Latest Lexus LS 500 – a re-imagined flagship luxury sedan

The car with which Toyota announced it would be launching a new brand into the luxury car segment (the first Japanese car company to do so) was the Lexus LS 400, back in 1990.  The original Lexus LS won acclaim for anticipating what luxury car customers would want, as the only Japanese alternative, back then, to the German and British luxury cars, soon followed by Nissan’s Infiniti.

Latest Lexus

Through the years Lexus built up a bigger range of cars, though the LS remains true to its position as flagship luxury sedan. 

The Lexus LS was and is a large luxury sedan.  The latest Lexus is the LS 500 – the 5th generation LS – it is all-new, inside and out.

An extended platform – now up to 3125mm – helps secure a more dynamic driving experience, while at the same time raising the level of renowned Lexus LS ride comfort.

“Lexus set previously unheard of targets and resolutely pressed ahead towards these unprecedented goals.  The customers who are going to want to own a Lexus LS are already surrounded by luxury in their day-to-day lives – people who have a sharp eye for authenticity from the start.  We wouldn’t turn their heads with a conventional premium product.”

Reborn Lexus flagship

To create the new LS, Lexus started afresh, reimagining what a flagship sedan should be, as if it were launching its brand all over again (just as it anticipated luxury buyers’ wants with the original LS).  The goal was not to improve on what has been done before, but to exceed the expectations of luxury customers worldwide.

The company says the Japanese concept of hospitality remains a theme through all Lexus LS luxury cars.  In this context it means taking care of driver and passengers, anticipating their needs, and attending to their comfort while protecting them from hazards.

The latest Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) implements co-operative control of vehicle sub-systems, namely steering, braking, suspension and powertrain, to control the car’s basic longitudinal, lateral and vertical motion.  This means VDIM control confers exceptional ride comfort, traction and stability.

Twin-turbo V6 and 10-speed

Where the LS has, since inception, been available only in a V8 engine for its blend of smoothness and power (while rivals ranged from 6 to V8 to V12 cylinders) such as in the current LS 460, the new car breaks away by changing up to LS 500 – not a 5.0 V8 as found in the Lexus LC 500, but a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6.  Output is 310kW and 600Nm.  With all-wheel-drive, the projected 0-100km/h time as an un-Lexus-LS-like 4.5 seconds.

LS 500. Whereas the LS models have previously been true to engine size, the new car drops that rule – well, 350t just would not look right on a flagship Lexus.

The 10-speed automatic is the first to be used in a luxury sedan, having debuted in the LC coupé.  Its torque converter automatic is said to rival the short shift times of dual-clutch automated transmissions.  Why 10 gears?  The 10 gear ratios are closely spaced, so it is said to be ideal for the variety of driving situations, by being in the optimal gear at any time.

Unique identity
 
To create a unique identity, the LS, as flagship, needs to embody the history and image of Lexus, and serves to show what the brand now stands for.

The roofline of the traditional 3-box prestige sedan was modernised to give it a lower, curved-roof look.

Whereas previous Lexus LS designs practised restraint, the new one throws conservatism out the window.  The grille and front curves are emphatically bold and designed to no longer blend in – rather, to stand out and get noticed.

The Z-shaped headlamps and boomerang taillight shapes clearly show that this Lexus LS wants to announce its and its owner’s arrival.

Rear seat treat

While making the new LS more of a driver’s car, many owners would still be driven in it.  With this in mind, Lexus lavished attention on the rear seats, producing a design that provides seamless continuity between the trim and seatbacks.  There are heating, cooling and massage options for rear seat occupants, while power-controlled rear and front passenger seats are available with a Shiatsu massage function.

A raised ottoman leg rest is part of an extensive rear seat luxury package that offers more legroom than in any previous LS.  With this optional package, the seat behind the front passenger can be reclined up to 48 degrees, and raised up to 24 degrees to make it easier to exit the vehicle.

Raised access

Because the new LS is lower than previous models, Lexus has equipped the optional air suspension with an access function.  Activated when unlocking the car with the smart key, access mode automatically raises the vehicle and opens the seat bolsters to welcome the driver behind the wheel.  This is the opposite of the SUV access height where the air suspension is lowered – in a luxury sedan, you want to the car to be raised.  Smart thinking.

Trad&tech

The interior is said to be an intersection of tradition and technology.  Combining traditional influences with advanced manufacturing techniques can be viewed in items such as ambient lighting “inspired by Japanese lanterns” and armrests that appear to float next to the inner door panels.

Natural woodwork and the application of sliced wood and laser cutting technologies are used in creating new interior finish options including Art Wood / Organic, Art Wood / Herringbone, and Laser Cut Special.  The bright flowing lines across the dashboard cleverly disguise the centre air vents, and this trim strip reminds of guitar/violin strings.

The sound of silence

Since the first Lexus LS, isolated quietness has always been part of the deal.  To illustrate this – even the first Lexus cars driven had engines so quiet at standstill that one looked at the rev needle to check the car’s engine did not switch off (way before the days of auto stop-start engines). 

The ride has always been supremely smooth, and a feeling of quiet luxury is what you bought with the Lexus LS.  The sound of silence.

With the new car, the above traits are said to be carried over, but in a much more stand-out physical package, along with a more dynamic drive.

LS in SA

The Lexus LS500 is marked to launch in South Africa in the 1st quarter of 2018.