Lexus' oldest nameplate, having been launched in 1989, the LS moved into its fifth-generation in January 2017 at the Detroit Auto Show. Redesigned after a record ten years of minor changes, the LS is now sportier and more stylish than ever, and its interior is on par with what the competition has to offer. But, unlike its predecessor, a V-8 is no longer under the hood, having been replaced by a more powerful, yet more efficient V-6 drivetrain. Offered in both gasoline and hybrid variants, the LS is now also available in F Sport trim. But even though it has a somewhat more aggressive exterior and acts as a range topper, the F Sport isn't as special as Lexus wants us to believe.

The reason for that is that the F Sport badge doesn't bring much beyond the blacked-out exterior trim and a few special features on the inside. Sure, there are a few chassis tweaks to talk about, but the engine and transmission are as stock as they get. The problem with this is that the F Sport badge deserves a bit of extra oomph and it's imperative that Lexus comes up with a way to give Mercedes-Benz and BMW a run for their money in the performance department too. With the new BMW M760Li and Mercedes-AMG S63 around with fresh gear, the LS 500 F Sport will have a hard time making a name for itself.

Continue reading to learn more about the Lexus LS 500 F Sport.

2018 Lexus LS 500 F Sport

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Lexus LS 500 F Sport
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 415
  • Torque: 442
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

A quick glance at the LS 500 F Sport is enough to notice that we're dealing with a slightly beefed-up version of the standard sedan that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show. So, we're looking at a longer and wider LS with a stretched, ground-hugging appearance, and a sportier stance due to its engine hood and trunk lid sitting closer to the ground.

Up front, there's a massive "Spindle" grille flanked by Z-shaped headlamps and deeply sculpted air intakes in the bumper. Around back, the larger taillights extend well into the rear fender and are shaped almost like an X, a feature borrowed from many recent concept cars.

So what does the "F Sport" badge add to the LS 500?

For starters, the "Spindle" grille has a different mesh pattern and is finished in gloss black instead of chrome. The same goes for the intakes in the bumper, with each surround insert painted black. The side profile features a dark chrome trim insert just above the side skirts, while the wheels carry an exclusive, 20-inch alloy design. Around back, the chrome trim between the tail lights has been darkened too, while insert at the bottom of the rear fascia that surrounds the exhaust outlets is also finished in gloss black. Needless to say, the black accents make a great contrast with the white paint of the presentation model, but it probably won’t look as good on a black sedan. On the other hand, black trim works with just about any color for silver and gray to red and blue.

All told, the F Sport package is by no means extreme, but it gives the LS 500 that subdued, somewhat sporty look that many premium full-size sedan buyers are looking for.

Exterior comparison F Sport with standard model.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (Inches)

123

Overall length (Inches)

206.1

Height (Inches)

57.1

Width (Inches)

74.8


Interior

The interior of the new LS has also been redesigned from the ground up, and you'll find all the new features inside the F Sport model too. There's low-slung dashboard with horizontal lines and a split design between the massive infotainment screen placed on the upper section and the A/C control on the lower side, and unlike most cars in this class, the center stack and center console are separate units.

There's also a new seating design with 28-way power front seats, which also comes with heating, cooling, and massage function. The revised Active Noise Control provides a quieter ride and improved comfort. A new 12.3-inch screen gives access to all the features of the infotainment system as well as the standard navigation.

Options include a rear passenger seat that can be reclined up to 48 degrees, a 3D-surround Mark Levinson audio system with in-ceiling array speakers, and a massive, 24-inch heads-up display.

On top of that, the F Sport gets a few extra goodies to make the badge worth the extra investment. The standard front seats have been replaced by special F Sport units that provide enhanced support for dynamic driving. They also include a perforated grille pattern on the seating surfaces and bespoke aluminum trim elements. The steering wheel is also of the F Sport variety, as is the instrument cluster. The latter includes a movable meter with a ring that slides to display information, a design adapted from the LFA supercar. Further highlights include aluminum pedals, perforated shift handle and footrests, Ultrasuede inserts on the seats and headliner, and an exclusive, but optional Circuit Red interior theme.

Interior comparison F Sport with standard model.

Drivetrain

The new LS came with some big news under the hood, with the old 4.6-liter V-8 removed in favor of a modern 3.5-liter V-6. The twin-turbo unit cranks out 415 horsepower and 442 pound-feet, a 29-horsepower and 75-pound-foot increase over the previous V-8. On top of the extra oomph, Lexus also promised enhanced fuel economy, and even though mpg figures aren't yet available, it's safe to assume that the V-6 should return more miles for the gallon. As for performance off the line, the LS 500 needs 4.5 seconds to hit 60 mph, which is pretty good for a big, rear-wheel-drive sedan. The transmission is the company's latest 10-speed automatic.

As you might have already guessed, the same 3.5-liter V-6 helps the F Sport move about too, but the no-so-fortunate news is that output hasn't changed a bit.

