2018 Lexus LS 500h Multi Stage Hybrid HEV FIRST DRIVE REVIEW (3 of 3) 

My wife has the rx400h hybrid and it's and amazing Suv. But this new tech is more advanced than hers in every way. I also drive a lexus, and will continue to only buy lexus vehicles. The quality is unmatched by and other manufacturers, plus nothing drivers like a lexus NOTHING.!

Australian Lexus LS430 owner here. Would happily consider the hybrid, now it has two modes of fun and sensible. Quick note - the German cars in Australia are considerably more expensive and in my experience considerably less reliable. Glad Lexus are starting to make cars that are not only super reliable and well built, but FUN!

One of my favorite things about my Lexus ES300H is the lack of a normal transmission, there's no shifting, no delay, no unnecessary drama, just smooth instantaneous power.

The interior of this car is just simply amazing, can't wait to see this in white and blue or any lighter colour on the dashboard plus other colour on the leather seats combo. The interior is just stunning

I currently own a 08’ LS600HL. I test drove the new LS500 recently and was very disappointed that I didn’t have the instantaneous off the line power in the non-hybrid model. It also didn’t have nearly the rear leg room either. However from my experience with my 600HL. I would personally take the new LS500h over any of the other models.

Absolutely a stunning luxury sedan that put everyone back to the drawing board.

i think this hybrid setup is the future of automotive propulsion especially performance and big luxury cars. i like the idea and you cant fight the future ;) i think i 5 or 6 years you wont be able to find a high end lux or sports car without this setup.also i think they will be better for it.

I drive a 2008 ls600hl. Love it. Fun to drive. The new design has a pretty interior and exterior. So many great freatures like pano roof finally, massage seats, mark levinson 3d system, blueray, and many others. Can't wait to drive them both but I think the ls500 would be more fun to drive than ls500h because it gives v8 like performance. The old hybrid drivetrain with boost to v8 and 15% gas savings acts like performance hybrid. Now for the most disappointing part of the redesign the interior. If you ever sat in the rear of ls460l or ls600hl you already know what I am going to say. The claim is the car is longer than previous gen. Look at the rear seat in the video its too close to front seat. It has short wheelbase interior leg room in front and back. I sat in one at a launch event and immediately told executives the interior space is gone. The pod seats in the rear and front seat designs have killed interior room. The lack of interior space in this segment is highly disappointing for me.

u don't know how good is u are! love your reviews.

Your reviews are some of the best!

I really like the way you do the review. And what a awesome car.

Glass door trim? Crazy sushi carving exterior design? LFA-inspired dashboard? This is the new Lexus and I love it!

Since we bought an RX450h, there is no way I'd drive anything but a hybrid. Personally, I don't think the LS500h is enough; I want to see a Plug-In Hybrid and hope that by 2020, that will be the case!!!

I'd definitely get the hybrid and it looks like Lexus have finally nailed the hybrid set up. I'd love one, but it's way more expensive than my Golf GTE.

It seems like the Same car just a hybrid. But i think you left out the BEST part especially for a CHEAP SKATE like MYSELF how far can i go with out REFUELING in the Hybrid

Where is the 24 inch HUD???

Excellent review!!! Late to this party. Our local dealership has a 2018 LS500h (w/luxury package and other bells n' whistles) marked down for end of year (it's getting stale on the lot), and I am aching to trade in my 2018 RX450h. My wife thinks it is too soon. Big hit on the trade-in. Still aching for this LS500h, as I'm kind of bored of the RX model, this one being the 4th RX hybrid since 2006. She drives a 2013 GS450h, which is a pleasure and a speedster. Really like the brand. Thanks for the review - great presentation and commentary! // Terry

I drive a 2013 LS 600h L and love it. It has the bamboo wood accents and steering wheel, which is beautiful and will be hard for me to give up. It's my second LS hybrid, the first was a 2008 LS 600h L. For some reason, when they switched from touch screen to that god-awful joystick, they removed a lot of the voice commands and added a layer of Yes/No commands, which I find obvious and distracting. But other than that, I love my LS 600. Not sure I'd like the LS 500h (why the demotion from 600???). But after watching your video, I've decided that maybe this car is for me.

A perfect review. Awesome.

