Is the Lexus LS 500 electric?
The short version: no. The Lexus LS 500 is not electric; it is powered by a conventional gasoline engine, with a hybrid variant in the lineup, and there is no production electric LS as of 2025.
What the LS 500 is
The LS 500 is Lexus’ gasoline-powered flagship sedan in the current fifth-generation LS lineup. It is designed for luxury and performance with a powerful internal-combustion engine and a refined chassis, rather than an electric propulsion system.
Powertrain overview
Key characteristics of the LS 500’s powertrain include:
- Gasoline engine: a turbocharged V6 used in the LS 500 in many markets
- Transmission: an advanced automatic transmission designed for smooth, responsive shifts
- Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive available as an option
- Fuel source: traditional petrol, with no plug-in charging requirement
These features establish the LS 500 as a conventional petrol-powered luxury sedan, appealing to buyers who prioritize straight-line power, a quiet cabin, and long-range convenience without the need for charging infrastructure.
LS 500h: the hybrid option
Lexus also offered a hybrid variant aligned with the LS 500 lineup, known for combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor to improve efficiency. This model is not a fully electric vehicle and does not run on battery power alone.
Key hybrid features
Important points about the LS 500h and similar electrified variants include:
- Hybrid system blends electric motor assistance with the gasoline engine
- Battery is charged through regenerative braking and engine input; it is not a plug-in hybrid
- Hybrid versions typically emphasize efficiency and smooth, quiet operation in city driving
- Power output and efficiency differ from the all-gas LS 500, reflecting the hybrid system
In short, the LS 500h represents Lexus’ approach to electrification within the LS line, offering improved efficiency without becoming a fully electric vehicle.
Is there a fully electric Lexus LS?
As of 2025, there is no production electric Lexus LS. Lexus has electrified models in other segments (such as hybrids and the regional BEV offerings like the RZ 450e SUV), and the company has outlined broader electrification goals, but a true electric LS sedan has not been released.
What to know about future prospects
Before considering a list of future plans, it’s helpful to understand the current status:
- No current LS electric model is announced or in production
- Lexus continues to expand electrified options across its lineup, including hybrids and dedicated BEVs in other segments
- Future LS iterations may adopt more electrified or fully electric powertrains as part of a broader electrification strategy, but specifics have not been confirmed
Automotive plans evolve with technology and market demand, so prospective buyers should watch official Lexus announcements for updates on any all-electric LS variant.
Summary
In summary, the Lexus LS 500 is not electric. It remains a gasoline-powered sedan, with a hybrid variant available in the LS lineup for those seeking electrified propulsion without going fully electric. A production electric LS had not been introduced as of 2025, though Lexus and the broader Toyota family continue to pursue electrification across their model ranges.
