A Coupe Silhouette, Emotional Driving, and Advanced Technology: The Symbol of Lexus

The first-generation "LS" (Toyota "Celsior" in Japan), launched in 1989, aimed to be an epoch-making car that overturned the concept of luxury cars at the time by uncompromisingly balancing superior driving performance with overwhelming quietness. The new LS, the fifth generation inheriting that DNA, debuts as the flagship sedan symbolizing Lexus, equipped with a novel coupe silhouette, emotional driving, and numerous advanced technologies.

As Lexus International President Yoshihiro Sawa stated at the launch event, "We cannot be chosen if we do the same things as European and American brands." The new model redefines the concept of luxury cars with its unique points: "challenging and one-of-a-kind design," "smooth and profound driving," "creative advanced technology," and "master craftsmanship," and was launched with full confidence.

Lexus LS 500h

LEXUS INTERNATIONAL President Yoshihiro Sawa (center)

According to Chief Engineer Toshio Asahi, who was in charge of the new LS, the design aimed to create "a car that draws you in the moment you see it. It should be unlike anything else, yet possess dignity. We pursued a unique and powerful presence that transcends categories like sedan or coupe."

The latest sports coupe,LCuses the low-center-of-gravity "GA-L" platform, which was first adopted in the "LC." This platform, combined with a low-slung styling and large-diameter tires for a powerful presence, a six-light cabin design that sets it apart from conventional four-door sedans, and a sharp configuration from front to rear that dynamically flares the fenders, creates an unusually coupe-like silhouette for a flagship sedan. Furthermore, flush surface windows, with minimal gaps between the door frame and glass, achieve a smooth and beautiful body line. The body size is uniform: 5,235mm in length, 1,900mm in width, and 1,450mm in height.

Packed with "Omotenashi" Features

The interior is characterized by a fusion of a cockpit that allows the driver to concentrate on driving and a relaxing space befitting a flagship sedan.

In the front seats, a delicate register flows from the meter hood to the passenger side, creating a sense of spaciousness and security in contrast with the thick console armrest, which feels integrated with the seats.

The rear seats offer ample space, boasting class-leading legroom and a thick console armrest. Additionally, the door trims feature decorative elements that showcase Japanese craftsmanship, such as Art Wood, which adds artistry to natural wood grain, hand-pleated "Hand Pleats" with L-shaped folds, and Kiriko-style cut glass, processed to change its expression with light. Together with registers inspired by Koto and Chasen whisks, and ambient illumination inspired by Andon lanterns, it creates an original interior based on Japanese aesthetics, merging traditional and the latest production techniques.

Furthermore, it is packed with elements of "Japanese OMOTENASHI (hospitality)." The front seats, adjustable 28 ways, and rear seats, 22 ways, feature a refresh function using air bladders to provide acupressure from the back to the thighs. Users can select the strength, pattern, and operating area. The rear seats also have built-in heaters in two locations, providing localized warmth for a more comfortable relaxation. Selecting the "Relax" mode moves the front passenger seat forward, creating a spacious legroom of up to approximately 1,020mm with an ottoman.

When entering or exiting, the electronically controlled suspension raises the vehicle height by up to 30mm, assisting with ease of access. With the optional Mark Levinson 3D surround sound system, occupants can enjoy immersive sound from 23 speakers, including those in the ceiling.

The powertrain for the "LS500" is a newly developed 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine producing a maximum output of 310 kW (422 ps) at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 600 Nm at 1,600-4,600 rpm. It boasts a high level of thermal efficiency combining rapid combustion technology with twin turbos, and through a 10-speed automatic transmission, it delivers acceleration performance equivalent to or exceeding that of competing V8 engines. "This is not just downsizing; it's a smart and appealing Lexus-unique engine that users in this class expect," stated Chief Engineer Asahi.

The "LS500h" uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a maximum output of 220 kW (299 ps) and a maximum torque of 356 Nm, combined with a 132 kW (180 ps) / 300 Nm motor. This system, called Multi Stage Hybrid, places a 4-speed transmission mechanism after the motor and engine, further combined with 10-speed shift control. It not only achieves environmental performance but also delivers a rhythmic acceleration feel that overturns the conventional concept of hybrids.

A Relaxing Space Experienced During a Test Ride

On the day of the announcement, I was allowed to test ride in the rear seat of the LS500h for about 30 minutes. Upon entering, the first thing that surprised me was the silence that enveloped the cabin the moment the door closed, akin to putting on noise-canceling headphones. Then, in the comfortably spacious rear seat, reclining the backrest and activating the massage function and heater, time passed in supreme comfort. Although it was raining that day, the wiper sound was barely audible, and conversation was possible even at higher speeds, a testament to its status as a flagship sedan.

In another venue, I experienced a simulator that demonstrated the advanced preventive safety technology "Lexus Safety System+ A" installed in the new LS, aiming for zero traffic fatalities and to be a supportive partner for people.

This system combines the actual new LS with a vast screen in front, allowing for the experience of advanced driver-assistance technologies leading to autonomous driving, "Lexus Co Drive," as well as Pre-Collision Safety (pedestrian detection, active steering assist), Lane Departure Alert (road departure mitigation), Front Cross Traffic Alert, and a two-stage Adaptive High-beam System that operate according to various situations. The vehicle body moves up, down, left, and right in sync with the screen, allowing for an experience of its advanced capabilities in a near-real-world context.

Both models offer variations in "Standard," "I package," "F SPORT," "version L," and "EXECUTIVE," each available in 2WD (FR) and AWD. Prices range from 9.8 million yen to 15.4 million yen for the LS500, and 11.2 million yen to 16.8 million yen for the LS500h. The monthly sales target is 600 units, and orders have already reached 7,600 units.