2018 Lexus LS Overseas Preview Drive | Lexus Banishes Conservatism From Its Luxed-Up Limo
The flagship Lexus LS has always provided a fairly conservative take on large luxury sedans, amongst a field of already safe-bets. Now though, the all-new generation LS range isn’t prepared to blend into the background anymore with its boldest styling yet.
Another of the LS range’s constants is also disappearing with this new generation, which for the first time since 1989 sees the new model introduced without a V8 engine. A new turbocharged V6 will do the heavy-lifting instead - or a hybrid V6 option for the tech-savvy and enviro-conscious.
At the global launch of the new LS in California, TMR took to the wheel of the new limo to see how this bold new approach squares off against long-standing competitors.
Vehicle Style: Prestige upper-large sedan
Price: From $190,000 (estimated) plus on-road costs
Engine/trans: 310kW/600Nm 3.5-litre 6cyl turbo petrol, 264kW/350Nm 3.5-litre 6cyl petrol-electric hybrid | 10sp automatic, CVT automatic
OVERVIEW
Australia isn’t scheduled to see the new LS range until April 2018 and when it does buyers will have a choice of two engines and two trim levels.
Both the plush Sports Luxury and more sportily-trimmed F-Sport will be available to local buyers, who will be able to choose between Lexus’ new twin turbo V6, or the same complex multi-stage V6 hybrid powertrain from the LC500h coupe.