Lexus LS

Model Overview

The Lexus LS is the flagship sedan of Toyota's luxury marque Lexus, serving as the pioneering model that launched the brand. Its inception dates back to 1983 when Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda initiated the "F1" (Flagship No.1) project, with the ambitious goal of crafting an ultra-luxury sedan capable of taking on Mercedes-Benz and BMW. To achieve this, Toyota mobilised over 1,400 engineers and 2,300 technicians, spending six years and pouring over USD 1 billion into research and development. In January 1989, the first-generation LS 400 made its official debut at the Detroit Auto Show, marking a triumphant breakthrough for Japanese carmakers into the high-end luxury segment previously dominated by European and American marques. The nameplate has now spanned five generations, recording cumulative global sales of over 730,000 units. The fifth-generation LS made its debut in 2017; currently, the 2026 model starts from 11.11 million yen in Japan (approx. RM530,000), while the 2024 model in China is priced from RM885,000.

Design Language

The styling of the LS has evolved from following industry trends to defining them. The original LS 400 featured an understated, boxy profile, the second generation retained a dignified and minimalist silhouette, and the third generation achieved a remarkably low drag coefficient of just 0.25 Cd. The fourth-generation model (2006) introduced the signature Spindle Grille and genuine bamboo interior trims, establishing a distinct Oriental aesthetic identity.

The fifth-generation LS underwent a dramatic design revolution. The front fascia boasts a commanding Spindle Grille flanked by sharp, lightning-bolt LED daytime running lights for an aggressive and commanding stance. Along the sides, a three-stage character line carves out a sleek, athletic silhouette. Inside, the dashboard lines draw artistic inspiration from the traditional koto zither and bamboo tea whisk, while the door cards feature exquisite Oriental artisan touches such as "Platinum Leaf Foil with Nishijin-ori Weaving". The range-topping variant adds handcrafted "Kiriko" cut glass ornamentation and origami-inspired "Hand-pleated" fabric door trim, meticulously folded by Takumi craftsmen.

Powertrain and Performance

The fifth-generation LS is offered with both conventional petrol and hybrid powertrains. The petrol-powered LS 500 is powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine producing between 415 and 420 hp alongside a peak torque of 600 Nm. The hybrid LS 500h pairs a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 with dual electric motors for a total system output of 264 kW (approx. 359 hp), achieving a 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds. Both powertrains are available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. Power transmission is handled by a 10-speed torque-converter automatic (10AT) on the petrol variant, and an advanced Multi-Stage Hybrid E-CVT on the hybrid model. Under WLTC testing, the hybrid model delivers a combined fuel consumption of roughly 6.8 L/100 km.

Chassis and Handling

Underpinning the fifth-generation LS is Lexus's bespokeGA-L (Global Architecture for Luxury Vehicles) rear-wheel-drive platform. This platform incorporates a front-midship engine layout yielding an optimal 52:48 front-to-rear weight distribution, with substantial improvements in structural lightweighting and torsional rigidity. The suspension setup features multi-link independent suspension front and rear, bolstered by electronically controlled air suspension and an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) damping system. The air suspension also incorporates an industry-first ingress/egress access mode that raises the ride height by 20 mm in just four seconds to facilitate easier cabin entry and exit.

Cabin and Equipment

In terms of dimensions, the LS measures 5,235 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and 1,450 mm in height, with a generous 3,125 mm wheelbase. Rear passengers enjoy up to 1,040 mm of knee room, and boot space stands at 430 litres.

The cockpit features twin 12.3-inch digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Higher-grade variants boast a 23-speaker Mark Levinson Reference 3D Surround Sound System. Upholstery is finished in plush semi-aniline leather, with the flagship front seats boasting 28-way power adjustability, alongside heating, ventilation, and massage functions available across the cabin. Comfort is further elevated by a quad-zone climate control system equipped with a nanoe™ water-ion air purification generator.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The entire LS range comes standard with the comprehensiveLSS+ (Lexus Safety System+) suite, delivering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability. Key features include All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Change Assist, and Road Sign Assist (RSA). It also offers a 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor, automated park assist, remote parking assist, and an underfloor transparent chassis view. On the passive safety front, the cabin is fitted with up to 9 SRS airbags.

Market Performance and Reception

Upon its initial debut, the LS proved to be an instant commercial and critical triumph. Within just a year of its release, the first-generation LS became the top-selling luxury import in the US, sweeping J.D. Power awards for both initial quality and customer satisfaction. The second-generation model (2002-2005) continued this momentum, winning J.D. Power's Best Midsize Sedan award for four consecutive years.

In recent years, however, the LS has seen a continuous decline in sales. Global sales in 2024 slumped to just around 5,000 units, accounting for less than 3% of the brand's best-selling NX SUV (180,000 units). In the first half of 2025, US deliveries dropped to just 691 units, down 42.3% year-on-year. In China, full-year 2024 sales hovered at a modest 520 units. By 2025, the LS had already been phased out in several global markets, including the UK. Industry reports suggest that production at the Tahara assembly line has ground nearly to a halt, leaving this iconic flagship—which has carried the standard of Japanese luxury for 35 years—facing an uncertain future.