Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lexus |
| Model | LS |
| Generation | LS II (facelift 1998) |
| Type (Engine) | 400 V8 (276 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 16.8 l/100 km (14 US mpg, 16.8 UK mpg, 6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg, 11 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.9 l/100 km (19.8 US mpg, 23.7 UK mpg, 8.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.6 kg/Hp, 152.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.7 kg/Nm, 213.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 276 Hp @ 5900 rpm |
| Power per litre | 69.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 387 Nm @ 4100 rpm (285.44 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 1UZ-FE |
| Engine displacement | 3969 cm3 (242.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 87.5 mm (3.44 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.5 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.6 l (5.92 US qt | 4.93 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 11 l (11.62 US qt | 9.68 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1815 kg (4001.39 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2245 kg (4949.38 lbs.) |
| Max load | 430 kg (947.99 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 463 l (16.35 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 85 l (22.45 US gal | 18.7 UK gal) |
| Length | 4995 mm (196.65 in.) |
| Width | 1830 mm (72.05 in.) |
| Height | 1435 mm (56.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm (112.2 in.) |
| Front track | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm (5.51 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.27 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.4 m (37.4 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 315 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 307 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
The Lexus LS 400, specifically the facelifted model produced from 1998 to 2000, represented a significant evolution of Lexus’s flagship sedan. Introduced as a direct competitor to established luxury marques like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, the LS 400 aimed to redefine the luxury car experience with a focus on refinement, reliability, and quiet operation. The 1998 facelift brought subtle but important changes to the exterior styling, interior appointments, and, in some cases, powertrain tuning. This variant, equipped with the 4.0-liter V8 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission, occupied the top tier of the LS 400 lineup, offering a blend of performance and luxury. It was primarily sold in the North American market, where large, comfortable sedans with powerful engines were highly valued.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 1998-2000 LS 400 was the 1UZ-FE 4.0-liter V8 engine. This engine, a cornerstone of Lexus’s early success, was renowned for its smoothness and durability. The 1UZ-FE featured a 60-degree V-angle, a cast-iron block, and aluminum cylinder heads. It employed a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its strong power output and efficient combustion. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system, precisely metering fuel into each cylinder. The engine produced 276 horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 387 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. This power was channeled through a robust five-speed automatic transmission, designed for smooth and virtually imperceptible gear changes. The transmission was electronically controlled, adapting shift points based on driving conditions and throttle input.
Driving Characteristics
The LS 400 4.0L/Automatic combination delivered a driving experience focused on comfort and effortless power. While not a sports sedan, the engine provided ample acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of around 6.7 seconds. The automatic transmission, while smooth, wasn’t particularly sporty, prioritizing comfort over aggressive downshifts. Compared to manual transmission versions (which were rare in the US market), the automatic offered a more relaxed driving experience, ideal for long highway journeys. Compared to the later, more fuel-efficient V6 models, the V8 offered a significant performance advantage, but at the cost of increased fuel consumption. The gear ratios were tuned for cruising, providing relaxed highway performance but potentially feeling slightly less responsive in city driving.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The LS 400, as the flagship model, came standard with a comprehensive list of luxury features. These included leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, a premium sound system (often Mark Levinson), automatic climate control, and a power sunroof. The 1998 facelift brought subtle interior refinements, including updated wood trim and improved switchgear. Optional extras included a navigation system, rear-seat entertainment, and massaging front seats. The exterior featured alloy wheels, a subtle rear spoiler, and chrome accents. The overall aesthetic was understated elegance, avoiding the ostentatious styling of some competitors.
Chassis & Braking
The LS 400 utilized a double wishbone suspension system at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The suspension was tuned for isolation, effectively absorbing bumps and minimizing road noise. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, coupled with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The braking system provided ample stopping power, although it lacked the aggressive bite of some contemporary sports sedans. Steering was via a hydraulic power rack-and-pinion system, offering precise and responsive control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1998-2000 LS 400 was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its quiet cabin, comfortable ride, and reliable powertrain. However, some critics noted that its styling was conservative and that its handling wasn’t as engaging as some European competitors. Fuel economy was also a point of concern, given the V8 engine’s displacement. Compared to the V6-powered LS models, the LS 400 offered a significant performance upgrade but came with a higher price tag and increased running costs. Its main competitors included the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8.
Legacy
The Lexus LS 400, particularly the 1UZ-FE powered versions, has earned a reputation for exceptional reliability. Many examples have surpassed 200,000 miles with minimal major repairs. The 1UZ-FE engine is known for its robust construction and longevity. In the used car market, these LS 400s remain desirable for their comfort, reliability, and relatively affordable price. While not as technologically advanced as modern luxury cars, the 1998-2000 LS 400 represents a high point in Lexus’s early history, establishing the brand as a serious contender in the luxury car segment. Parts availability remains good, and a dedicated community of enthusiasts continues to support and maintain these classic Lexus sedans.
