2018 Lexus LS release date, specs, price news: Luxury sedan starts at $75,995

A promotional image for the 2018 Lexus LS 500. Lexus

Lexus has announced pricing as well as standard and available features for the 2018 LS. The luxury automaker's flagship sedan comes with a starting price of $75,995.

The 2018 LS is built on Lexus' premium rear-wheel-drive platform (GA-L) making it longer, wider and lower than its predecessor. This translates to a more dynamic driving experience without having trade-offs when it comes to ride comfort. The luxury sedan also features a bold design and a coupe-like silhouette.

For the new model year, Lexus is offering several packages for the LS. The Interior Upgrade Package ($3,730) comes with a quilted and perforated semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior, 28-way power driver's seat with massage function, power seatbelt buckles and heated rear seats.

The Luxury Package ($12,270) adds 18-way power-reclining rear seats with heating, ventilation and memory functions, remote adjustment for the passenger seat and four-zone automatic climate control.

Executive Package ($17,100), meanwhile, comes with power-retractable front headrests as well as 22-way power rear seats with heating, ventilation and memory functions. Lastly, the Executive Package with Kiriko Glass ($23,100) adds a glass interior door trim.

Standard safety features include pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, intelligent high been headlamps, lane departure alert and the all-speed dynamic radar cruise control with lane keep assist.

The 2018 Lexus LS comes in three models. The base LS 500 is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that delivers 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. It is more powerful than the outgoing model's 4.6-liter V8 engine with 386 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. The 2018 LS 500's powertrain is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with a rear-wheel-drive system.

Meanwhile, for customers who want a hybrid powertrain, the 2018 LS 500h has a starting price of $80,505. Lexus' Multistage Hybrid System consists of 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine and two electric motors for a combined output of 354 horsepower. The powertrain is mated to an E-CVT and a four-speed automatic transmission.

The 2018 LS 500 F-Sport, on the other hand, starts at $81,995. It adds dynamic rear steering, variable gear-ratio steering and active stabilizers.

Customers will also have to pay an additional $3,220 to receive an all-wheel-drive system.

All starting prices mentioned are inclusive of a $995 delivery, processing and handling fee.

The 2018 Lexus LS will arrive at dealers in February.

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