I am now a member of the LS 500-2018. Moved from the GS from two generations overs the past 10 years. Did have an LS when Lexus arrived on the scene in 1990 or so.

Question: Dealer does not know or does the manual explain three missing switched in the 2018 LS 500. These switches are BLANK in the manuals and online. We are thinking they are for Hybrid or Sport version:

There are two blank switches next to the HUD and VIEW Buttons to the left side of the steering wheel just below. Anyone know the reason? Or the purpose of these blank switches?
There is one blank switch in the middle of the Suspension Switch and the Rear Shade Switch and the Seat Switch right behind the shifter and Remote Touch just in front of middle compartment. Anyone know the purpose of this blank switch?

Greatly appreciate the enlightenment as manual shows same blank switches and the dealer does not know. They asked me to go to you in the forum.

 

Congrats and welcome!

Can you post a picture?

 

I suspect those are for the Japanese domestic models of the LS 500. They come with additional features such as a totally electronic (video) rear view mirror. It could be used to toggle the display on those.

 

Apparently the blank switch is for EV mode

 

If you look at some marketing photos, there are 3 buttons to the left of the steering (but I can't make out what the 3rd button is)

 

Blank switches are for features/options that aren't always on every vehicle.

 

Blanks like that are very common; I have had them on many cars, including my 2015 RC350.

 

I agree blanks are annoying on a car of this caliber though. One thing I like about my 460 is the actual console piece is different depending on what options you have, so there are no blanks.