display the build quality, reliability and excellent resale value that Lexus has always been known for.
