What kind of engine is in the LS500?
The LS500 is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine.
The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive as the standard setup and all-wheel drive available in many markets. It delivers brisk acceleration for a full-size luxury sedan, and Lexus also offers a hybrid variant, the LS 500h, which combines the same V6 with electric motors to improve efficiency.
Powertrain at a glance
Below is a concise look at the core engine specifications and powertrain layout for the LS500.
- Engine configuration: 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6
- Power output: approximately 416 horsepower
- Torque: around 442 lb-ft
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive standard; all-wheel drive optional
- Hybrid counterpart: LS 500h uses a 3.5-liter V6 with electric motors for a combined output around 354 horsepower
These specifications establish the LS500 as a performance-oriented luxury sedan within Lexus' lineup, offering strong mid-range torque and refined on-road manners. The 10-speed automatic contributes to smooth shifts and efficient cruising, while the availability of AWD broadens traction in varied conditions.
Variants and related powertrains
In addition to the turbocharged V6 that powers the LS500, Lexus provides a hybrid variant that pairs the same V6 with electric propulsion for efficiency and a different performance character.
Hybrid option details
The LS 500h blends the 3.5-liter V6 with electric motors as part of Lexuses Hybrid Drive system, delivering a combined output typically around 354 horsepower. This configuration emphasizes smooth, quiet operation and improved fuel economy, while maintaining the luxury and refinement expected of the LS lineup.
- LS 500: 3.5L twin-turbo V6, ~416 hp, ~442 lb-ft, 10-speed automatic, RWD with optional AWD
- LS 500h (hybrid): 3.5L V6 + electric motors, ~354 hp combined, hybrid drivetrain
For most markets, the LS500’s turbocharged V6 serves as the core driving experience, with the hybrid LS 500h offering a complementary option that prioritizes efficiency and seamless power delivery without sacrificing luxury.
Summary
The LS500’s engine is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering about 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, with rear-wheel drive as standard and optional all-wheel drive. The LS 500h provides a hybrid alternative using the same V6 plus electric motors for a combined output around 354 horsepower, emphasizing efficiency while preserving the sedan’s performance and luxury appeal.
Could the Lexus LS 500 be considered a luxury car?
For 36 years, the Lexus LS has defined what a flagship luxury sedan should be: a perfect balance of performance, innovation, and timeless comfort. And the 2026 LS 500 Heritage Edition continues this legacy of excellence.
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.
Is the LS500 fast?
At the test track, the LS500 hit 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and managed a 13.3-second quarter-mile run with a 107-mph trap speed. Highway passing maneuvers are dispatched handily, with the LS500 jumping from 50 to 70 mph in just 3.8 seconds.
What engine does the Lexus LS 500 have?
The Lexus LS500 is powered by a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. This engine, known as the V35A-FTS, replaced the V8 from previous generations and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
This video discusses the powertrain of the 2018 Lexus LS500: 58sShooting CarsYouTube · Dec 6, 2021
Engine specifications
- Type: 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 (technically 3.44L)
- Horsepower: 416 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 442 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
- Transmission: 10-speed Direct-Shift automatic
- Drivetrain: Available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (with a Torsen® limited-slip center differential)
Key features
- Performance: The V6 engine delivers a 0-60 mph time of around 4.6 seconds, providing strong acceleration.
- Technology: The engine features dual overhead cams with variable valve timing, dual VVT-i, and both port and direct injection.
- Smoothness: The engine is designed to provide V8-like thrust with notable smoothness and quietness, especially when cold.
- Driving Modes: The driver can select from various modes to tailor powertrain response, including Eco, Normal, Comfort, Sport S, and Sport S+.
