The Lexus LS became an instant halo car when it was released in 1990 and was the very basis of which the Lexus brand was able to grow. Fast forward to today and the LS entered its fifth generation for the 2018 model year with an all-new platform, new twin-turbo V-6 drivetrain, 10-speed automatic transmission, and a sweet but sexy look with the newest iteration of Lexus’ spindle grille. But, with the introduction of a new LS Sedan, comes the introduction of a hybrid version that’s called that LS 500h – a car that sheds a bit of it’s V-8, high-performance hybrid roots in the name of economy. Yeah, that’s right, no V-8 Hybrid system here, but we’ll talk more about that later on.
For now, we don’t know a whole lot about the next-gen LS 500h outside of what we can see in the one teaser image that’s been released and the knowledge that it will be quite similar to its non-hybrid sibling. Lexus brought the standard LS to the Detroit Auto Show but has been saving the LS 500h for the Geneva Auto Show that kicks off on March 7th. With that said, let’s take a look at the teaser image and talk more about the new hybrid before Lexus beats us to the punch and spills all the beans.
Continue reading to learn more about the Lexus LS 500h.
Exterior
The teaser image that Lexus has released shows us a side and rear view of the new LS 500h, and you’d color me crazy if I said it wasn’t identical to its non-hybrid sibling minus a different badge on the side.
The teaser image that Lexus has released shows us a side and rear view of the new LS 500h, and you’d color me crazy if I said it wasn’t identical to its non-hybrid sibling minus a different badge on the side. In fact, it features the same wheels, body lines, window trim, mirrors, and rear taillights. The only major difference may be the chrome-looking trim that resides on the side skirts and rear fascia. We can’t see the front, but I expect it will bear the same spindle grille and unique styling as well. But, all of this should be expected considering the whole point of this specific vehicle is the hybrid drivetrain.
Interior
Lexus LS 500 interior pictured here.
So, we can’t see the interior of the LS 500h quite yet, but there’s absolutely no indication that there will be any difference between it and the standard LS 500. That means that you’ll see plenty of Japanese-inspired design and plenty of real wood trim. Ambient lighting will keep the mood regardless of the situation, and the long, strategic lines of the interior will further emphasize a sense of space and comfort. The front seats can be had with 28-way power adjustments and can be equipped with heating, cooling, and even Shiatsu massage – something that will clearly make you want to take the long way home from work. The 500h should also offer the wider rear seat package will include the same functions save for the power adjustment, but with a raised ottoman for really kicking back.
We can’t see the interior of the LS 500h quite yet, but there’s absolutely no indication that there will be any difference between it and the standard LS 500.
On the technology front, the hybrid should get the same goodies, which includes a 12.3-inch navigation display, and a semi-digital instrument cluster with a digital tach in the middle and analog gauges on the side. A pad on the center console offers up handwriting recognition and support while selecting the right option box will get you a 24-inch – yes you read that right – heads-up display which is the biggest available in any production car as of the time of this writing. As far as all of this technology is concerned, it will likely mirror that of the standard 500, but the software will be updated to include information about range, battery life, charging, etc. – all necessary things for a car that lugs around a battery pack and electric motor. The standard audio system that will be available is pretty good, but the big ticket item is the Mark Levinson 3D stereo package that’s up for the taking and includes ceiling speakers in addition to the usual door and deck speakers. With the upgraded audio package you also get upgraded graphics on the infotainment system, so that’s an added bonus. Active noise cancellation will keep the cabin quiet while the air suspension system makes entry and exit a little easier from a car that sits so low to the ground.
There may ultimately be a few other differences between the hybrid and standard model as far as the interior goes, but I wouldn’t expect much.
Drivetrain
Lexus hasn’t actually confirmed what type of hybrid system will be under the hood of the 500h, but considering the brand just introduced is brand-new Multi-Stage Hybrid System in the 2017 LC 500h, you can bet that system will find its way into the LS 500h as well. It takes that 3.5-liter V-6 and pairs it with an electric motor and a four-speed automatic transmission. Lexus says that the CVT used in other Toyota and Lexus hybrids doesn’t offer the same connection between throttle and engine speed, so the four-speed auto was a better choice. But, a four-speed auto seems really outdated for today’s market, and you would think that a nine- or ten-speed would make a little more sense.
