Lexus LM 500H Reviews

Lexus this week revealed the updated IS sedan ahead of a Japanese on-sale date of early 2026.The updates consist of some mechanical changes for more engaging driving and design alterations to emphasise the “signature aggressiveness” of the car, but one thing that hasn’t changed is whether the car can be sold in Australia.The Lexus IS was discontinued for Australia in 2022 due to its inability to pass ADR 85, or ‘Pole Side Impact Performance’, which assesses the car’s ability to withstand a sideways impact into a pole. It’s one of many models that fell victim to ADR 85, including the Lexus RC coupe.Lexus Australia confirmed the IS update does not affect whether it can be sold here.“The updated IS sedan announced this week will be offered in selected markets only. This does not include Australia, which ceased offering the IS in 2022,” a Lexus spokesperson told CarsGuide.While the updated Lexus IS is a clear progression over the refreshed 2020 design, it looks rather different to the first iteration of what is still the same generation that debuted back in 2013.Twelve years on from being revealed, the third-generation IS has been given a more aggressive look, Lexus says, with a new face that bears a wider grille, has new F Sport design features, and is 10mm longer than before (now 4720mm).Inside, the changes are more significant. A 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen is standard across the range, while a completely restyled driver display panel (also 12.3 inches), console and door trims creates a more “driver-focused” interior.The IS now has more functions under the brand’s ‘Lexus Safety System +’ and can support hands-off during highway traffic congestion.

Lexus has used one of the world’s most high-profile automotive events to unveil what it is positioning as a “progressively styled, future-focused yet truly authentic sportscar”, with the clear potential to form the basis of the upcoming LFR, a successor to the brand’s iconic V10-powered LFA supercar.‘The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering’ is an exclusive cornerstone of Monterey Car Week, as the name implies, a week-long celebration of the motor car consisting of everything from casual cars & coffee-style meet-ups to high-end auctions and VIP-only concours events.The event is held at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel on the central California coast and the sinister, sweeping two-door machine, said to “signal the way forward for Lexus design” was its surprise centrepiece.The new Lexus concept’s long nose and fat haunches point to a front engine rear-drive layout which aligns with what’s known of the Lexus LFR, the likely LFA successor.Pre-production LFR prototypes have been snapped on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit within the last 12 months with reports out of Japan suggesting the hybrid V8-powered machine is a Lexus variation of 2022’s Toyota GR GT3 concept.In 2022 Toyota Racing Development President David Wilson confirmed a link between the GR GT3 and a future Lexus model and later that year images leaked from an apparent Lexus dealer conference in the US showed a Toyota GR GT3 silhouette with a Lexus badge and no rear wing.Japanese publication BestCar has referenced its usually reliable industry sources backing up the adoption of a front-mounted hybrid 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine driving the LFR’s rear wheels, the engine alone expected to produce 530kW with total output of around 660kW (885hp).This compares to the 420kW/480Nm produced by the LFA’s screaming 4.8-litre, naturally aspirated, Yamaha-developed V10 boasting a rev ceiling of 9000rpm.Just 500 LFAs were produced between 2010 and 2012 (plus 64 'Nurburgring Package' examples) but the LFR is expected to be a no-limit full-production model.Lexus is staying tight-lipped on any technical details relating to its latest concept, saying simply, “This inspiring concept car features a wide, low-profile two-door form that blends dynamic and emotional elements into a vision for a next-generation sports car.”Is this the 2026 Lexus LFR hiding in plain sight? Stay tuned…

An off-road-focused Lexus, the Overtrail, has been introduced to the Aussie market as part of significant updates to the LX line-up. The LX500d Overtrail is seemingly well-suited to hardcore four-wheel driving as it has been kitted out with front and rear diff locks, Toyo Open Country all-terrain tyres and a comprehensive suite of off-road driving modes.

Australia’s peak motoring body has detailed its latest batch of data from real-world fuel use testing.

Lexus has introduced the RX plug-in hybrid, but does this refined SUV deliver the power and polish required to match its price tag?

The Lexus RZ has maintained a low profile since it's local launch in early 2023 and the large, five-seat, dual-motor, pure-electric SUV has captured only modest sales so far. But Lexus is banking on this significantly upgraded version, with more power, greater efficiency and a tweaked AWD system, not to mention tricky steer-by-wire and 'manual' shift tech, to give it a solid boost.

Lexus Australia is introducing a new entry-level version of its NX plug-in hybrid (PHEV) mid-size SUV.The 2026 Lexus NX450h+ Luxury AWD is set to be available from late September and is priced from $84,500 before on-road costs.This is $12,800 more than the entry-level NX350h Luxury 2WD, and $11,500 less than the flagship NX450h+ F Sport AWD.As part of this introduction, Lexus has axed the entry-level NX250 trim, making the NX350 F Sport the only non-hybridised variant on offer locally.All other carryover trims have received a $100 price rise. The line-up now starts from $71,700 before on-roads for the NX350h Luxury 2WD and extends to $96,000 before on-roads for the NX450h+ F Sport AWD.A full pricing table is at the bottom of this story.This new NX450h+ Luxury AWD is powered by the same 2.5-litre PHEV powertrain as the NX450h+ F Sport AWD. It has a total system output of 227kW of power and is claimed to be able to sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds.The two electric motors are fed by an 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Lexus claims this allows for an electric range up to 87km, according to comparatively lenient NEDC testing.Owners can AC charge at rates up to 6.6kW, which at this speed will see the battery fully recharge in 2.5 hours.Lexus hasn’t confirmed the full specifications for the NX450h+ Luxury AWD just yet.Standard equipment that has been confirmed includes a power tailgate, keyless entry and push-button start, surround-view cameras, wireless phone charger, heated steering wheel, leather-accented upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with eight-way electric adjustment, and heated outboard rear seats.The NX450h+ Luxury AWD is now Lexus’ third PHEV offered in Australia. It follows the recent introduction of the RX450h+ Sports Luxury AWD in April.

Lexus has axed its cheapest and first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia, the UX300e crossover. “The UX 300e will no longer be available in Australia due to production restrictions on selected parts,” said a Lexus Australia spokesperson.

Lexus might not be the obvious brand to launch a potent hot hatch/SUV, but that's precisely what it's done with the LBX Morizo RR. 

The updated 2025 Lexus LX has been priced for the Australian market with pricing up across the range and the addition of new off-road-centric Overtrail variants.