On the flipside, the F Sport package comes with some chassis upgrades. There's an updated VDIM system, which integrates ABS, traction control, stability control, EPS and a few other functions. VDIM controls all vehicle subsystems including braking, steering, powertrain functions, and the suspension system, meaning the F Sport should be significantly more dynamic than the standard LS 500. If it's not, Lexus has a big problem on its hands.

The F Sport update is also available for the LS 500h model, which combines the 3.5-liter V-6 and an electric motor into a highly efficient hybrid drivetrain. The V-6 is rated at 295 horsepower and 258 pound-feet on its own, but when the batteries kick it, the system output increases to 354 horses. Charging from 0 to 60 mph takes 5.2 seconds in rear-wheel-drive configuration, while AWD data isn't yet available.

Drivetrain Specifications

LS 500

LS 500h

Engine

3.5-liter V6, direct fuel injection, twin turbochargers

3.5-liter V6 hybrid engine

Valve mechanism

24-valve, DOHC, chain drive (with Dual VVT-i)

24-valve, DOHC, chain drive (with Dual VVT-i)

Cylinders

6

6

Layout

Front engine, RWD and AWD

Front engine, RWD and AWD

Transmission

10-speed automatic

Multi Stage Hybrid Transmission

Max engine output (hp)

415

295

Max engine torque (lb-ft)

442

258

Total System Output (hp)

-

354

Battery Type

Lithium-ion

Battery Voltage

310

Acceleration (0-60)

4.5 sec (RWD)

5.2 sec (RWD)


Prices

As the range-topping model, the F Sport is obviously the most expensive version of the LS. While the LS 500 retails from $75,000, the LS 500 F Sport comes in at $81,000. For this amount, you get the rear-wheel-drive model. Upgrade to AWD and the sticker jumps to $84,220. In addition to the usual options, the F Sport can be fitter with the Performance Package. Available for $9,700, it adds dynamic rear steering, variable gear-ratio steering, and active stabilizers. However, this package isn't available for the all-wheel-drive version.

Competition

BMW 7 Series

Brand-new for the 2017 model year, the BMW 7 Series is one of the full-size sedans that Lexus wants to steal customers from with the LS. The 7 Series is pretty slick in standard form, but if you're looking for a more unique exterior you can select the M Sport package. The bundle is available on all trims, so you can have it on both the 740i and 750i in the States. The former is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six rated at 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet, while the latter uses a 4.4-liter V-8 that's good for 445 horses and 480 pound-feet. As you can see, the LS 500 F Sport slots right between the two as far as output goes. WThe same goes for pricing, as the 740i will likely be more affordable at $81,300, while the 750i should fetch considerably more at $97,400. If you go with the M Sport package, add a few thousand dollars to the sticker.

Learn more about the BMW 7 Series here.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

No premium full-size comparison is complete without the star of this segment, the mightly S-Class. Launched back in 2013, it became the most modern premium vehicle on the market. BMW finally managed to catch up with the redesigned 7 Series, but S-Class returned with an important upgrade for 2018. Although the styling is pretty much the same inside and out, the Merc sports more tech, including semi-autonomous drive, a smart steering wheel that can detect swipes, and upgraded engines. In the U.S., the German sedan now comes with a biturbo, 3.0-liter V-6 that cranks out 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet and a 4.0-liter V-8 rated at 463 horses and 516 pound-feet. Again, the LS 500 F Sport slots right between the new S450 and S560 models. Pricing-wise, the latter should be a bit more expensive at nearly $100,000. On the other hand, the S450 should cost less than the F Sport before options.

Find out more about the Mercedes-Benz S-Class here.

Genesis G90

Still fresh having debut in 2015, the G90 also marked Genesis' arrival on the market. Hyundai's luxury arm, Genesis has big plans and the G90 is its biggest offering to date. Two engine options are offered, including a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6, which produces 365 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.0-liter V-8 making 420 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Standard appointment is RWD, but there’s also the option for AWD, while the gearbox selection is limited to an eight-speed automatic. Pricing starts at $68,100, which makes the G90 by far the most affordable car in this comparison.

Read more about the Genesis G90 here.

Conclusion

I was pretty impressed with the new LS when it first arrived in early 2017. Its unique “Spindle” grille is a work of art, the Z-shaped headlamps are unlike anything else on the market, and the new beltline has a coupe of sexy rear haunches. This thing is unique styling-wise and a breath of fresh air compared to the somewhat dull 7 Series and S-Class. Not to mention that the retro-inspired dashboard and the leaf pore pattern speakers add more character to the interior. The F Sport model is pretty much the same deal, but with a more stealthy look on the outside. It’s nice overall, but I have this feeling that Lexus wasn’t exactly inspired here. A more aggressive aero kit together with a few engine tweaks would have been brilliant.