2018 LEXUS LS500 sport mode

164 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) the shift position by moving the shift lever or
by pressing the P position switch in any of
the following situations, the buzzer will
sound and the shifting operation will be dis-
abled or the shift position will automatically
change to N. When this happens, select an
appropriate shift position. ●
Situations where the shifting operation
will be disabled:
• When an attempt is made to change the
shift position from P to another position
by moving the shift lever without depress-
ing the brake pedal.
• When an attempt is made to change the
shift position from P or N to M by moving
the shift lever.
• When the P position switch is pressed
while the vehicle is running. *1
●
Situations where the shift position will
automatically change to N:
• When an attempt is made to select the R
position by moving the shift lever when
the vehicle is moving forward. *2
• When an attempt is made to select the D
position by moving the shift lever when
the vehicle is moving in reverse. *3
• When the shift position is changed from
R to M●
If N is selected while driving at a certain
speed, even if the shift lever is not held in
the N position, the shift position changes
to N. In this situation, the buzzer sounds
and a confirmation message is displayed
on the multi-information display to inform
the driver that the shift position has
changed to N. *1
: Shift position may be changed to P
when driving at extremely low speeds. *2
: Shift position may be changed to R
when driving at low speeds. *3
: Shift position may be changed to D
when driving at low speeds.
■
Reverse warning buzzer
When shifting into R, a buzzer will sound to
inform the driver that the shift position is in
R.
■
To protect the automatic transmission
If the automatic transmission fluid tempera- ture is high, “Transmission Fluid Temp High
See Owner’s Manual” will be displayed on
the multi-information display and the vehi-
cle will go into transmission protection
mode automatically. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer. ■
When driving with dynamic radar cruise
control with full-speed range activated
Even when performing the following
actions with the intent of enabling engine
braking, engine braking will not be acti-
vated because dynamic radar cruise con-
trol with full-speed range will not be
canceled. ●
While driving in the D position, down-
shifting to 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 or 4. ●
When switching the driving mode to
sport mode while driving in the D position
( → P.289)■
Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
→ P.151 ■
AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatica lly selects the suit-
able gear according to driver performance
and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when
the shift position is in D. (Shifting the shift
position to the M position cancels the func-
tion.) ■
If a message about a shift operation is
shown
To prevent the shift position from being
selected incorrectly or the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly, the shift position may
be changed automatically or operating the
shift lever may be requ ired. In this case,
change the shift position following the mes-
sages on the multi-information display.
■
After recharging/reconnecting the bat-
tery
→ P.384
■
Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( → P.468)

1674-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving charged. Check the battery in this situation.
( → P.438)
■
Driving mode
→ P.289 ■
Snow mode
Snow mode can be selected to suit the
conditions when dr iving on slippery
road surfaces, such as on snow.
Turn the snow mode switch backward. The snow mode indicator illuminates.
Turn the snow mode switch backward
again to return to normal mode. Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models ■
Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if
the engine switch is turned off after driving
in snow mode.
To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle
shift switch.
When the “-” paddle shift switch is
operated, the shift range switches to a
range that enables engine braking
force that is suitable to driving condi-
tions. When the “+” paddle shift switch
is operated, the shift range switches to
a range that is one range higher than
the current range.
Changing the shift range allows
restriction of the highest gear, prevent-
ing unnecessary upshifting and
enabling the level of engine braking
force to be selected.WARNING■
P position switch●
Do not press the P position switch
while the vehicle is moving.
If the P position switch is pressed when
driving at very low speeds (for exam-
ple, directly before stopping the vehi-
cle), the vehicle may stop suddenly
when the shift position switches to P,
which could lead to an accident.●
In order to prevent the shift position
from accidentally being changed, do
not touch the P position switch or shift
lever when not using them.
NOTICE■
Notes regarding shift lever and P
position switch operation
Avoid repeatedly operating the shift
lever and P position switch in quick suc-
cession.
The system protection function may acti-
vate and it will not be temporarily possi-
ble to shift the shift position other than P.
If this happens, plea se wait for a while
before attempting to change the shift
position again.
Selecting the driving mode Selecting shift ranges in the D
position A
B

