A Deliberate Choice to Assert Individuality

Is the spindle grille not a manifestation of Lexus's strong resolve to break away from conventional values?




This design, which could be considered somewhat too bold, will likely be actively embraced by those who appreciate originality. However, it may be shunned by those who find comfort in the safe and traditional. Yet, Lexus, aware of this, has deliberately chosen the path of asserting its individuality. This stance is fundamentally different from Toyota's approach, which has strived for "product development that is accepted by as many customers as possible."



Hideki Watanabe, Chief Engineer for the Lexus "LS," explains: "Toyota cars aim for excellent quality at a low price, supported by a broad customer base. However, as a premium brand, Lexus cannot stop there. This is because premium brands are inherently luxurious and must be more individualistic."



Nevertheless, asking those who have worked at Toyota Motor Corporation for many years to "pursue individuality" immediately is an unreasonable request. Lexus, born in America with the first-generation "LS" in 1989, while returning to the fundamentals of car development more than ever before, seemed to have evaluation and value standards that were an extension of traditional Toyota cars. However, in competition with world-renowned premium brands, Lexus gradually distanced itself from Toyota and began to emphasize its own unique identity.



However, my perception vanished the moment I test-drove the latestGS. The robust tuning was reminiscent of European premium models. Moreover, the driving performance was not superficial; it remained composed even when pushed to the limit.



This level of performance could not be achieved without first ensuring solid body rigidity, installing precisely functioning suspension, and applying meticulous tuning.



The interior's quality and distinctiveness were also on par with European cars. And the front section was adorned with the distinctive spindle grille. "Ah, with that spindle grille, Lexus has truly transformed into a genuine premium brand with its own unique world." That realization left a vivid impression on the author.



And now, the Lexus flagship model, the "LS," has undergone a minor change with the adoption of the spindle grille. However, within the company, it is apparently regarded as a large-scale modification comparable to a full model change. In fact, the improvements reportedly extended to the body structure. Furthermore, the introduction of the "F SPORT" grade for the "LS" for the first time, symbolizing the Lexus brand's driving dynamics, hinted at a model change on par with the new "GS."



To what extent has the new "LS" been reborn? The author visited the test drive venue with great anticipation.

Truly All-Around Evolution

After the presentation, I understood that this was indeed a major minor change, exceeding expectations. Laser screw welding, which offers higher joint rigidity than conventional spot welding, was adopted for the first timeLexusas a grade. Furthermore, adhesive bonding, which connects body panels face-to-face, was also adopted for the first time by Lexus.



Additionally, parts such as the tunnel brace connecting the left and right sides of the floor, the front and rear suspension member braces, and the partition reinforcement were enlarged or strengthened, reportedly achieving a 60% reduction in tunnel brace deformation and a 20% increase in steering support rigidity. Furthermore, the suspension parts and specifications were meticulously reviewed, and the control of the air suspension was improved to suppress unnecessary body movements.

Riding in a UFO Must Feel Like This

I test-drove the "LS600h 'F SPORT'," a highly anticipated specification making its debut with this model change.



When I got into the cabin and closed the door, my eardrums felt a distinct pressure, perhaps due to the extreme airtightness. Even when starting the engine, vibrations and engine noise were barely perceptible. It was a world of no vibration, no sound. The first thing that surprised me when I started driving was the overwhelming reduction in road noise. The noise reduction wheels were likely contributing to this. I experienced a strange sensation, as if the car were completely isolated from the road.



The ride quality was full of a sense of levitation. However, this does not mean it was simply soft and bouncy. After all, "bouncy" would refer to a state of constant oscillation in all directions. Yet, the new LS continued to drive while maintaining a stable posture with almost no body sway. This sensation was distinctly different from the "flatness" often found in German cars. It had a clearly softer feel, creating a strange sensation as if the car were floating about 30 cm above the road. This is purely speculative, but the ride quality felt as if one were riding in a UFO.

The New Identity of the LS

Paired with the hybrid system, the 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 394 ps, delivers power smoothly. When accelerating fully, the electric motor assists, making it feel even more powerful, but the power delivery is exceptionally smooth. The drivetrain employs a system known as an electric continuously variable transmission (e-CVT), resulting in a remarkably smooth acceleration feel.



On winding roads, the grip level, befitting the "F SPORT" designation, was surprisingly high, demonstrating formidable cornering performance. This is a significant departure from the previous generation, where pushing the limits would cause the tire grip to suddenly break away. The steering feel is also solid, allowing for confident cornering at about 70-80% of its limits.



However, when pushed to the absolute limit, there was a sense that the suspension could not fully control the body's movements. This is purely conjecture, but perhaps increasing the damper's damping force slightly could improve stability in this range. However, doing so might compromise comfort in everyday driving. Should one prioritize extraordinary cornering performance or everyday comfort? It is likely that most Japanese people would choose the latter.



Nevertheless, I cannot shake the feeling that a European premium model would have prioritized stability. When I posed this question to Chief Engineer Watanabe, he replied, "The LS isLexus's flagship model. Some customers may be transitioning from the Toyota "Celsior," while others may be upgrading from the previous "LS." Considering these factors, we pursued a unique "LS" character, slightly different from the "GS."



In other words, it was not a matter of inability, but a deliberate choice to prioritize a comfort-oriented tuning. This point, I believe, symbolizes the "new identity of the LS," which, while reaching a level comparable to European premium brands in terms of hardware, intentionally retains its Japanese character.



In any case, it is undeniable that Lexus, with its spindle grille, has entered a new dimension.




Lexus LS600h | Lexus LS600h

Body Size | Length 5,090 x Width 1,865 x Height 1,475 mm

Wheelbase | 2,970 mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,610 / 1,610 mm

Vehicle Weight | 2,230 kg

Engine | 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine

Maximum Output | 290 kW (394 ps) / 6,400 rpm

Maximum Torque | 520 Nm (53.0 kgm) / 4,000 rpm

Motor Maximum Output | 165 kW (224 ps)

Motor Maximum Torque | 300 Nm (30.6 kgm)

Transmission | Electric continuously variable transmission

Drivetrain | All-wheel drive

Fuel Economy | 11.6 km/ℓ (JC08 mode)

Price | 12,300,000 yen