2018 Lexus LS 500h Release Date, Specs News: Hybrid Version of Flagship Luxury Sedan to Break Cover at Geneva Motor Show

By Georgia Gana, Christian Post Contributor Thursday, February 16, 2017

Lexus has announced that the all-new LS 500h will make its world premiere at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show next month. The hybrid vehicle will break cover just a couple of months after Toyota's luxury division unveiled its flagship luxury sedan, the 2018 LS, at the Detroit Auto Show last January.

Lexus has not released specific details for the all-new hybrid vehicle but it is expected to feature the same multistage hybrid powertrain used by the 2018 LS. It features a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine that delivers 295 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque alongside a 59-horsepower electric motor. The system achieves a total output of 354 horsepower. Furthermore, the multistage setup means that the hybrid will be equipped with both a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a four-speed automatic gearbox.

The 2018 Lexus LS 500h will also come with a lithium-ion battery to enable all-electric driving but there's no indication yet on its technical specifications.

Meanwhile, in terms of design, the 2018 LS 500h will be almost identical to the non-hybrid flagship sedan — as evidenced by the first promotional image for the upcoming vehicle. This is understandable as both vehicles use Lexus' new global architecture for luxury vehicles (GA-L).

As such, the LS and the LS 500h share the same dimensions. However, compared with the previous model, the new hybrid will be longer, wider and lower. The new platform also uses aluminum, ultra-high-tensile steel and other lightweight components which translate to a stiffer but lighter chassis. This enhances the vehicle's steering response and overall driving experience.

Some of the expected features for the 2018 LS 500h include 28-way adjustable front seats with cooling, heating and massage functions, which will be optional for the rear seats. The hybrid will also most likely come with the Lexus Safety System+ and Advanced Safety Package which includes Pedestrian Detection with Active Steering.

Official details for the 2018 Lexus LS 500h will be revealed during the automaker's press conference on Tuesday, March 7 at 12:45 p.m. CET/ 6 a.m. EST. It will be held on Lexus' stand, 4211, located in Hall 4 of the Palexpo convention center in Geneva, Switzerland.

The 2018 Lexus LS and the LS 500h are slated to arrive in dealerships later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the official launch.