One could call the Lexus LS series many things over the years. Ground breaking, stylish, comfortable, classy. All of those words worked, but one of the things you could not call it was sporty. Sporty and Lexus LS are mutually exclusive terms in today’s world.
Or are they? Lexus just introduced the 2018 LS 500, and with that release they’ve managed to stick their toe into the sport sedan waters. We’re betting it’s going to make some serious waves.
For the first time since the introduction of the LS series, Lexus has taken a completely different tack. In following the design trends of a lot of the current manufacturers, Lexus has penned a coupe-like silhouette that punches all the right chads on the voting card. Long hood? Check. Semi-fastback look? Oh yeah. Short front overhang? You betcha. Lowered stance? Of course.
This car is definitely a looker, at least from the side. From the front? Well, it depends on if you like the oversized hourglass/spindle grille with big scoops look or not. Me? Not so much, though I wouldn’t kick it out of the garage.
The big news for the LS 500 isn’t the new shape, though. It’s the new engine. Under that big, sleek, low bonnet is a brand new, F1-derived 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V6. With more torque than horsepower – 442 and 415 respectively – You’ll be up to a safe entrance speed on the on-ramp within 4.5 seconds. Not too shabby for a bigger, longer and wider car than the last generation.
I’m still not sure if I buy the idea of a “sporty” LS, but Lexus sure is making a strong argument.
Inside you’ll find everything just short of a full-service spa, with available 28-way adjustable seats up front and heated, cooled and massaging seats both fore and aft. Mark Levinson sound makes sure you don’t hear the road fly by and the optional 24-inch head-up display means you won’t even have to take your eyes off the road. You’ll find yourself cosseted in luxury no matter which seat you plop your backside in.
How much all that power and comfort will set you back hasn’t been announced yet, but you’ll be able to take one home by the end of the year.
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