Lexus Reinvents the LS

The biannual Japan Mobility Show is an opportunity for manufacturers to showcase their latest wares and present concepts to help gauge public reception. This helps steer them to create products that consumers actually want. The 2025 instalment of the show saw Toyota pull out all of the stops, with impressive displays for their Toyota, Lexus, Century, and Daihatsu efforts.

It was Lexus that got tongues wagging with several new concepts and a fresh new approach to luxury.

Lexus ‘dethroned’

Toyota CEO Koji Sato revealed in his address that Century would emerge from the shadows as a model range and become its own brand with a unique identity. It would represent the pinnacle of Toyota-led luxury with no compromises. 

This has left Lexus free to explore and innovate, creating refreshing luxury offerings that challenge the norm and reinvent the luxury mobility space. We are assured that the same level of detail and quality will still be maintained, but expect to see the customary traditional approach of Lexus evolve into something a little more adventurous.

Lexus LS - reborn

Lexus CBO Simon Humphreys revealed a new approach for the LS range, breaking away from the familiar and reinventing what the LS means to consumers. "In a sense, Lexus will be free to act," he said. "Lexus should continue to take on new challenges as a pioneer."

With its launch in 1989, the Lexus LS represented luxury, refinement, and resilience, all in an attainable package. But the goalposts have moved on, and so too must the luxury sedan. Consumers now want different things, and the LS brand must evolve.

“Once upon a time, executive sedans ruled the automotive world. Now, they are fighting a losing battle with SUVs. People are aspiring to completely different experiences. Our customers want to define things on their own terms. They want the space and freedom to curate their time with maximum efficiency. And they aren't afraid to challenge the status quo in pursuit of that ideal,” said Humphreys.

This has given birth to several new concepts that will embody the LS ideology. LS no longer stands for Luxury Sedan, but rather Luxury Space. Customers will be able to choose their preferred approach to mobility, no longer limited by a single design.

LS Concept

With SUVs becoming increasingly popular, the LS Concept leans into this trend with a six-wheeled MPV featuring sliding doors. Six wheels may be radical, but the thinking is solid. Two large wheels up front and four smaller wheels at the rear allow for more cabin space and a flatter floor, allowing designers to better utilise the interior space without the intrusion of the wheel arches. Flat floors equal more legroom. This also allows the door to open far enough to eliminate the need for passengers to fold the second row to access the third row.

The Lexus spindle grille makes way for a spindle design LED light signature up front, allowing the LS Concept to retain its identity while offering a modern, sleek appearance.

LS Coupe Concept

This offering is for the consumer who wants the best of all worlds. Looking a little more like a traditional crossover SUV, the LS Coupe Concept blends opposing designs into a package that remains appealing. 

The contrast between the sporty exterior styling and the LED spindle signature is offset by the contrasting interior, which embodies luxury. The driver’s and passenger seats differ, because a passenger doesn’t want to sit in a driver’s seat, and a driver has different requirements than those of a passenger.

LS Micro Concept

The LS Micro Concept is an exercise in personal mobility, focusing on the last mile of the journey from the parking lot to your door. This autonomous vehicle is a single-seat offering that takes the same luxury and elegance of the LS Concept and scales it down. It features the same glass and bamboo slat interior design as the LS Concept, utilising a three-wheeled drivetrain and autonomous guidance to ensure that the final leg of your journey is as practical and comfortable, even when navigating narrow streets.

Lexus Sport Concept

Looking like an LFA successor, the Sport Concept drew crowds from around the show, eager to see what the luxury brand has planned for the future.

This low-slung, cab-rearward sports car showcased the design approach that we can expect to see from Lexus, with integrated aerodynamics and deliberate styling to ensure only the best performance while retaining a luxurious appeal.

No mention was made of the intended powertrain, but provisions are made for an internal combustion engine; we’re most likely going to see a hybrid offering, though.

Sea and Sky

Toyota showcased its collaboration with Joby to develop an eVTOL, also known as a “flying car”. This drone-like airship allows for Vertical Take Off and Landing. The electric powertrain ensures zero emissions, offering a solution for business trips, commuting, and even taxi services.

Lexus also showcased a scale model of their concept catamaran. This luxury sea-faring vessel offers the same level of luxury that one would expect to find in a Lexus product, while remaining environmentally conscious.