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2018 Lexus LS 500 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Lexus LS 500 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Exceptionally quiet at all speeds
  • Comfortable ride
  • Premium interior

Cons

  • Lacks the sportiness of some competitors
  • Pedal response may feel slow and numb
  • Infotainment system can be distracting while driving

Mileage (EPA estimate)

18 city, 27 highway, 21 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $35,998*

Price
Year

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Classy sedan with lots of features

The 2018 Lexus LS 500 — a completely new model that begins the fifth generation of the LS series — blends a quiet and comfortable ride with high-end interior craftsmanship. It offers a serene driving experience on various road conditions, with a focus on luxury rather than sportiness.

All Lexus LS 500 years

2018 Lexus LS 500 trims

Curious how Lexus LS 500 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 416-hp, 442-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • A/C Seats
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • View our Lexus LS 500 inventory

F-Sport:

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Lexus LS 500

1. Luxury interior 

The LS 500 features a classy interior, boasting artful design and premium materials, ensuring a top-tier luxury experience. It’s clear you’re in a luxury vehicle as soon as you sink into the standard leather seats. There’s also leather on the dash alongside wood trim that further elevates the look and feel of the cabin. When it comes to luxury features, you’ll get standard power-closing doors, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power rear sunshade. 

2. Quiet ride 

The Lexus LS 500 is known for its exceptionally quiet cabin and smooth handling, providing a tranquil and comfortable driving experience. The standard suspension provides a smooth ride but look out for the optional air suspension if you want to take things further. It’s so compliant that you won’t even know you’re traveling over bumps in the road. There’s also virtually zero road or wind noise, meaning backseat passengers can sleep soundly or you can maintain quiet conversation with those around you. 

3. Powerful engine 

Equipped with a 416-hp 3.5L V6 engine, the LS 500 delivers robust performance, balancing power and elegance. It’s not over-the-top in its power and you’ll feel this restraint when you press the gas pedal. You’ll be able to go from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, which is useful for passing slow vehicles and merging onto the highway. If you want to improve how sporty the 2018 LS 500 feels, there are selectable drive modes — Sport and Sport+ tighten everything up to improve handling. There is also an available F Sport package for more sporty tuning and rear-wheel steering. 

4. Lots of space 

There’s plenty of room for you and your passengers with 41 inches of legroom in the front and 38.9 in the back. In the trunk, you’ll find 17 cu-ft of space, which is enough for a bit of luggage or some shopping bags. If you want to make things more luxe for your backseat guests, the Executive package adds an ottoman footrest for the right-side rear passenger. 

5. Great tech 

The 2018 LS 500 offers a range of tech to make driving an easy task. As standard, you’ll get lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and cruise control. Additional options include adaptive cruise control with automatic steering, forward cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display. You should also keep an eye out for the available Mark Levinson® sound system. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.6 out of 5

9 customer reviews
The 2018 Lexus LS 500 impresses with strong performance, luxurious ride quality, and advanced technology. Customers appreciate the twin-turbo power and quiet cabin but note mixed feelings about the infotainment system and cargo space. Some concerns about reliability and interior size exist but are outweighed by overall luxury and comfort.

Lexus LS 500 features and specs

F-Sport 4D Sedan 2WD

Standard Features

  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Heated Mirrors
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Navigation System
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Mark Levinson Sound

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

416

Torque (ft-lbs)

442

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

21.7

Wheelbase

123"

Overall length

206.1"

Width

74.8"

Height

57.5"

Leg room

F 41"/R 38.9"

Head room

F 37.3"/R 37.3"

Front tires

P245/45VR20

Rear tires

P275/40VR20

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Lexus LS 500 FAQ


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