2018 Lexus LS 500h: 5 things you need to know

Lexus has been rolling out models with laudable frequency ever since the luxury Japanese brand’s India foray, and its latest offering for our market is the very luxurious LS 500h. Positioned to rival the Mercedes-Maybach S500, the LS 500h is long, indulgent, swank and decidedly cool. Here is everything you need to know about it.

1. L stands for Luxury:
The LS 500h is a luxury sedan (though at over 5.2m, ‘limousine’ would not be misused here). In line with its segment requirements, it is outfitted with the best of materials, equipment, space, features and creature comforts. We’re talking rolls and rolls of hide, multiple screens, heated seats with massage features, more seat adjustment than you might know what to do with, plush air suspension, a 23-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system and active noise cancellation for the cabin. As expected, the rear seat is the most luxurious part of the LS 500h’s cabin – the two bucket-shaped seats are individually reclinable by up to 48 degrees, with an extended footrest available as an option.

2. It’s long:
The LS 500h, much like its rivals, is a very long car indeed, necessitated no doubt by the demands for generous rear legroom. The LS 500h measures in at over 5.2m with a wheelbase of 3.1m. Best of luck parallel parking that on the street.

3. It looks rather cool:
The LS 500h, unlike its predecessors, features a very dynamic design indeed. The front is dominated by Lexus’ new-age, signature, oversized-hourglass-shaped grille and aggressive-looking headlights, while the car is very coupé-like in profile. The new, flowing design carries on inside the cabin, visible especially in the dashboard. Buttons have been replaced by screens and the whole lot of materials and textures are rich and futuristic.

4. It’s got a hybrid powertrain:
Lexus will sell the LS 500h with a hybrid powertrain comprising a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and two electric motors putting out a combined 354hp that is channelled to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. The LS 500h will dispatch a 0-100kph run in 5.4sec and claimed fuel efficiency is a lofty 15.38kpl – not bad for a car this size, eh?

5. It’s all about the money, money, money:
The LS 500h, as expected, is quite pricey. Available in three variants – Luxury, Ultra Luxury and Distinct – the LS 500h will set its buyers back Rs. 1.77 crore, Rs. 1.82 crore and Rs. 1.93 crore, respectively (all prices ex-showroom India).