Daily Slideshow: All You Need to Know About the Lexus LS500h

The Lexus LS500h

It's been a long time coming, a luxury sedan with enough power to keep you sunk into your seat, all without making you break a sweat on gas mileage. The Lexus LS500h hybrid variation of LS series has all sorts of new features. However, the best change isn’t found in the cabin, but under the hood in a 3.5l package. Utilizing an n/a Atkinson style engine, and paired with an electric motor, the multi-stage hybrid system is expected to produce 354 hp. All this, while maintaining an EPA rated average of 28 mpg (RWD) and 26 mpg (AWD). 

Sounds too good to be true? It's not. Lexus is getting ready to finally start shipping out these cars this upcoming year. Check out what you can expect from a base model and some of the more exclusive packages that Lexus has to offer. 

>>Join the conversation about the LS500h  right here in the Club Lexus forum.

The Engine

Stock for stock, the standard 500 has a twin-turbocharged V6, squeezing out 415 hp, and has some critics concerned whether or not this hybrid variation would be worth it. This is probably due to the minuscule market rate, the LS600h hybrids managed to sell, with less than 1 percent of individuals opting for it. For now, critics should remain calm. Even with the decrease in power, the acceleration of the new 500h is rated at 0 - 60 in 5.2 seconds. The engine has Lexus’ patented VVTi system and then there’s the multi-stage hybrid system, which essentially mimics that of a 10-speed transmission, allowing drivers a manual mode. 

>>Join the conversation about the LS500h  right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Interior

It's luxury at its finest, with semi-aniline leather and an insane 28-way multifunction massage seat. Up top, you can run your hands across a ULTRASUEDE headliner and sun visors. Those that are interested in opting for the Executive Package will have access to butterfly power retractable front headrests, power adjustable rear seats of which are outfitted with a specialized sliding ottoman. That’s right, the rear seats turn into recliners. If that wasn’t enough, even the windows have powered sunshades. 

>>Join the conversation about the LS500h  right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Suspension Options

It used to be when most people thought of hybrids, they pictured a slow Prius putting around town. While it’s no question time’s have changed, Lexus does it even one more and offers a specialized performance package for those looking to improve handling. Featuring specialized variable gear-ratio steering, and a dynamic rear steering system there’s no question of just how well this car will handle entering and exiting corners. The suspension system will also have active stabilizers, which help reduce body roll and instead keep the car balanced in tight corners.  

>>Join the conversation about the LS500h  right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Safety is the Priority

Lexus has always been an innovator in safety and this top of the line hotel on wheels is no different. Select options include access to Codrive, a cruise control system with lane access that helps prevent the car from accidentally swerving into the other lane. The advanced package includes multiple sensors found all around the vehicle for either detecting pedestrians, cross-traffic and even includes an automatic braking system as the last form of defense. If the car does manage to get into an accident, up to eight airbags will be outfitted around the cabin to reduce the amount of harm produced.   

>>Join the conversation about the LS500h  right here in the Club Lexus forum.

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