X

2018 Lexus LS 500 still sets the course for Japanese flagships

Despite a frustrating infotainment system, the Lexus LS continues to be the flagship luxury sedan that reigns over its Japanese counterparts.

Andrew Krok
Cars are Andrew's jam, as is strawberry. After spending years as a regular ol' car fanatic, he started working his way through the echelons of the automotive industry, starting out as social-media director of a small European-focused garage outside of Chicago. From there, he moved to the editorial side, penning several written features in Total 911 Magazine before becoming a full-time auto writer, first for a local Chicago outlet and then for CNET Cars.
Andrew Krok
2018 Lexus LS 500
1 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

If there's one thing Lexus has perfected over the years, it's the luxury experience.

2018 Lexus LS 500
2 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

But if there's one area where Lexus continues to fail, it's with infotainment. 

2018 Lexus LS 500
3 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Both of these attributes come to a head in the 2018 LS 500.

2018 Lexus LS 500
4 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Lexus' latest big-body sedan is so good in so many ways, but I feel it's being held back from its full potential.

2018 Lexus LS 500
5 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

I can't lay all the blame on the infotainment, mind you -- just most of it.

2018 Lexus LS 500
6 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

If you want a large car with character, the expressive design will work in your favor. 

2018 Lexus LS 500
7 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

If the Lexus F Sport trim were merely an appearance package with bigger brakes, that'd be fine. But it also adds sport-tuned adaptive dampers that actually prevent the LS 500 from showing off its max potential.

2018 Lexus LS 500
8 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Even with the F Sport trim, the LS 500 is plenty plush, soaking up bad roads with nary a peep making its way through to the occupants.

2018 Lexus LS 500
9 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

I find that the best way to drive the LS 500 is to ignore the sportier drive modes and just leave it in Comfort all the time.

2018 Lexus LS 500
10 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Keep on scrolling to check out even more pictures of the Lexus LS 500, and don't forget to read our full review!

2018 Lexus LS 500
11 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
12 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
13 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
14 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
15 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
16 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
17 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
18 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
19 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
20 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
21 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
22 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
23 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
24 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
25 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
26 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
27 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
28 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
29 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
30 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
31 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
32 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
33 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
34 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
35 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
36 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
37 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
38 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
39 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
40 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
41 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
42 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
43 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
44 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
45 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow
2018 Lexus LS 500
46 of 46 Nick Miotke/Roadshow

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos