The new 2018 Lexus LS 500 redefines luxury
The ultra lush Lexus marque made its first appearance some three decades ago and redefined luxury as we know it. While they appear in over 90 countries across the globe, their top-shelf Lexus LS series are all bespoke crafted by the marque’s finest craftsmen in only one location – the Lexus factory in Tahara, Japan. Their latest masterpiece, the all new 2018 Lexus LS 500 is now available for discerning clientele in Malaysia in three variants, each hewn to exquisite levels of craftsmanship to offer a luxurious driving experience.
The 2018 Lexus LS500 is the latest successor to the prestigious line and is the fifth generation of the Lexus LS series, with all the latest technological refinements as well as unprecedented new levels of luxury built within every inch of its chassis both from within and without.
Externally, the LS 500 has a dramatic and bold look on account of its mesh grille that hosts a unique spindle design that integrates front and rear lamps that flash sequentially for signalling. To offer exquisitely smooth handling, the chassis is integrated on Lexus’ GA-L (Global Architecture – Luxury) platform and is wider, longer and lower with a length of 3.125 metres, a lowered roofline by 15mm and a width of 1.9 metres.
Powering the LS500 Luxury and Executive variants is a new 3.5l V6 engine with twin turbochargers as well as tech and knowhow culled from from F1 racing to offer 415hp with 600Nm of torque.
This is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that also incorporates AI-Shift control to optimise acceleration and braking for perfect shifts. The top-of-the-line Lexus LS 500 Executive Hybrid sports a petrol-electric hybrid setup with a similar 3.5l V6 engine augmented with two electric motors amd a lithium ion battery to offer a combined output of 354bhp at 6,600rpm and 350Nm of torque at 5,100rpm.
In order to offer strength and solidity without compromising its safety or luxurious aspects, the architecture has been rebuilt from the ground up with self-piercing rivets, high-strength adhesive bonding and laser screw welding while incorporating lightweight materials that include revolutionary steel alloys in critical areas and aluminium to create a frame that has 1.5 times the rigidity of steel with 50% less weight. Control and performance is made easier with the latest generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) that efficiently manages a host of vehicle subsystems – ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS among them – like a virtuoso orchestra conductor.
Internally, the new Lexus LS 500 is a thing of exquisite luxury with interior lighting that evokes that of traditional Japanese lanterns as well as interior fittings inspired by Shimamoku wood patterns that are sensuous to the touch as well as hand-pleated upholstery. More discerning users can opt for Kiriko cut glass ornamentation to add a new level of luxury to their ride though this is limited to the top-tier LS500 and LS500h Executive variants only.
The front seats themselves are power adjustable in 28 ways whilst the rear seats can be adjusted in 22 different ways. Other accoutrements include keyless access, a Climate Concierge that automatically detects the body temperature of each occupant via infrared sensors and adjusts climate conditions accordingly, active noise cancelling, a custom-designed 23 speaker Mark Levinson tuned audio speaker system and an 11.6-inch 720p infotainment display.
The Lexus LS 500 series comes in three different variants in Malaysia, the LS 500 Luxury, the LS 500 Executive and the LS 500h Executive Hybrid with a choice of up to 11 exterior colours and 6 interior finishes depending on variant as well as two new exclusive paintjobs – Manganese Luster and a deep red Sonic Agate. Prices start from RM799,000 for the LS 500 Luxury model. The LS 500 Executive is priced at RM999,000 while the top-tier LS 500h Executive retails for RM1,459,000 with all prices on-the-road without insurance. For more on the new range swing by www.lexus.com.my
