2018 Lexus LS launched in Australia

Lexus Australia has launched the latest generation of its LS luxury sedan, with the 2018 Lexus LS on sale in dealerships now. Priced from $190,500 plus on-road costs, the new LS is based on a new rear-wheel drive platform and features a significantly bolder design than before.

Two powertrain options are available to LS buyers – a new twin-turbo petrol V6 in the LS500, and a V6 petrol engine and electric motor combination hybrid in the LS500h. For the first time, both LS drivetrains are priced at the same level, and two models are available – F Sport and Sports Luxury.

Lexus Australia chief executive Scott Thompson said the new LS 500 draws on the proud history of its predecessors.

“The new Lexus flagship is destined to repeat LS history as a car that redefines and advances automotive luxury expectations and customer satisfaction,” he said.

“With multiple world and Lexus firsts, it breaks new ground in design, technology and performance. More than any other model, the LS embodies the history and image of Lexus and serves as a symbol for everything the brands represents – a luxury lifestyle brand that offers amazing experiences.”

Featuring a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre petrol V6, the LS500 produces 310kW of power and a strong 600Nm of torque at just 1,600rpm. Matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the LS500 claims a 0-100km/h sprint in 5.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 250km/h. Lexus claims fuel consumption of 9.5L/100km on the combined cycle, with C02 emissions of 217g/km.

For the same price, the LS500h is also available, which combines a naturally aspirated 220kW/350Nm 3.5-litre V6 with a 132kW/300Nm battery pack for combined fuel consumption of 6.6L/100km and C02 emissions of 150g/km. The LS500h sprints to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, and is matched to a multi-stage CVT transmission that mimics a 10-speed automatic.

Available in two specification points, the 2018 Lexus LS is more comprehensively equipped than ever before, with both the entry F Sport and top spec Sports Luxury offering almost everything imaginable. Whilst the actual equipment list is extremely lengthy, highlights include 20-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel steering, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, 28-way powered front seats, heated and ventilated front seats with heated rear seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Lexus’ touchpad controller, a heads-up display, four USB ports, a 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, tri-LED headlights with adaptive high beam and LED daytime running lights, scrolling indicators.

The company’s Lexus Safety System+ with all-speed adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, tyre pressure monitoring and a pedestrian-friendly pop-up bonnet is also standard equipment.

Sports Luxury models add four-zone climate control, 22-way electrically adjustable rear seats, inbuilt messaging functionality for the front seats and rear outer seats, semi-aniline leather upholstery, a rear seat entertainment system with dual 11.6-inch displays and power sunshades for the rear seat windows. The only option available are hand-built interior ornamentation options for $9,880, of which four colours are available.

2018 Lexus LS pricing (plus on-road costs):
F Sport – $190,500
Sports Luxury – $195,500

The 2018 Lexus LS is on sale in Australia now. Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for news and reviews regarding the Lexus range – read our NX300h F-Sport review here.