Lexus LS 500h Hybrid Import Information and SEVS import eligibility for Australia
The October 2017+ Lexus LS 500h hybrid 4WD (GVF55) performance sedan can be imported to Australia from Japan.
*Only the 4WD version can be imported from Japan as the 2WD version (GVF50) was sold new in Australia.
This is the 5th-generation of the LS model which began back in 1989 with the Lexus LS400 and LS430 models (badged as Toyota Celsior in Japan until the Lexus brand was introduced there in 2006).
The LS400h uses a 3.5L V6 (8GR-FXS) engine with the Multi Stage Hybrid System first used in the LC 500h, together with an 84-cell 650V lithium-ion battery.
A 10-speed Aisin AWRHM50 / L310/f “Multi Stage Electronically controlled Hybrid System” automatic transmission is used.
The 3.5L petrol engine produces 264 kW (354 hp) @ 6,600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque at 5,100 rpm.
2 x permanent magnet synchronous electric motors produce 132 kW (177 hp / 179 PS).
0-100 km/h is achieved in 5.5 seconds for the 4WD model.
The full Lexus LS 500h Technical Specifications are at the bottom of the page.
Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 is fitted as standard to the LS500h.
The Lexus LS 500h hybrid is available from Japan in a range of 5-seat models.
2017+ Lexus LS 500h hybrid import model options from Japan
LS500h hybrid F Sport
LS500h hybrid Executive
LS500h hybrid Version L
LS500h hybrid I Package
LS500h hybrid Executive Advanced Drive
LS500h hybrid L Advanced Drive
Leather is standard for all models and sunroof is optional.
Several interior colour schemes are available including white, grey and orange.
Contact us for current availability and pricing if you would like to import your own LS 500h hybrid to Australia.
Every vehicle of interest to our clients is carefully inspected in person at auction, with more pictures provided along with market pricing guidance to help set the budget.
There is a good selection of LS 500h hybrid models going through auction in Japan every week – we can assist with the entire process from choosing the best example to shipping it to Australia.
We specialise in direct car import from Japan and have been sourcing vehicles to order for private Australian buyers for over 25 years.
Every vehicle is hand-picked and we only source the very best.
We make Lexus LS 500h hybrid import easy with physical inspections of vehicles by experienced staff at over 30 auctions every week in the Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, and Kyushu / Fukuoka regions.
We start by focusing only on vehicles with the highest auction grades. But there is a LOT more involved than just basic auction grading !
Auction reports are often not reliable – we inspect every vehicle of interest in person to ensure it is up to our standard and has the options and features you want.
Most people (even Japanese export agents) do not realise that a significant % of vehicles in Japan are bought and sold by Japanese dealers for a quick profit between different auctions. If you are not aware of this you will almost certainly pay more than you needed to for exactly the same car.
Our experience with this situation alone will often save you more than the cost of our service fee.
Our import agent service includes a pre-check for past auction records using JCHC, at no cost to you. This allows us to rule out:
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Cars recently auctioned and moved to a different auction for quick resale
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Graded R (accident repair) cars changed to higher grades
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Cars that have passed in unsold multiple times indicating a problem with the condition and/or price.
Our thorough Japan auction inspections include checks of engine, transmission, air conditioning / electrics plus pictures inside, outside and underneath showing options / features and any condition issues. Just like the auction history checks, in-person inspections at auction are all part of our service – no extra charge.
Following these rules and being very selective on quality allows us to consistently target first-time auctioned vehicles for our clients in the best condition and at the best price.
We also ensure that any outstanding factory recalls are completed prior to export from Japan, which is essential before import to Australia / SEVS compliance. *Recall work is free in Japan and will be arranged at no extra charge before your vehicle goes to the Port, but please note there will be a small transport charge (generally $200 to $300) to send the vehicle to the nearest Lexus dealer.
Once your LS500h has been exported from Japan all original paperwork and additional items such as spare keys and books are sent to you by EMS. This includes the Export Certificate (showing up to the last two re-registration inspection dates and odometer readings, depending on vehicle age) for your peace of mind.
Port clearance and compliance will be arranged for you, and registration can also be taken care of by the compliance workshop for your convenience.
For more detail see How our import process works.
Our automated auction alerts system ensures you never miss a suitable car.
Set up FREE auction alerts to receive daily email updates for the hybrid LS500h – the easiest way to monitor auction vehicles in Japan.
Check recent Japan auction Lexus LS 500h hybrid sale price.
View all vehicle import options for Australia.
