Lexus LS 2018 Review

In the luxury sedan market, consumers are increasingly seeking a balance between comfort, features, and performance. This is especially true in the mid-to-large luxury car segment, which must meet the high-end feel required for business scenarios while also catering to the practicality needed for family use. As the hybrid version of the flagship model, the 2018 Lexus LS 500h Executive focuses on low fuel consumption, high configurations, and a refined driving experience as its core selling points. In this test drive, we will focus on evaluating the actual performance of its hybrid system, the practicality of the rear luxury features, and whether its dynamic driving meets luxury expectations.

In terms of exterior appearance, the 2018 LS 500h Executive maintains Lexus’ signature spindle-shaped grille. The grille is large in size and features densely placed horizontal chrome strips, paired with sharp LED headlamps on both sides, giving it high recognizability overall. The side profile reveals smooth lines, with a clean and strong waistline extending from the front fenders to the rear. The 20-inch wheels feature a steady design that matches the luxurious temperament of the vehicle. At the rear, the LED tail lights adopt a through-type design, providing clear visual effects when illuminated. The chrome trim on the lower part of the rear bumper enhances its sense of sophistication, while the exhaust pipes are hidden to maintain the simplicity of the rear design.

Upon entering the interior, the materials and workmanship demonstrate the standard of a luxury car. The dashboard is wrapped in a large area of soft leather, complemented by wood grain trim and metallic strips, offering a refined tactile feel. The 12.3-inch central control screen is of moderate size, with a clear interface layout. However, the controls are managed via a touchpad located in the central armrest, which, after getting accustomed to, allows for relatively smooth operation. The instrument cluster is fully digital with a high resolution and supports switching between different display modes, while the HUD head-up display makes it convenient to read information while driving. The front seats support 28-way electric adjustment and come with memory functions, ensuring that drivers of any body size can find a comfortable seating position. The rear seats are a highlight of this model, featuring 22-way electric adjustment with a right Ottoman leg rest, a rear touchscreen control panel, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The central armrest also integrates multiple control buttons, making extended journeys more comfortable. Both front and rear rows are equipped with independent air conditioning systems, and the rear air conditioning control area is conveniently located in the central armrest. The interior also includes 220V/230V power outlets, meeting the needs for mobile office work.

In terms of space, the dimensions of the vehicle are 5235mm in length, 1900mm in width, and 1450mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3125mm. These dimensions ensure a spacious seating area. The front row provides about a fist and two fingers of headroom, while the rear offers over two fists of legroom and about a fist of headroom. Even passengers as tall as 185cm will not feel cramped. The trunk has a capacity of 440L, with a regular opening that can accommodate two 28-inch suitcases along with some personal belongings, meeting the needs of daily household use or short-distance business trips. The vehicle also offers ample interior storage spaces, including a sizable front central armrest box, door pocket storage compartments that can hold water bottles and small items, and a hidden storage compartment in the rear center armrest.

In terms of power, the LS 500h Executive is equipped with a 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 engine combined with an electric motor as part of its hybrid system. The engine delivers a maximum horsepower of 299PS, while the total system output has not been clearly specified. However, the officially claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time is 5.4 seconds. During actual driving, the initial acceleration driven by the electric motor is smooth and quiet, and the transition to the engine is seamless with almost no abruptness. When switched to sport mode, the power response becomes more active, and pressing the accelerator deeply during overtaking yields a continuous power output. The transmission is an E-CVT continuously variable transmission, demonstrating excellent shifting smoothness. It is paired with paddle shifters on the steering wheel to simulate gear changes, adding to the driving fun.

In terms of handling performance, the steering wheel has a moderate steering force, precise direction, and becomes stable at high speeds, enhancing the sense of safety. The chassis adopts a multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort, effectively filtering out vibrations when passing over bumpy roads, so rear passengers hardly feel significant jolts; the body roll is well-controlled during cornering, maintaining a certain level of stability. Noise control is an advantage of this car, as wind noise and road noise are well suppressed at high speeds, and the noise from the engine is also not obvious when it engages. Paired with a 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, the cabin maintains a quiet listening environment.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 6.7L/100km. During actual test drives, urban road fuel consumption is about 7.5L/100km, and highway fuel consumption is about 6L/100km. This performance is excellent for a mid-to-large luxury car, highlighting the fuel economy advantages of the hybrid system. Safety features are fully equipped, including 10 standard airbags, lane change assist, lane departure warning, active braking, and other functions, providing comprehensive safety assurance for daily driving.

Compared with models in the same class, such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid version or the BMW 7 Series Hybrid version, the 2018 LS 500h Executive has more price advantages (official guide price RM 1,841,000). Its core highlights are the luxurious rear-seat features and the fuel economy of the hybrid system. However, its brand premium capability is slightly inferior to its German counterparts, though the overall configuration and driving experience are not inferior.

Overall, the 2018 Lexus LS 500h Executive is a mid-to-large luxury car that combines comfort, features, and fuel economy. It is suitable for business professionals who value rear-seat passenger experience or families pursuing luxury and low fuel consumption. If you need a luxury sedan that can meet both business reception and daily family use, this model is worth considering.