2018 Lexus LS Getting A Price Hike, Could Start At $76K

We haven't heard much about the 2018 Lexus LS lately but Automotive News is reporting the model will cost around $76,000 when it goes on sale in February.

If that number pans out, the 2018 LS will cost significantly more than the current model which starts at $72,520. However, the car should undercut rivals as the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-Class which start at $83,100 and $89,900, respectively.

Detailed pricing will be announced closer to launch but Lexus' marketing boss told the publication "We do expect to attract people from different brands who may have drifted away."

Lexus hopes the car's sportier styling and greater emphasis on performance will win converts and help increase annual sales to 12,000 units in the United States. This would be a dramatic increase from the 5,514 units that were sold in 2016.

One of the car's key attractions could be the new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 415 hp (309 kW) and 442 lb-ft (598 Nm) of torque. It is backed up by ten-speed automatic transmission which can be paired to optional all-wheel drive system.