Lexus once again takes aim at the top end of town with its new LS500 flagship sedan, with a new platform, new engine, and incredibly detailed handcrafted interior that puts its German competitors on notice. Not since the first LS of the late 1980s has Lexus’s flagship sedan posed such a threat to its European rivals. That’s a big statement, sure, and the new 2018 Lexus LS500 can carry it. Much like the original LS400 that arrived in 1989, the 2018 LS range shows meticulous attention to detail with a broad view to conquering vital markets for the large limousine category. Of course, in the nearly 30 years since the LS debuted, much has changed from a global perspective, including Lexus’s laser-sharp focus on the US market that has lessened slightly, with China now seen as a vital market for cars like this. Meanwhile, Australia isn’t the natural hunting ground of grand prestige saloons designed to pamper rear-seat occupants. Of course, they sell here, albeit in small numbers and often to chauffeur drive services rather than wealthy individuals. Be that as it may, the newest LS500 attentively caters to the needs of both drivers and passengers like never before, and banishes any memories of Lexus vehicles as dressed-up Toyotas. Starting with the platform underneath the LS, Lexus has used the technological advancement made possible by the premium rear-wheel-drive GA-L chassis first seen under the much more dramatic-looking LC coupe. The technical specifications offered by GA-L (one of three Toyota New… [Read full story]
Leave a Reply