Lexus Malaysia has announced that the order books have opened for the 2018 Lexus LS sedan, which is scheduled to arrive here sometime in the first quarter. The automaker’s flagship limousine will go on sale in Malaysia in three variant forms, these being the LS 500 Luxury, the LS 500 Executive and the range-topping LS 500h Executive hybrid.

The fifth-gen LS sits on the company’s Global Architecture – Luxury (GA-L) platform, which made its debut in the LC 500 coupe, and the petrol variant is powered by a 3.5 litre, twin-turbo petrol V6. The unit, which replaces the previous-gen’s naturally-aspirated V8, offers 415 hp and 599 Nm of torque in the way of output, and is paired with a 10-speed torque converter automatic transmission.


The hybrid, which made its debut in Geneva last March, also utilises a 3.5 litre V6 petrol mill, though that’s normally-aspirated and good for 295 hp and 350 Nm of torque on its own. The engine is assisted by two electric motors, with a 310 volt lithium-ion battery providing the necessary juice. In combination, overall output from the hybrid system is 354 hp.

Power on this one is put to the ground via a Multi Stage Hybrid Transmission, which combines a four-speed automatic with a traditional hybrid continuously variable transmission (CVT), to recreate a 10-speed transmission.


There’s plenty of interior luxe – aside from all the usual plush bits, front occupants get 28-way power-adjustable seats with heating, cooling and massage functions, and those seated at the rear will find the same raft of climate control functions as found in front, with an optional rear seat luxury package adding on a raised ottoman. Also, the rear seat behind the front passenger can be reclined up to 48 degrees, or raised up to 24 degrees, to make for easier egress.

The kit list includes a 12.3-inch navigation display and a 3D-surround Mark Levinson audio with a remote touch infotainment interface and in-ceiling array speakers. On the safety front, the luxury sedan is equipped with the Lexus Safety System +, which includes pre-collision warning system and an advanced lane departure alert, among other things.


Pricing for the 2018 Lexus LS starts off at RM 799,000 for the LS 500 Luxury, while the LS 500 Executive is priced at RM 999,000. As for the range-topping LS 500h Executive, that goes for RM 1,459,000, all on-the-road without insurance. The new Lexus LS will come with a comprehensive five-year warranty covering unlimited mileage.