Lexus LS 500h Technical Specifications
(Reproduced from https://media.lexus.co.uk/)
| ENGINE AND HYBRID SYSTEM | ||
| Engine code | 8GR-FXS | |
| Engine type | 3.5-litre V6 | |
| Valve mechanism | 24-valve DOHC with VVT-iW (intake) and VVT-i
(exhaust) |
|
| Displacement (cc) | 3,456 | |
| Bore x stroke (mm) | 94.0 x 83.0 | |
| Compression ratio | 13.0:1 | |
| Total system output (bhp/DIN hp/kW) | 354/359/264 | |
| Max. engine power (bhp/DIN hp/kW
@ rpm) |
295/299/220 @ 6,600 | |
| Max. engine torque (Nm @ rpm) | 350 @ 5,100 | |
| Motor generator | ||
| Type | A/C permanent magnet, synchronous motor | |
| Max. voltage | 650 | |
| Max. power (bhp/kW) | 177/132 | |
| Max. torque (Nm) | 300 | |
| Hybrid battery | ||
| Type | Lithium-ion | |
| Nominal voltage | 310.8 | |
| Number of cells | 84 | |
| System voltage | 650 | |
| PERFORMANCE | ||
| 0-62mph (sec) | RWD | 5.4 |
| AWD | 5.5 | |
| Max. speed (mph) | 155 | |
| DIMENSIONS | ||
| Overall length (mm) | 5,235 | |
| Overall width (mm) | 1,900 | |
| Overall height
(mm) |
Coil suspension | 1,460 – RWD
1,470 – AWD |
| Air suspension | 1,450 – RWD
1,460 – AWD |
|
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3,125 | |
| Track front (mm) | RWD | 1,630 |
| AWD | 1,630 – coil suspension & F Sport
1,635 – Air suspension |
|
| Track rear (mm) | RWD | 1,635 / 1,615 – F Sport |
| AWD | 1,635 / 1,615 – F Sport | |
| Overhang front (mm) | 940 | |
| Overhang rear (mm) | 1,170 | |
| Coefficient of Drag (Cd) | 0.26 | |
| Luggage capacity (litres) | 430 | |
| WEIGHTS (kg) | ||
| Kerb weight (kg) | RWD | 2,175 – 2,215 coil springs
2,265 – 2,320 air suspension 2,270 – 2,290 F Sport |
| AWD | 2,340 – 2,400
2,380 – 2,425 with Relaxation Package |
|
| Gross vehicle weight (kg) | RWD | 2,725 |
| AWD | 2,800 | |
| TRANSMISSION | Multi Stage Hybrid | |
| Gear ratios | 1st | 3.538 |
| 2nd | 1.888 | |
| 3rd | 1.000 | |
| 4th | 0.650 | |
| 5th | Variable | |
| 6th | Variable | |
| 7th | Variable | |
| 8th | Variable | |
| 9th | Variable | |
| 10th | Variable | |
| Reverse | N/A | |
| Differential ratio | RWD | 3.615 |
| AWD | 3.916 | |
| FUEL CONSUMPTION (WLTP) | ||
| Combined –
(mpg) |
RWD | 35.7 – 36.6 |
| AWD | 30.7 – 30.7 | |
| Fuel tank capacity (l) | 82 | |
| EMISSIONS (WLTP),
INSURANCE, SERVICING & WARRANTY |
||
| CO2 emissions
– combined (g/km) |
LS | 182 |
| LS Premium
Pack |
184– RWD
214 – AWD |
|
| F Sport | 184 | |
| Takumi | 215 | |
| Insurance groups | 50E | |
| Service intervals | 10,000 miles/annually | |
| Comprehensive new vehicle warranty | 3 years/60,000 miles | |
| Hybrid warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles (whichever comes first) | |
| Corrosion/perforation warranty | 12 years/unlimited mileage | |
| Surface rust/paintwork | 3 years/unlimited mileage | |
| SUSPENSION | ||
| Front | High-mount multilink | |
| Rear | High-mount multilink | |
| BRAKES | |
| Front | Ventilated discs with 6-pot callipers – F Sport Ventilated discs with 4-pot callipers – other grades |
| Rear | Ventilated discs with 4-pot callipers – F Sport
Ventilated discs with 2-pot callipers – other grades
|
| Front disc size (diameter, mm) | 400 – F Sport
357 – other grades |
| Rear disc size (diameter, mm) | 359 – F Sport
335 – other grades |
| STEERING | |
| Type | Rack and pinion, electric power steering |
| Ratio | 13.0:1 |
| Turns (lock to lock) | RWD – 2.9
AWD – 2.8 |
| Min. turning radius, tyre (m) | RWD – 5.7
AWD – 6.0 |
| WHEELS & TYRES | |
| Wheel sizes | 20-inch cast alloy with noise reduction
20-inch cast aluminium – F Sport |
| Tyre Sizes | 245/45RF20
245/45RF20 front/275/40RF20 rear – F Sport |
Hi Geoff,
Unfortunately I have purchased a new car, I bought a 2009 Honda Accord V6 (somewhat different to what I was originally looking for) although I wanted to say how I appreciated the great service you have provided, I found you to be the most thorough and informative when it came to approaching different car importers. The online trial you provide was great, I’d always look forward to seeing what car was selling in a few hours, knowing that what I was searching for came straight to my email which I could check on my phone in bed! 🙂
Anyways thank you for your service 🙂