Twin Turbo V6 Transforms The Lexus LS 500 From Walmart Lot Cruiser To A Modern Marvel

My choice became clear after about 10 minutes in the LS 500 sedan, Lexus’s bid to reinvigorate a flagship four-door franchise that had gone old and stale. I’d already sampled Lexus’s hybrid powertrain twice, and spat out the dubious concoction both times: Once in Spain, in the otherwise-excellent LC Coupe, and again in New York in the LS sedan. These hybrid Lexii subsist on the 3.5-liter V-6 from a Toyota Camry, one that’s further neutered to save fuel by running on the Atkinson cycle. To that, Lexus adds dual electric motors; a continuously variable transmission and a conventional four-speed gearbox combine to create the illusion of 10 forward gears. But no amount of engineering magic or cabin soundproofing can completely obscure the Walmart roots of the Camry V-6, or the clunky, moaning operation of the hybrid system. Both are sadly out of place in a luxury sedan that starts around $80,000 and can soar to nearly $120,000.

TomM - 5/9/2018 2:49:35 PM

-8 Boost

The best car on a Lexus Lot is likely an S class Mercedes USED car that some poor person unfortunately traded in.

MDarringer - 5/9/2018 8:19:15 PM

+2 Boost

I'll take the Lexus for the reliability.

LexSucks - 5/14/2018 6:32:39 PM

+1 Boost

All modern cars are reliable. If it means taking the car to the dealer once more per year than a the Lexus, then I'd gladly do that rather than owning a Lexus.

cidflekken - 5/9/2018 3:44:31 PM

-1 Boost

"Modern marvel". Hardly. I'm sure the LS is a great car and it sounds great.....for $60K to start. The personality just doesn't dictate "flagship S-Class fighter" to me anymore.

ilovecar2015 - 5/10/2018 10:14:44 AM

+3 Boost

Don't think Lexus billed the LS as a "S-Class fighter", it is an S-Class alternative (A8 and 7-Series did the same thing too). People who want a better package deal go for the LS, and then some who has money for S-Class but chose LS, different stroke for different folks.

cidflekken - 5/13/2018 3:57:59 PM

0 Boost

Yes, I'm being an asshole for saying this, but that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. If you are trying to vie for sales in the same segment as another car, then you are fighting that other car for those sales.

mpls - 5/9/2018 4:11:41 PM

+7 Boost

TomM...
and you are an expert who has driven both ?? don't make me laugh!

zairnaim - 5/9/2018 4:20:26 PM

+7 Boost

My dear friend, TomM is a fan of badges not cars. This is how his ranking works:

Tier 1 Premium (You aren't allowed to say luxury)
Merc and BMW

Tier 2
Everyone else.

These rankings are absolute. No matter what products any company releases this holy teir list cannot change. He came to this conclusion after years of devoting himself to the study of badges. So please don't question his wisdom.

MDarringer - 5/9/2018 8:21:00 PM

+2 Boost

Amen! Praise Jeezis! Hallelujah amen! Speak it, bro!

Runamukk - 5/9/2018 7:38:35 PM

0 Boost

Having just checked out the new LS in person I found it to be very plasticky and busy with too many buttons and knobs for my taste. Also, the cabin seemed very narrow and the head room was not even close to acceptable in a car at this price point/class. I can't say I'm a fan of the exterior with all the creases and origami styling for no apparent reason than to be polarizing.

MDarringer - 5/9/2018 8:23:08 PM

-8 Boost

I'm surprised by how good the Genesis G90 is viv a vis the Lexus. Yes, I've seen and driven both. I agree with you that the Lexus misses the mark. Making the LS the replacement for the GS at the GS price point would have been a brilliant move.

TheSteve - 5/9/2018 7:57:56 PM

-1 Boost

But it still looks like a Lexus :-(

bluebirdjay - 5/11/2018 10:22:33 PM

+1 Boost

It's not a Camry engine if it can fit a RWD car.

MDarringer - 5/11/2018 11:02:27 PM

+1 Boost

"an"
Manufacturers routinely use the same engine in transverse and longitudinal applications.

knowitall1985 - 5/12/2018 2:16:37 PM

+2 Boost

Huge success so far.....