Is the Lexus LS 500 a V8?
The Lexus LS 500 is not a V8; it is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6. This engine marks a shift away from Lexus’s traditional V8 options in the flagship LS lineup.
Launched as the primary gas-powered variant of the latest LS generation, the LS 500 pairs a turbocharged V6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission and offers rear- or all-wheel drive depending on market. While earlier LS models used V8 power, the current LS 500 lineup relies on a refined twin-turbo V6 for performance and efficiency.
Engine details and performance
Key specifications and drivetrain options for the current LS 500 are summarized below.
- Engine: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6
- Power: about 416 horsepower (varies by market)
- Torque: around 442 lb-ft
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive standard, all-wheel drive available in some markets
- Notes: The LS 500 is designed to deliver strong highway acceleration with smooth, linear power delivery from a V6 turbo setup
The turbocharged V6 delivers equivalent or greater real-world performance compared with many V8s in similar luxury sedans, while generally offering better fuel efficiency and a lower curb weight.
V8 legacy in the LS lineage
Understanding the LS 500’s place in Lexus history helps clarify the current engine lineup. Historically, the flagship LS offered V8 power in earlier generations, and a dedicated hybrid variant that used a V8 package was produced for some markets. Today, the primary gas-powered LS model uses a V6 twin-turbo as its standard engine, with V8 options largely phased out in the current lineup in most markets.
Historical context: how the LS evolved
To place the LS 500 in broader context, here are a few notes on past engines that powered flagship LS models.
- LS 460 (earlier generations): 4.6-liter V8 engine
- LS 600h L (hybrid era): V8-based hybrid system offering a larger displacement option in certain markets
- Current generation: primarily 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 for the LS 500, with hybrid variants offered in other LS trims in some markets
In summary, the present-day LS 500 does not use a V8; it relies on a turbocharged V6 that emphasizes performance, efficiency, and modern emissions targets while continuing the luxury and refinement associated with the LS badge.
Summary
The Lexus LS 500 is not a V8. It uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing strong performance with improved efficiency compared to older V8-powered LS models. For buyers seeking V8 power, older LS variants and certain markets historically offered V8 options, but the current LS 500 lineup centers on the turbocharged V6 configuration.