It takes that 3.5-liter V-6 and pairs it with an electric motor and a four-speed automatic transmission.
If the whole drivetrain system carries over from the LC to the LS, the engine itself should pump out 295 horsepower and 256 pound-feet while the electric motor will up total system output to 354 horsepower. In the LC550, that’s enough to get the car to 62 mph in “less than five seconds,” but something tells me that the LS 500h will linger around the five- or six-second mark for that sprint. After all, Lexus’ focus this time around is angled toward fuel economy more than overall performance, but it should still be pretty quick for what it is. A 310-volt lithium Ion battery pack will supply a maximum of 44.6 kW, but info as to what kind of all-electric range will be available, or what kind of fuel economy we can expect isn’t yet available.
Pricing
We don’t even know what the standard LS 500 is going to set you back, so any figures we throw out for the LS 500h are a clear and definite shot in the dark. The current LS starts out at $72,520 which is at least $10,000 lower than the main competition, so we think it will see a moderate price increase toward the $80,000 mark. As such, the LS 500h could command as much as $90,000, if not more, before options, taxes, and destination charges.
Competition
BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance
BMW’s resident, large hybrid sedan comes in the form of the 7 Series, or more specifically the 740e xDrive iPerformance. It takes on traditional 7 series styling with the only exterior changes coming in the form of different headlight units, new badges to show off its electric nature, and the addition of a charging port between the driver’s door and front wheel. Inside, it’s all Bimmer 7 Series, with the exception of new digital displays that include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with software that displays battery information in addition to the usual data.
Under the hood, the iPeformance gets a 2.0-liter four-banger that’s paired with an eDrive electric motor. The 2.0-liter pumps out 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque while the electric motor is capable of a decent 111 horsepower and 184 pound-feet. Combined output is advertised at 322 horsepower, and 369 pound-feet and a 9.2 kWh battery gives the motor juice. Total range is 340 miles with an MPGe rating of 64. Charing time to 100 percent is said to take 2.7 hours. Pricing starts out at $89,100 before options, taxes, and destination.
Read more about the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance here.
Mercedes-Benz S550 Plug-in hybrid
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true battle royal of massive luxury cars if we didn’t include the Mercedes S-Class, right? Well, there’s a hybrid version of that too, and it combines the classic S-Class styling and luxury with a powerful V-6 and an electric motor to bring a combined total output of 426 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque to the table.
It’s enough to get the massive S-class up to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds or a top speed of 130 mph. An 8.7 kWh battery provides the electric juice and is enough to bring a usable electric range of 20 miles and an all-electric range of 87 mph. Pricing starts out at $96,600, so it’s a little more expensive than where the LS 500h will sit, but come on – this is a Mercedes, after all.
Find out more about the Mercedes-Benz S550 Plug-in hybrid here.
Conclusion
At this point, I don’t think we’re really in for much of a surprise when the LS 500h makes its debut in March outside of the potential for a decent all-electric range or some special amenities that will help it stand out from the standard LS. But, that’s okay because the LS 500h is on point in the looks and luxury department and, while it might not be the fastest car out there, it should get the job done nicely. We’ll be back with updates as soon as the LS 500h makes its official debut, so check back after the Geneva Motor Show kicks off in March.
Press Release
Following the world premiere of the LS 500 featuring a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 gas engine at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, Lexus will introduce the all-new LS 500h at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
The 2017 RC F GT3 racing car will also be presented for the first time in Europe, showcasing the brand’s growing engagement in motorsports. Other Lexus models on display will include the LC, the RC, the RC F and the RX and NX ranges.
The Lexus press conference will take place on March 7, at 12:45 p.m. CET on stand 4211 in Hall 4, Palexpo.
Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 237 dealers offering a full line-up of luxury vehicles. With five models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers seven F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.