Lexus LS 500 makes Aussie debut

The recent national media launch of the updated Lexus NX compact SUV range had a surprise guest, with the brand's new luxury sedan – the LS 500 – making its first official local appearance.

The imposing vehicle was present during the lunch stop on the NX press drive, which was held through the Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale wine growing region on Tuesday, October 17.

First shown at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2017, the fifth-generation LS was also driven by motoring.com.au in San Francisco last month, but now the first example from Japan has made it to our shores.

Luxury liner
So what's it like in the metal? In a word, stunning. The LS 500 exudes opulence, from the lovingly crafted interior finishes to the high-end Mark Levinson audio system and no end of other high-tech equipment.

Back-seat passengers don't miss out either, with rear occupants enjoying around a metre of leg space, individual internet-enabled touchscreens and seating equipped with heating, cooling, and even a shiatsu massage function…

The model on show in McLaren Vale was the full-biscuit 3.5-litre twin-turbo-petrol V6, which is said to kick out a heady 310kW and 600Nm of twist. Despite the luxo rig weighing in at around two tonnes that's enough to rocket it from a standing start to 100km/h in just five seconds, with the power laid down at the rear via a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Hybrid alternative
When the model goes on sale in April next year, however, it will be joined by a hybrid sibling, which sees a 3.5-litre petrol V6 paired with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery. Despite its eco-aware focus, the LS 500h – which Lexus says produces a combined total of 264kW – shouldn't dip out on too much of the turbo-petrol variant's performance.

Lexus says the hybrid is capable of running 0-100km/h in just 5.4 seconds, and is capable of achieving speeds of up to 140km/h on the electric motor alone.

The LS 500 and LS 500h ride on an extended version of the platform underpinning the Lexus LC – it is only available in a long-wheelbase, rear-drive format and the engine has been placed as far back as possible in the chassis to centralise its centre of gravity. The model rolls on multi-link suspension front and rear and is shod with 20-inch rims with low-profile tyres.

New benchmark
Speaking at the lunch, Lexus Australia CEO Peter McGregor said the LS 500 promised to set a new benchmark in the luxury sedan segment.

"The new LS offers the room and comfort of a long-wheelbase prestige sedan, with the stylish silhouette of a four-door coupe," he said.

"It's also a bold move by Lexus – putting more power and torque to the road than the current V8, while improving fuel economy.

"In short, our new flagship sedan is built on the leading levels of powertrain smoothness, ride quietness, craftsmanship, attention to detail and dependability that have made the LS nameplate famous."

Pricing for the new LS 500 will be announced closer to its arrival next year.