168 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models
1 Upshifting
2 DownshiftingThe selected shift rang e, from D1 to D10,
will be displayed on the meter.
To return to normal D position driving, the
“+” paddle shift switch must be held down
for a period of time.
A lower shift range will provide greater
engine braking forces than a higher shift
range.
■
Automatic deactivation of shift range
selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will
be deactivated in the following situations:
●
When the vehicle comes to a stop
●
If the accelerator pedal is depressed for
more than a certain period of time
●
When the shift position is shifted to a
position other than D. ●
When pressing and holding the “+” pad-
dle shift switch ■
Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor-
mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the paddle shift sw itch is operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)
To enter M mode, shift the shift position
to M. Gears can be selected by oper-
ating the paddle shift switches, allowing
you to drive in the gear of your choos-
ing.
Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models
1 Upshifting
2 Downshifting The gear changes once every time the
paddle shift switch is operated.
The selected gear, from M1 to M10, will be
fixed and displayed on the meter.
When in the M position, the gear will
not change unless the paddle shift
switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position,
the gears will be automatically
changed in the following situations:Meter dis-
play Function
D2 - D10 A gear in the range between
D1 and the selected shift
range is automatically cho-
sen depending on vehicle
speed and driving condi-
tions
D1 Setting the shift range at D1A
B
Selecting gears in the M position
A
B

2034-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving ■
Enabling/disabling the pre-colli-
sion system
The pre-collision system can be
enabled/disabled on ( → P.76) of
the multi-information display. The system is automa tically enabled each
time the engine switch is turned to IGNI-
TION ON mode
If the system is disabled, the PCS warn-
ing light will turn on and a message will
be displayed on the multi-information
display.
If the pre-collision sy stem is disabled,
the pedestrian alert system will also be
disabled. At this time, the FCTA (Front
Cross Traffic Alert) ( → P.218) system
will also be disabled.
■
Enabling/Disabling the pedestrian
alert system
The pedestrian alert can be
enabled/disabled on ( → P.76) of
the multi-information display. At this
time, the FCTA (Front Cross Traffic
Alert) system will also be enabled/dis-
abled.WARNING●
When your vehicle is towing another
vehicle●
When transporting the vehicle via
truck, boat, train or similar means of
transportation●
When the vehicle is raised on a lift with
the engine running and the tires are
allowed to rotate freely●
When inspecting the vehicle using a
drum tester such as a chassis dyna-
mometer or speedometer tester, or
when using an on vehicle wheel bal-
ancer●
When a strong impact has been
applied to the front bumper, rear
bumper or front grille, due to an acci-
dent or other situation●
If the vehicle cannot be driven in a sta-
ble manner, such as when the vehicle
has been in an accident or is malfunc-
tioning●
When the vehicle is driven in a sporty
manner or off-road●
When the tires are not properly
inflated
●
When the tires are very worn
●
When tires of a size other than speci-
fied are installed
●
When tire chains are installed
●
When a compact spare tire or an
emergency tire puncture repair kit is
used
●
If equipment (snow plow, etc.) that may
obstruct a sensor is temporarily
installed to the vehicle Changing settings of the pre-col-
lision system

2134-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving
■
Enabling/disabling the pre-colli-
sion system
The pre-collision system can be
enabled/disabled on ( → P.76) of
the multi-information display. The system is automatically enabled each
time the engine switch is turned to IGNI-
TION ON mode
If the system is disabled, the PCS warn-
ing light will turn on and a message will
be displayed on the multi-information
display. ■
Changing the pre-collision warn-
ing timing
The pre-collision warning timing can
be changed on ( → P.76) of the
multi-information display. The operation timing setting is retained
when the engine switch is turned off.
1 Far The warning will begin to operate earlier
than with the default timing.
2 Middle This is the default setting.
3 Near The warning will begi n to operate later
than with the default timing.
■
Operational conditions
The pre-collision system is enabled and the WARNING●
If the vehicle cannot be driven in a sta-
ble manner, such as when the vehicle
has been in an accident or is malfunc-
tioning●
When the vehicle is driven in a sporty
manner or off-road●
When the tires are not properly
inflated●
When the tires are very worn●
When tires of a size other than speci-
fied are installed●
When tire chains are installed●
When a compact spare tire or an
emergency tire puncture repair kit is
used●
If equipment (snow plow, etc.) that may
obstruct the radar sensor or camera
sensor is temporarily installed to the
vehicle
Changing settings of the pre-col-
lision system

