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AUTO REVIEW

volume and radio tuning in one place. Very elegant.
My test car included the — Say Wut?!! — $23,000 Executive
Package, a collection of many deluxe add-ons designed for chauf-
feur driven customers, which features two unique elements that
are worth a mention. The insides of the doors are lined by hand-
folded cloth, which looks and feels both unique and special. And ence with a hushed quiet that’s guaranteed to slow anybody’s heart
the inside door handles are surrounded by etched glass surfaces rate. Having said that, I would recommend the smaller diameter
that are spectacularly beautiful. wheels rather than the (admittedly gorgeous) 20-inchers. While the
The 2018 LS 500 is available in either standard or hybrid forms, big wheels look good, they detract from the LS’ otherwise comfort-
both of which come with a V6 engine (that’s right, for the first time able ride.
in 29 years the Lexus LS doesn’t offer a V8.) The LS 500’s V6 is a As Lexus approaches its 30th anniversary, they’ve introduced an
416HP twin-turbo 3.4L motor coupled with a 10-speed transmis- advanced new LS sedan that is clearly designed to be different from
sion, while the hybrid integrates a non-turbo 3.5L V6, continuously the competition, especially the German competition. I love that. The
variable transmission, electric motor, and sophisticated software to Germans have gained the upper hand in the luxury car market, but
maximize efficiency. My two cents: unless you really appreciate high- kudos to Lexus for offering an alternative that’s actually different.
tech mobility and want to help move hybrid powertrains into the
mainstream, go with the LS 500 over the LS 500h. My experience If you’re in the market for this kind of vehicle, call Phil Hornbeak
with the hybrid involved throttle/transmission/motor hesitation and at 210-301-4367.
surging that were annoying. I have no doubt that plug-in hybrids will
populate most of our garages soon, but the no doubt fuel efficient Stephen Schutz, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist
LS 500h — it boasts amazing 23MPG city/31MPG highway fuel who lived in San Antonio in the 1990s when he was stationed
economy figures – isn’t fully baked yet. here in the U.S. Air Force. He has been writing auto reviews
Otherwise, driving the new LS is a wonderfully cosseting experi- for San Antonio Medicine since 1995.

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