Beautiful car

the correct way to think about what they did here is that the dual electric motors act as a super advanced and super high performance torque converter and the 4 gears are the 4 gears. they call this torque converter "electronically controlled continuously variable transmission" in the Prius because that's kind of what it does there - but in here, the same exact system is really performing the function of a torque converter but with a much bigger torque multiplier than a normal torque converter would have. the reason they don't use this setup on the Prius is obvious - too expensive ! but really it has nothing to do with giving the car character - it's just the right way to do it in the first place - they simply couldn't afford to do it this way on the Prius and Camry Hybrid.

More exciting to drive than the Genesis G80 Sport?

Hybrid for sure just for more miles without stopping at the ya station

This car is just fantastic.

I am considering one. I drive a pickup.

The Grandma part just crack me up

I drive a 2013 avalon love it, but love the LS MORE. I'm not in the market for another car at the moment as I just obtain my Avalon in April but when the time is right I would probably not go with the hybrid only because I traditionally prefer a sportier Drive in something luxurious. I have driven hybrids in the past and no matter how small their engineer who still a little bit of clunkiness to them.

I too like the glass thingy. I have to ask, What's with the In route to Perfection paper at the right visor?

I drive a 2016 es300h and my next car will either be a LS500h or the next es hybridDrove a P100D model X and my es300h drives smoother and is more comfortable and has better fit and finishI am a Lexus owner wife has a NX300hI like you reviews very cool

Great

I cannot wrap my mind around paying more and having more complexity for such a tiny amount of extra fuel efficiency. It's just not worth it. My opinion, of course.

Where would you rank the Audi A8? I love Lexus and Toyota. I'm on my second Prius and I'm looking at the Lexus RX450h sport for my next car.

I have been driving CT200h for the last 2 years here in nyc and have only two month to go before i return it to the dealer. Already got my next car. Its sitting in the garage next to CT. And no it is not a hybrid. Its a fully loaded Alfa Romeo Giulia and i cannot express how happy i am about this fact. Yes toyota knows what they are doing when it comes to hybrids and yes it was as reliable and as consistant as it gets however there is a VERY HEAVY counter argument against hybrids that all of my fellow hybrid owners agree with me on and its that they dont have a soul. Dont get me wrong i trust you when you say that this new lexus is as sporty and as fun as a gasoline version but i doubt that many owners of the hybrids will agree with you. So yeah would pass on this LS.

not sure if posting time is to comply with embargo but seems like an odd time for peak traffic

I drive a Nissan Patrol, Infinti Q70S 5.6 , so they made the Lexus LS into a sporty car instead of luxury car?

I thought you were going to do a full review on the f-sport

Yes - the hybrid would be hard to resist.

So why do you buy this hybrid, for the gas mileage,,,what is the mileage? If I want mileage and performance in a large car why not just buy the Tesla. I just don't see the hybrid thing in this category.

Yeah you're right it's not an AMG it just runs better than AMG

Car is completely underpowered. Handling and steering is numb. Why in the World would Lexus not use the wonderful v8 from the LC500? Sorry Lexus get back in line.

So you say your aunt would not find the Lexus comfortable?

I would consider it... But I won't, cause I drive a Giulia

I think it has the same transmission as the LC500h. I loved the part where you drive and give it some juice @5:30 onwards. I hate the feel of CVT transmissions. Knowing that Lexus has a real transmission sounds like it has returned the nice feel of shifting through gears.

Wow! Lexus made the front end even more hideous then last model year! Gone more bolder and sharp angle out too!

LS>>>German car.

Great technology, nice interior but that front end is UGLY !

Stop pacing for Christs sake.

Toooooo complicated. Just get an ev seriously 😂

What’s “ nagging “ is your constant pacing.

Absolutely nailed it. Good job, Lexus!

Yes I would pick this hybrid version over the twin turbo for several reasons. Primarily the serenity of the driving experience. Buyers of these larger cars love V12's because of the quiet, smooth driving experience. The hybrid offers a similar wafting experience to a V12 in this respect. Secondly, the improved running costs, albeit somewhat marginal. Thirdly, the inherent reliability of a N/A engine over a twin turbo. Fourthly, in the UK, far better residuals for the hybrid so financially this would be less of a hit on the wallet.

you didn't talk about the fuel economy at all :/

Jesus that is a stunning car to look at. And yes, it's going to be hard to avoid the Hybrid.

