Does the Lexus LS have a V8?
No—the current Lexus LS lineup does not include a V8 engine. As of 2025, the LS is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 in the LS 500, along with a hybrid variant (the LS 500h). There is no V8 option in the modern LS lineup.
To understand the question in more detail, it helps to look at what engines the LS offers today, how that contrasts with earlier generations, and what that history reveals about Lexus’ powertrain strategy for the flagship sedan.
Current engine options
The latest LS models are organized around a V6 foundation with electrification, not a V8. The following fall under the current lineup:
- LS 500 — 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6
- LS 500h — hybrid variant pairing the same V6 with electric motors
In short, today’s LS focuses on turbocharged V6 performance and hybrid efficiency rather than traditional V8 power.
Historical context: past V8 availability in the LS line
To place the current situation in context, Lexus did offer V8 engines in earlier LS generations. Those older models provided traditional V8 power before the brand shifted toward V6 turbocharging and electrification in the modern era.
- LS 400 — 4.0-liter V8
- LS 430 — 4.3-liter V8
- LS 460 — 4.6-liter V8
- LS 600h L — 5.0-liter V8 paired with a hybrid/extended-wheelbase configuration
These examples show that a V8 was part of the LS lineup in the past, but it is not offered in current production.
Summary
The Lexus LS, in its current generation, uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with an electrified LS 500h variant, and there is no V8 option available. V8 power existed in older LS models, but contemporary LS shoppers should expect V6 turbocharged performance and hybrid technology rather than a traditional V8.
Is the Lexus LS 500 a V8?
Under the hood of the LS 500 F SPORT is a 3.5-liter twin turbo V6 engine, the first ever in the LS series. The compact engine achieves high driving performance as well as reduced fuel consumption.
Which Lexus LS has a V8?
For the first four generations, all LS models featured V8 engines and were predominantly rear-wheel-drive. In the fourth generation, Lexus offered all-wheel-drive, hybrid, and long-wheelbase variants. The fifth generation changed to using a V6 engine with no V8 option, and only one length was offered.
Which Lexus has a V8 engine?
2024 LC. The 2024 LC has five trim levels. While the LC 500h has a hybrid V6 engine, the other trims have a V8 engine. The LC 500, LC 500 Convertible, LC 500 Inspiration Series, and the LC 500 Convertible Inspiration Series each have a standard 5.0L V8 engine that produces 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque.
Is the LS engine a V8?
The Luxury Sport Small Block Chevy Engine
The LS or Luxury Sport engine began as a V8 gas engine, and the LS name came from the code “LS1” used by Chevrolet to designate the Chevy Corvette's third generation engine. Before the small block appeared in the Corvette, Chevy used the CL or Custom Luxury engine.
