Does Lexus LS 500 have V8?
The LS 500 does not use a V8 engine. It relies on a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, with a hybrid variant using the same V6 paired with electric motors.
Engine basics
The modern Lexus LS 500 line is built around a downsized, turbocharged V6 rather than a traditional large-displacement V8. This shift mirrors broader industry trends toward improved efficiency without sacrificing luxury acceleration and refinement.
Current LS 500 powertrain
Key specifications of the standard LS 500 configuration are described below.
- Engine: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6
- Power: around 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available
This setup provides strong, smooth performance typical of a flagship sedan while aiming for better efficiency than a V8-powered rival.
Hybrid variant: LS 500h
The LS 500h (hybrid) uses the same 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor, forming Lexus Hybrid Drive. The combined output sits in the mid-300 horsepower range, emphasizing efficiency and refined, whisper-quiet operation rather than raw V8-style acceleration.
- Hybrid system: 3.5-liter V6 + electric motors
- Combined output: in the mid-300s horsepower range
- Purpose: improved fuel economy and smoother power delivery
In short, the LS 500 family relies on turbocharged V6 power rather than a V8 engine, including its hybrid variant.
Historical context
V8 engines have appeared in earlier Lexus LS models, but not in the current LS 500 lineup. The LS 430 and LS 460 from previous generations used large V8s, while the high-end LS 600h L offered a V8-based hybrid configuration. Those variants are now part of Lexus’ legacy lineup and not the present production.
Why Lexus chose a V6 over a V8
Lexus, like many luxury brands, has prioritized a balance of performance, refinement, and efficiency. The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 delivers brisk acceleration and smooth operation, with better fuel economy and lower emissions than a traditional V8 while maintaining a quiet, premium cabin experience.
Conclusion
Bottom line: the Lexus LS 500 does not have a V8. It uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, with a hybrid variant that also relies on the V6 plus electric motors. If a V8 is a must-have, buyers would be looking at older LS generations or other models outside the current LS 500 lineup.
Summary
In the contemporary LS lineup, Lexus prioritizes a turbocharged V6 at the heart of the LS 500, not a V8. This choice supports strong performance with greater efficiency, while the legacy V8-powered LS models belong to past generations rather than the current production.