I currently drive a 2017 BMW X5 and I would have the LS 500 with F Sport Package. I love a comfortable ride but enjoy having a little fun every now and then.

Drive an LS460, wouldnt be able to resist the LS500h.

As long as the new LS hybrid is more reliable than the previous one then I would go for the hybrid. I currently have a CT200h. Hybrids rule. :)

Bought one and love it. Traded a current model Audi A8L I hope the Lexus service experience will be as good as what Audi provided.

I think a regular LS500. I love the Fsport look and hybrid MPG but its price worth the extra MPG. People love hybrid but looking at my wifes NX200t vs NX300h the price is much more than the actual gas she will spend. Same for the LS500h. Right now I own a 2010 LS460 sport with air ride and I am not a fan of Lexus going more sport. I prefer the luxury soft ride. But I will upgrade eventually to the 2018 LS500 and I will go with the Fsport just because I am young love the look. But Lexus may come out with the LS-F now that will be a game changer. Even tho a LS is more than enough. And I wonder if LS500 Fsport will come with an option for wood trim steering wheel, its one thing I love and hate about my LS, kind of miss the wood trim on the wheel. Just gives it a more luxury feel. P.s we met at the lookout point when you were testing out the I8, I had my LS460 from AZ there. Great meeting you.

Used to have a LS500 as a company driver. As quiet and refined as it was, hated the CVT ‘drone’. This looks more promising. Just wish Lexus would drop the ‘who can make the biggest grill’ competition against Audi.

I like the non-panoramic sunroof!

Right now I drive a Lexus Gs350 fsport . My next car I want is the Lexus new LS 500 fsport .

I am driving LS since 2005. I was BMW guy before and when 5 series changed body style and interior - I hated it and I found my first 2001 LS430 that I fall in love with, then in 2008 I bought new LS 460 , then in 2013 bought another 2010 LS460 and now driving 2015 LS 460 F Sport Crafted Line - bought it brand new. I love Lexus and honestly I am not still convinced if I want to drive Hybrid... Not even sure if I will like V6 in Lexus. To me V8 is a right engine in this type of car. I am thinking to keep my 2015 LS460 Crafted Line ( only 750 made Worldwide) for ever and probably go for new LC500 V8 as a second car. Those cars are the best. And I am saying that because I had as a second cars: Porsche Macan bi turbo ( it was a small toy that reminded me VW) , Range Rover Sport V8 ( Poor finishes and big delays on display screen and Auto Start that was making me nuts! ) The only thing I liked about Range Rover was powerful engine nothing else - I got rid of it last March. Looking forward to get that LC - I should not even try with any other brands anymore - I am done trying. Lexus is the way to go. Never had ANY problems with any I owned. Love them all and had a hard time to trade them in for the new ones.

wow. didn't know about the Hybrid and gear technology in this car. all i can say it's an AMAZING Car. LOVE it.

You've got great in cabin camera angles, unlike the other reviewers were you only see the person's head.

The fuel economy in hybrid cars still does not blow me away. We are facing a future of cars that is technologically a nightmare to maintain when they get older. Meaning, we are facing a future of even earlier trashing of cars, because they are impossible to keep running. How environmental is that? I would choose an electric car any time. Never a hybrid.

This new cvt still shifts and sounds like shit

Well, 4 speed conventional automatic is strange choice for hybrid, but I get it actually. Conventional gears in conjunction with CVT should spare wear-n-tare, thus giving it a long-life throughout years of use, for which they strive to be and perceived as. But I wonder of why they didn't split first gear for thirst 4 gears mimicking, and then second should have had 3 splits, then third is 2 gears mimicking and final ratio for single final ratio ( at lowest possible load for strained CVT chain ). Those choices would have been more logical and more durable accordingly, which would have let chain to run evenly throughout range of cones, covering all different positions with more distribution. Conventional CVT has one draw back which is it had to tend to hang on final ration too often thus wasting mid cone's range or, in another way, chain barely use some range of cones.

