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2018 Lexus LS: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Lexus LS is an all-new, fifth-generation model built on Lexus's new GA-L platform. This full redesign brings new gas and hybrid powertrains, a lower and wider shape, a completely redone cabin, and standard driver-assistance technology.
About the 2018 Lexus LS
5th generation LS (XF50), first year of the redesign.
Lexus positions the LS as its global flagship sedan: a large luxury car built around quiet comfort, craftsmanship, and a distinct Japanese sense of hospitality. For 2018, Lexus also pushes the LS to feel more driver-focused than earlier versions, using the new GA-L platform to add sharper responses without giving up cabin serenity. Against German rivals, the LS leans on long-distance comfort, a welcoming interior, bold styling, and Lexus dependability rather than an overtly aggressive personality.
The LS 500 is the main comfort-focused model, with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, a 10-speed automatic, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 12.3-inch navigation display. The LS 500 F SPORT adds a sharper look and feel through 20-inch wheels, larger brakes, more supportive seats, and sport-themed cabin details, while the LS 500h pairs the flagship experience with a 354-hp hybrid system.
What changed, by category
Structural
The entire LS line moves to the new rear-drive-based GA-L platform. The redesigned body is longer, lower, and wider than before.
Powertrain
The LS 500 replaces the previous LS 460's V8 setup with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 and 10-speed automatic. The LS 500h introduces a new 354-hp Multi Stage Hybrid System built around a 3.5-liter V6.
Styling
The redesigned LS adopts a more dramatic, coupe-like profile. A new LS 500 F SPORT version adds sport-styled bodywork, 20-inch wheels, and unique interior details.
Safety
Lexus Safety System+ becomes standard across the 2018 LS lineup.
Tech
The cabin is completely redesigned around a 12.3-inch navigation display and Lexus's Remote Touch interface.
2018 Lexus LS specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter | V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, ECVT | Automatic, 10-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Hybrid | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 25 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 33 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft | 15.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.9 in | 38.9 in | 38.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Head-Up Display | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Interior Trim | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Massage Front Seat | |||
| Massage Rear Seat | |||
| Memory Rear Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Reclining Rear Seats | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Lexus LS a completely new model compared with the 2017 LS?
Yes. The 2018 Lexus LS begins the fifth generation with a new GA-L platform, new body, redesigned cabin, and new gas and hybrid powertrains.
Does the 2018 Lexus LS still have a V8 engine?
No. The 2018 LS 500 replaces the previous LS 460's V8 setup with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
What happened to the LS 460 and LS 460 L for 2018?
The LS 460 and long-wheelbase LS 460 L leave the lineup for 2018. The redesigned range consists of the LS 500, the sportier LS 500 F SPORT, and the LS 500h hybrid.
Is the 2018 Lexus LS 500 F SPORT new for this year?
Yes. The LS 500 F SPORT joins the redesigned 2018 lineup with sport-styled bodywork, 20-inch wheels, larger brakes, more supportive front seats, and unique cabin and chassis equipment.
What changed with the 2018 Lexus LS hybrid?
The 2018 LS 500h introduces Lexus's new Multi Stage Hybrid System, combining a 3.5-liter V6 with electric power for 354 hp and a transmission designed to give the hybrid a stepped-gear feel.
2018 Lexus LS Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Lexus LS.
4.0
2018 Lexus LS
(124 reviews)
“A quality, safe, luxurious, fun to drive, technology innovative vehicle which is a best buy in the marketplace.”
“I hate the new ls500. I made a mistake and ordered it based on my previous Lexus LS cars. This one is horrible. I wish someone would take over my lease”
Sources
- pressroom.lexus.com — All New 2018 Ls Lexus Reimagines Global Flagship Sedan
- pressroom.lexus.com — All New 2018 Lexus Ls Sets New Standard Luxury Sedan Value
- lexus.com — Models / 2018 / MY18 Lexus LS brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New 2019 Lexus Ls
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2018 Lexus Ls 500 F Sport Debuts Nyias
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2018 Lexus Ls 500H Product Info