Video Discription |
2018 Lexus LS
Lexus says that the version of the spindle grille built for the new LS incorporates over 5,000 surfaces, requiring intensive computer-aided design.
For this generation, Lexus rides the economy trend, so dropped the former V8 in favor of a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine in the LS 500, using Lexus' unique fuel system that chooses between direct and port injection for different driving circumstances. That engine manages 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, which moves this 4,700-pound plus luxury sedan well. The automatic transmission boasts a whopping 10 gears, and it shifts seamlessly, so that I don't even feel it.
Get TubeBuddy: https://www.tubebuddy.com/theworldguru
CarGurus
#theworldguru | #cargurus | #top10
Subscribe for more videos:
https://goo.gl/AgbsC3
During this event, I drive a few version of the LS, including one with the standard adaptive coil suspension and another with air suspension. The ride in the former feels mediocre, communicating bumps and roughness in the road similar to much less expensive cars, but an example with the air suspension makes a huge difference, bringing the LS 500 closer to the ride quality of the benchmark Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
As the LS 500 includes Sport and Sport Plus modes, I hit the twisty bits with enthusiasm, but quickly realize the car's weight and understeer inhibit any real performance. Likewise, it's too slow to downshift for engaging throttle response. Unless Lexus can make the LS substantially lighter, it probably shouldn't waste too much time tuning for sport performance.
The LS 500h using the same 3.5-liter V6 with combination direct and port injection, it drops the twin turbochargers in favor of its complementary electric drive system, making for a total output of 354 horsepower.
The new LS can be had with either a turbocharged V6 or a V6-based gasoline-electric hybrid drive system, and rear-wheel- or all-wheel-drive
Given the LS sedan's luxury mission, I don't mind the reduced horsepower in the LS 500h. It feels virtually the same in normal driving. Borrowing a trick from the performance-oriented LC 500h, the hybrid LS uses a unique transmission that combines four fixed gears with a planetary gearset, the latter piece common to all Toyota and Lexus hybrids from the first Prius. The addition of the four gears may account for the satisfying acceleration feel.
Between the LS 500 and LS 500h there is a half-second gap in zero to 60 mph acceleration, 4.6 versus 5.1 seconds. And the LS 500h pulls in fuel economy of 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, an average of 5 mpg better than the LS 500's 19 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Shave off a gallon or two for all-wheel-drive versions of either model.
The expansive optional head-up display in the Lexus LS shows adaptive cruise control and speed information.
Wayne Cunningham/CNET Roadshow
What really stands out for me in the LS is the view through the windshield, when equipped with the optional head-up display (HUD). I've come to love HUDs in cars, as you always have the most important info in view in a format that doesn't distract. The LS gets the best HUD I've seen yet, at 24 inches wide and 6 inches high, this full color display appears to hang in the air just above the hood. It shows the car's speed, the speed limit, tachometer, route guidance and adaptive cruise control information.
One area where Lexus lagged behind the competition was in advanced driver assistance features, but the new LS catches up nicely. I set adaptive cruise control and lane departure, and was able to keep a very light touch on the wheel as the LS kept pace with slower traffic ahead and twisted the wheel to maintain lane position. My limited drive time didn't let me try it out at really slow speeds, but Lexus insists it works at all speeds.
The LS' infotainment system, showing on a wide LCD in the center dash, basically carries over from other recent Lexus models. It includes navigation, digital audio, hands-free phone system and a number of integrated third party apps, such as Yelp, Pandora and NPR One. The car includes a built-in data connection to power its online features, which include cloud support for better route calculation.
2018 Lexus LS
2018 Lexus LS: Japanese design highlights new Lexus LS interior
As with other recent Lexus models, the LS relies on a touchpad on the console, which let me move a cursor on screen to select menu items. I find this system better than the joystick controller of the Lexus RX, but it's still easy to miss hitting a menu or icon. | hybrid car |
To cap off my day with the LS 500 and LS 500h, I get to ride in a car equipped with the rear seat executive package. Tapping on a center touchscreen, I recline my seat and fire up a relaxing massage. If all my trips were this comfortable, I wouldn't mind letting someone else do the driving. | hybrid car |
The Lexus LS 500 and LS 500h will become available February, 2018.
لكزس لس 500
लेक्सस एलएस 500 |