I cant wait to get mine I currently have a 2016 ES300H ULTRA LUXURY Hybrid and really love it

Lexus pioneered the 8 speed trans the multi stage is equally as impressive

What a superb car! Very nice interior and exterior.

I own a 2013 es300h, it's my daily and I love it. Looking to upgrade to this soon, I sat in one today and I was blown away.

Hybrid, if it's that good. I like the sole idea of efficiency.

I’m on my 3rd LS 460 and would consider a hybrid. I have heard they can be quite expensive if there are issues to fix. The LS500 will definitely be my next car in 5 years so we’ll see how they compare in the next couple of years in reliability and if they build a V8.

I abseloutely love this car over the new 7 series, Jag xj, s class and A8

What's the color code for this car?

my buggest question is is it a modern 4 speed?

Awesome video 📹

Get about the same mpg as my matrix !

6:39 - i beg to differ, the LS600h's interior was perfect. this interior is awkward.

Backstory - Owned mostly Toyota SUVs(1997 4Runner Limited, 2002 Sequoia Limited) and a 2008 Camry Limited the past 2 decades and currently own a 2013 Highlander Hybrid Limited. I always buy new and usually drive vehicles for more than 10 years. I am currently seriously considering a 2018 Lexus LX570 with 3rd row but this LS 500h has got me thinking about a test drive.

cant make the jump from gs300h to ls. too much money

Autoexpress gave this a poor review so bias to the Germans. Good to see the yanks aren't.

I currently drive a Nissan Frontier Pro4x, but I could see myself maybe purchasing a used LS when I retire. The twin turbo 3.5 is sublime, so it would be tough to pass on that, but even though you give up a bit of performance with the hybrid, it's minimal given the well implemented sport modes. More importantly, you gain about 6 MPGs which is substantial. I would definitely consider the hybrid over the twin turbo. In all honesty, I also plan to purchase a used 911 when I retire, so if I'm in the mood for a more sporty drive than the LS can give, I'll always have the 911 to fall back on.

I drive a 2006 gs 300, I would own the hybrid, but only because I want my own driver, I'm tired of having to deal with the idiots on the road these days. A half second in quickness means nothing to me if I'm sitting in the back reading. But if I was driving, I'd go with the 2018 bmw m5, and wish it could fly so I don't have to deal with all the idiots driving $2000 cars without insurance constantly tailgating, cutting people off, and acting like the world is going to end if they don't get there two seconds faster.

I'm currently driving 2015 Lexus NX 200t. I would choose the gasoline over the hybrid because the 10 speed automatic transmission which is smoother than the 4 speed auto+CVT in my opinion and the weight advantage which mean the hybrid version is also heavier than the gasoline version.

As a limo driver, I would only choose the hybrid if it didn't rob any trunk space. Not that I'm going to get an LS though - way too expensive. I'm in Australia and drive the *excellent* Holden Caprice, which is the perfect budget limo. It's out of production now, and I honestly have no idea what I'll get next - there's no other sedan here as big for the price.

Saying Lexus is a Toyota is stupid like saying Bentley are upgraded Seat.. same group.. different sectors. Jalous haters will always cry.. Lexus keep rullin'.

I have an IS 300h at the moment and I will keep it as long as it serves well. But I've already taken seat in the new LS500h and it was amazing. I had a lot of different cars in the past, but this one definitely got my attention. See you on the roads.

why overcomplicate things and not just put the 10gear-gearbox they already have? Maybe for size, but are 2 gearboxes smaller than one?

I'd totally consider the hybrid. I have a 2008 Highlander, and, it's got lots of shortcomings. But what it has taught me, is that the driver can adapt, easily.

I'm here just to look at what could possibly be the new Tundra powertrain.

👏👏👏

0-60? 1/4 mile? braking? handling? epa?

Lexus Engineers mate not Toyota geez....

The Hybrid costs more to repair. for the generator instead of an alternator and the battery. And it takes about 70k-80k miles to get your money back in fuel savings vs cost of Hybrid vs LS500 non hybrid.

His pacing back and forth is distracting.

Would you review the e63s already?

What is the total length of the vehicle?

Hey, glad you could use my music in your video. Great channel -- subbed!

Compared to the V8, it’s only 5 mpg better in Eco, and still not better in performance in Sport+. 😩