Is the LS500 twin turbo?
Yes. The Lexus LS 500 uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering about 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque in U.S. specifications.
Engine and powertrain overview
Here are the core specifications of the LS 500’s turbocharged powertrain to help you understand what drives the sedan.
Global availability and variations
While the core architecture is shared, markets differ on drivetrain options and tuning. The LS 500 is typically offered with rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available in many regions. Output remains around 416 hp, with torque in the 442 lb-ft range, depending on emission standards and model year.
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with twin turbochargers
- Power output: 416 hp (approximately 310 kW) at about 6,000 rpm; torque 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) from around 1,600 to 4,800 rpm
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive available in many markets
- Performance: 0–60 mph in roughly 4.9 seconds; electronically limited top speed around 130 mph (210 km/h)
These figures underline the LS 500’s balance of luxury comfort and responsive turbocharged performance.
LS 500 vs related models
Understanding the lineup helps clarify the badge. The "LS 500" denotes the turbocharged V6 model, while other variants focus on hybrid efficiency or sport-oriented handling.
- LS 500h: a hybrid variant that pairs the 3.5-liter V6 with electric motors for a combined output around 354 hp, prioritizing efficiency
- LS 500 F Sport: a sport-oriented trim with styling and suspension tuning; shares the turbo V6 engine
- LS 500 AWD: all-wheel-drive version available in several markets, offering improved traction
In practice, the LS 500 sits at the core of Lexus’ flagship sedan lineup, with the hybrid and F Sport variants offering alternative focuses for buyers.
What this means for buyers
For shoppers, the key takeaway is that the LS 500 is indeed a twin-turbo model. Buyers should verify the drivetrain configuration for their market and year, as AWD availability and calibrations can vary. The hybrid LS 500h offers a distinct balance of efficiency and performance, separate from the turbocharged LS 500.
Summary
The Lexus LS 500 is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 delivering about 416 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic. The lineup also includes a hybrid variant (LS 500h) and sport-oriented trims (F Sport), but the twin-turbo V6 remains the defining feature of the LS 500 family.
What is the difference between LS500 and LS500h?
LS 500h: Differences. Both the 2018 Lexus LS 500 and LS 500h are equipped with a new, powerful V6 engine, but while the LS 500 uses a 10-speed automatic transmission, the LS 500h comes equipped with a CVT paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters.
Is the Lexus LS 500 turbocharged?
"The twin-turbocharged V6 engine in the LS 500 has more than enough thrust and refinement to suit this large luxury sedan, while the automatic 10-speed transmission works almost imperceptibly in the background." "The LS 500 is a smooth, composed, and comfortable luxury sedan."
Does the LS500 have a V8?
No, the LS 500 does not have a V8 engine; since 2018, it has been powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine. The switch from a V8 to a V6 was a major change for the fifth generation of the flagship sedan, which prioritized refinement and fuel efficiency over V8 power, as Lexus Enthusiast explains.
This video explains the Lexus LS 500 F Sport's engine and performance: 56sAutoTrend YouTube · Aug 22, 2025
- Engine specifications: The twin-turbo V6 produces 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, which is a significant upgrade from the previous generation's V8.
- Reasoning for the change: The move to the V6 was a conscious decision by Lexus to improve fuel efficiency and meet modern refinement goals, while still providing strong performance.
- Previous generations: All previous generations of the Lexus LS were V8-powered, which is why some people may still assume the LS 500 uses one.
What Lexus has a twin turbo engine?
And additional comfort options like powerfold flat third row seating.
