If you walked into a Lexus dealership back in 2018, you were witnessing a bit of a mid-life crisis. Not for the brand, but for the flagship. The previous LS 460 had been the "safe" choice for over a decade—it was quiet, V8-powered, and frankly, a bit sleepy. Then came the 2018 Lexus LS 500. It was longer, lower, and wider than anything Lexus had ever put on the road. It looked like a predator. But here’s the kicker: it ditched the V8. People lost their minds. Fast forward to today, and that controversial pivot is exactly why this car has become one of the most interesting values on the pre-owned market.
Honestly, the shift to a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 was a massive gamble. Lexus engineers, led by Chief Engineer Toshio Asahi, wanted to prove that "luxury" didn't have to mean "lazy." They built this car on the GA-L platform, the same bones found under the stunning LC 500 coupe. It was stiff. It was sharp. It was meant to actually be driven rather than just being a mobile isolation chamber for a CEO in the backseat.
What the Critics Got Wrong About the V6
When the 2018 Lexus LS 500 debuted, the loudest complaints centered on the engine note. "It doesn't sound like a Lexus," they said. Well, yeah. That was the point. The V35A-FTS engine produces $416$ horsepower and a beefy $442$ lb-ft of torque. It’s faster than the old V8. Much faster. We're talking a 0-60 mph sprint in about 4.6 seconds. That’s enough to humiliate most "sports" sedans from the same era.
The power delivery is where things get interesting. Because it’s a twin-turbo setup, the torque hits you low in the rev range. You don't have to wait for the car to downshift three times to find power. It’s just... there. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it tries its best to keep you in the power band, though, if we're being real, that 10-speed can sometimes hunt for gears in city traffic. It’s a minor quirk, but something you’ll notice if you’re coming from a buttery-smooth 6-speed.
Fuel economy? It’s better than the old LS, sure, but don't expect Prius numbers. You’ll likely see around 19 mpg in the city and maybe 29 on the highway if you’re gentle. Most owners report a combined average of 23 mpg. It’s a heavy car. Physics always wins.
The Interior is Basically an Art Gallery
Lexus decided to go full "Takumi" craftsmanship on the inside. If you find a model with the Executive Package and Kiriko glass trim, you’re looking at something that took literal years to develop. The glass is hand-cut, and the door panels feature hand-pleated fabric that looks like origami. It’s wild. No German brand—not Mercedes, not BMW—was doing anything this daring in 2018.
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The seats are another story entirely. 28-way power-adjustable front seats. Twenty-eight. You can adjust parts of the seat you didn't even know your body had. And the "Shiatsu" massage function? It’s not just a vibrating motor. It uses air bladders to apply actual pressure points. If you spend three hours a day in traffic, this car is basically a therapist on wheels.
The Elephant in the Room: The Infotainment
Look, we have to talk about the touchpad. The Remote Touch Interface in the 2018 Lexus LS 500 is, well, it's frustrating. It feels like trying to operate a laptop while riding a mechanical bull. It takes practice. A lot of it. The 12.3-inch screen is beautiful, but you’ll be swiping and clicking on that pad like your life depends on it.
The good news? The 2018 model eventually received an update for Apple CarPlay, though Android Auto users were left out in the cold for that specific year. If you’re buying one now, check the service records to see if the dealership performed the Enform software update. It makes the tech much more livable.
Reliability and Common "Gotchas"
People buy Lexus because they want a car that won't die. The 2018 Lexus LS 500 is generally bulletproof, but it was the first year of a total redesign. "First-year blues" are a real thing.
- Run-Flat Tires: This is the biggest complaint from owners. The original Bridgestone Turanza run-flats are loud and they wear out fast. Many people swap them for standard Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4s and carry a fix-a-flat kit. The ride quality improves by about 30% instantly.
- Air Suspension: If the car has the optional air suspension, keep an eye on it. It provides a magic carpet ride, but like all air systems, those struts can leak after 6 or 7 years. Replacing them out of warranty isn't cheap—expect to pay upwards of $2,000 per corner at a dealership.
- Interior Rattles: Some early 2018 builds had minor trim rattles around the HUD (Head-Up Display) area. It’s usually an easy fix with some felt tape, but it’s annoying in a $80,000 car.
The engine itself has proven remarkably stout. We haven't seen the widespread turbo failures that plagued some other brands during their transition to forced induction. Lexus over-engineered the cooling system, which is usually the secret sauce for turbo longevity.
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Driving Dynamics: Sport+ or Comfort?
This car has multiple personalities. In "Comfort" mode, the steering is light and the throttle is lazy. It’s perfect for a commute. But flip the dial (which strangely sits on the side of the instrument cluster like Shrek’s ears) to "Sport+," and the car tightens up. The digital gauges turn red, the exhaust gets a bit throatier, and the steering gains actual weight.
It handles surprisingly well for a 5,000-pound sedan. You can thank the Rear Power Steering (on F-Sport models) for that. It makes the car feel shorter than it actually is when you’re carving through a tight parking garage or a mountain road. It’s not a 911, obviously, but it’s far more composed than an S-Class when the road gets twisty.
The F-Sport vs. The Luxury Trim
You'll see a lot of F-Sport versions of the 2018 Lexus LS 500 on the used market. They look cooler. They have the "spindle" grille that looks like it wants to eat the car in front of it and massive 20-inch wheels. Inside, you get sporty perforated leather and a cool sliding gauge cluster inspired by the LFA supercar.
But if you want the true LS experience, look for the Luxury or Executive packages. Why? Because of the rear seats. The Executive Package includes a right-side ottoman that reclines, moves the front passenger seat forward, and lets you stretch out like you're in first class on Emirates. It even has a touchscreen in the center armrest to control the climate and music. It’s the ultimate "I’ve made it" flex.
Market Value: What Should You Pay?
In 2018, these cars easily cleared $90,000 with options. Today, you can find well-maintained examples with 50,000 to 60,000 miles for somewhere between $38,000 and $45,000. That is an insane amount of car for the money.
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Compare that to a new ES 350. The ES is a nice car, sure, but it’s a front-wheel-drive Camry-based sedan. The LS is a bespoke, rear-wheel-drive masterpiece. For the same price as a mid-spec new sedan, you’re getting the pinnacle of Japanese engineering.
Actionable Advice for Buyers
If you're hunting for a 2018 Lexus LS 500, don't just look at the odometer. These cars are built to last 200,000 miles. Instead, focus on the service history.
- Verify the Software: Ensure the Lexus Enform 2.0 update was installed for CarPlay compatibility.
- Check the Tires: If it still has the original run-flats, use that as a negotiation point to knock $1,200 off the price for a set of proper tires.
- Inspect the Seat Bolsters: The high side bolsters on the F-Sport seats can show wear if the previous owner was "large and in charge." Look for cracking in the leather.
- Battery Health: The LS 500 has a lot of electronics. If the car has been sitting on a dealer lot for a while, the 12V battery might be weak, leading to weird phantom sensor errors. Have them load-test it.
- Test the Mark Levinson Audio: Play something with heavy bass. The 23-speaker system is legendary, but if a speaker is blown, it's a headache to replace because of the proprietary housing.
Ultimately, the LS 500 represents the end of an era where Lexus really tried to out-engineer the world. It’s bold, it’s reliable, and it feels special every time you sit in it. While the touchpad might make you want to pull your hair out occasionally, the way the car wafts down the highway makes it all worth it.
Buying one of these isn't just a car purchase. It’s a loophole. You're getting a world-class flagship for the price of a loaded Honda Accord. That’s a win in any book. Check the maintenance records, swap the tires, and enjoy the quietest 400 horsepower you'll ever own.