2894-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving 
Vehicles without Adaptive Variable
Suspension System
1 Normal modeProvides an optimal ba lance of fuel econ-
omy, quietness, and dynamic performance.
Suitable for city driving.
Press the switch to change the driving
mode to normal mode when not in normal
mode.
2 Eco drive modeHelps the driver accelerate in an
eco-friendly manner and improve fuel
economy through modera te throttle char-
acteristics and by controlling the operation
of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling).
When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving
mode select switch is turned backward, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
3 Sport modeControls the transmission and engine to
provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode also changes the steering feel, mak-
ing it suitable for when agile driving
response is desired, such as when driving on roads with many curves.
When not in sport mode, if the driving
mode select switch is turned forward, the
sport mode indicator will comes on. 
Vehicles with Adaptive Variable
Suspension System
Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models
1 Normal mode/Custom mode Normal mode and custom mode are
selected by pressing the driving mode
select switch. Each time the switch is
pressed, the driving mode changes
between normal mode and custom mode.
When normal mode is selected, the normal
mode indicator comes on.
When custom mode is selected, the cus-
tom mode indicator comes on.
Press the switch to change the driving
mode to normal mode when not in normal
mode.
• Normal mode
Provides an optimal ba lance of fuel econ-
omy, quietness, and dynamic performance. Driving mode select switch The driving modes can be selected
to suit driving condition.
Selecting a drive mode
A
B

290 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) Suitable for city driving.
When the shift position is in D, an appropri-
ate gear for sporty driving may automati-
cally be selected according to driver
performance and dr iving conditions.
•Custom mode
Allows you to drive with the powertrain,
chassis and air condit ioning system func-
tions set to your preferred settings. Cus-
tom mode settings can only be changed on
the drive mode customization display of
the Center Display. ( → P.306)
2 Comfort modeBy controlling the suspension, riding com-
fort is further enhanc ed. Suitable for city
driving.
When not in comfort mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned backward, the
comfort mode indicator comes on.
3 Eco drive modeHelps the driver accelerate in an
eco-friendly manner and improve fuel
economy through modera te throttle char-
acteristics and by controlling the operation
of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling).
When in comfort mode, if the driving mode
select switch is turned backward, the Eco
drive mode indicator comes on.
4 Sport mode•Sport S mode
Controls the transmission and engine to
provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode is suitable for when agile driving
response is desired, such as when driving
on roads with many curves.
When not in Sport S mode, if the driving
mode select switch is turned forward, the
Sport S mode indicator comes on.
•Sport S+ mode
Helps to ensure stee ring performance and
driving stability by simultaneously con- trolling the steering and suspension in
addition to the transmission and engine.
Suitable for sportier driving.
When in Sport S mode, if the driving mode
select switch is turned forward, the Sport
S+ mode indicator comes on. ■
If the driving mode select switch is oper-
ated while the opening screen is being
displayed
If the driving mode sele ct switch is operated
while the opening screen is being displayed,
the driving mode will be changed and the
meter display will chan ge accordingly after
the opening screen operation has com-
pleted. ■
Operation of the air conditioning sys-
tem in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cool-
ing operations and fan speed of the air con-
ditioning system to en hance fuel efficiency.
To improve air condit ioning performance,
perform the following operations: ●
Turn off eco air conditioning mode
( → P.317)●
Adjust the fan speed ( → P.313)●
Turn off Eco drive mode ■
Automatic deactivation of sport mode
and custom mode
If the engine switch is turned off after driv-
ing in sport mode or custom mode, the
drive mode will be changed to normal
mode.
■
Driving mode pop-up display
When the driving mode is changed, the
selected driving mode will be temporarily
displayed on the side display. ( → P.307)

412 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 7-2.Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be
towed If towing is ne cessary, we recom-
mend having your vehicle towed by
your Lexus dealer or commercial
towing service, using a wheel-lift
type truck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all
towing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws. WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or
serious injury. ■
When towing the vehicle 
2WD models
Be sure to transport the vehicle with all
four wheels raised off the ground. If the
vehicle is towed with the tires contacting
the ground, the driv etrain and related
parts may be damaged or an accident
may occur due to a change in direction
of the vehicle. 
AWD models
Be sure to transport the vehicle with all
four wheels raised off the ground. If the
vehicle is towed with the tires contacting
the ground, the driv etrain or related
parts may be damaged, the vehicle may
fly off the truck.
■
While towing ●
When towing using cables or chains,
avoid sudden starts, etc. which place
excessive stress on the towing eyelets,
cables or chains. The towing eyelets,
cables or chains may become dam-
aged, broken debris may hit people,
and cause serious damage.
●
Make sure to disable all functions of
the vehicle height control of the elec-
tronically modulated air suspension.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may
change and part of your body may be
caught under the vehicle, possibly
causing injury. ( → P.293)
●
Do not turn the engine switch off.
This may lead to an accident as the
rear wheels will be locked by the park-
ing lock.
Also, there is a possibility that the
steering wheel is locked and cannot be
operated.