AUTOS
The 2019 Lexus LS 500
All-new for 2018, the Lexus LS 500 is the fifth generation of the Japanese brand's sedan flagship. Quiet, powerful, and elegant, the rear-wheel-drive-based chassis comes with AWD that pushes the car's curb weight over 5,000 pounds.
Henry Payne, The Detroit NewsThe Lexus LS 500's sculpted rear is more conventional than the sedan's radical, spindle-grille front. Signature Lexus touches include corner taillight "drips" and floating chrome exhaust tips.
Henry Payne, The Detroit NewsThe rear-wheel-drive-based GA-L chassis architecture gives the 2018 Lexus LS nimble handling for a 5,000-pound land yacht. Lower than the previous generation by 0.6-inches, the LS features a coupe-like roof and available air suspension that rises up when passengers approach for easier seat access.
Henry Payne, The Detroit NewsVanilla no more. The 2018 Lexus LS 500 sports a giant spindle grille. Together with the z-shaped headlights, the design sets the Lexus apart from other premium autos. Continue on to read more comments by Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne.
Henry Payne, The Detroit NewsWith its spindle grille, big, 20-inch alloy wheels, and panoramic sun roof, a fully-loaded, Lexus LS 500 cuts a dashing figure on Metro Detroit roads.
Henry Payne, The Detroit NewsThe front cabin of the Lexus LS 500 is opulent with Japanese-inspired design forms, 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and available, leather-wrapped, 28-way seats. Lacking is storage console space available in other large premium vehicles.
Henry Payne, The Detroit NewsChocolate, ultra-suede door and headliner is part of a $12,270 luxury package option that turns the Lexus LS 500 into a rolling Vegas hotel suite: 18-way rear, heated seats, window shades, and other features included.
Henry Payne, The Detroit NewsThe back seat of the Lexus LS is a comfortable place to be with available, separate sunroof, heated and cooled reclining seats, and center console touchscreen.
Henry Payne, The Detroit NewsAvailable with the Lexus LS 500's $12,270 luxury package, a 7-inch rear touch-screen is not only preferable to the front cabin's difficult, remote, touch-pad controller - but it can be used to control everything from the radio to the heated and cooled rear seats.
Henry Payne, The Detroit NewsThe rear-seat of the Lexus LS 500 easily fit 6'5" Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne - who gained even more legroom by remotely moving the front passenger seats forward.
Henry Payne, The Detroit NewsThe rear seat touch-screen includes controls to collapse the front passenger seat forward for better leg room.
Henry Payne, The Detroit NewsThe Lexus LS 500 ditches its traditional V-8 power train for a 3.5-liter, twin-turbo V-6 that puts out 416 horses and 442 pound-feet of torque. The engine bay is wrapped up, making access difficult outside dealer bays.
Henry Payne, The Detroit NewsA touch-pad controller in the center console looks high-tech, but is a headache in operation of the remote, 12.3-inch touch-screen display. The large pad also robs the console of useful storage space for, say, a smart phone.
Henry Payne, The Detroit NewsContrary to the Audi A8's sprawling display, the Lexus LS 500 instrument cluster is neatly packed around an RPM gauge. Features are operated via the steering wheel - and two "horns" atop the gauge head. Rotate the right horn, for example, and SPORT PLUS mode will turn the gauge red.
Henry Payne, The Detroit NewsThe Lexus LS locates its front heated seats and steering wheel options in the infotainment screen - which are difficult to access on the move with the touchpad console controller.
Henry Payne, The Detroit NewsThe Lexus LS boasts a large, easy-to-read, 12.3-inch dash display. It features a voice-operated navigation system -but it is slow compared to smartphones and is not up to date in its list of, for example, local restaurants.
Henry Payne, The Detroit NewsThe 2018 Lexus LS 500 features backup assist and multiple cameras around the car to give an overhead, 360-degree view of the car. The features are part of a suite of Lexus tech goo-gaws.
Henry Payne, The Detroit NewsThe Lexus LS 500's 24-inch head-up display is the biggest in the industry. It includes everything from self-driving status to speed limit to mph to navigation directions.
Henry Payne, The Detroit News