Lexus LS. Grace, dynamics and comfort
In the summer of 2020, the restyled sedan was presented in Japan.
Lexus LS is a full-size F-class luxury sedan from Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota Motor Corporation (Japan), produced since 1989. All the LS models are equipped with V8 engines. Plus, there are rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive variations, as well as hybrid and long wheelbase models. In 2020, the 2017 fifth generation Sedan Lexus LS could be purchased on the Israeli market.
The name ‘LS’ stands for ‘Luxury Sedan’. The Lexus LS is the flagship model of Lexus. It took 5 years and more than $1 billion to design and develop the LS. The LS Sedan is considered to be the first car to use laser welding in the production process. The use of this technology made it possible to increase the level of body strength and reduce the number of seams. The largest sales markets for the Lexus LS are Japan and the USA. In America, for the first 15 years after its debut, the LS Sedan was considered the best-selling car in the segment.
The first generation
The first generation Lexus LS was produced from 1989 to 1994. Toyota’s engineers strived to create a completely new car with a completely new design, without using the company’s previous platforms, with the aim of outperforming the competitors among American and European flagship sedans in such specific target areas as aerodynamics, noise isolation, top speed and fuel efficiency. The project development involved 60 designers and 1,400 engineers, divided into 24 teams, 2,300 technicians and more than 200 workers, who built about 450 prototypes of the flagship and 900 prototypes of the engine, which passed 2.7 million kilometers of tests on winter European roads, in the deserts of Arizona, Australia and Saudi Arabia, as well as on the US freeways and highways.
The name ‘LS’ stands for ‘Luxury Sedan’. The Lexus LS is the flagship model of Lexus. It took 5 years and more than $1 billion to design and develop the LS.
As a result, the luxury rear-wheel drive Lexus LS sedan incorporates the most advanced solutions from Toyota Group, starting with the power package and ending with comfort elements. In comparison with its competitors, the first Lexus LS had a higher interior noise insulation and a higher top speed, a lower drag coefficient and a lower weight. Immediately after its introduction, the Lexus LS became Japan’s Car of the Year.
The second generation
The second generation Lexus LS was produced from 1994 to 2000. The second LS was upgraded and overhauled by 90%. With the same overall length, the sedan became lighter than its predecessor and acquired an increased wheelbase, which meant more interior space. Its body was more aerodynamic while maintaining the overall profile and contours of the original LS. In addition, the second LS boasted increased noise isolation, a reinforced body structure, a modified suspension and improved brakes.
The third generation
The third generation Lexus LS was produced from 2000 to 2006, while its restyling took place in 2003. The third LS had a new body design, a new interior and many technological improvements. The 3rd generation Lexus LS sedan became the first Lexus on the American market with an adaptive cruise control system, in which a lidar sensor directly activates the brakes to reduce speed. The body of the third LS became even more aerodynamic, in contrast to the previous sedans. The longer wheelbase allowed to increase the volume and size of the trunk compartment. Compared to previous generations, the 3rd generation LS used a larger number of modifications and trim levels.
The fourth generation
The fourth generation Lexus LS was produced from 2006 to 2017, while its restyling took place in 2012. Immediately after its introduction, the sedan won the Car of the Year in Japan for the second time. For the first time, the fourth generation LS was equipped with an AVS adaptive suspension, as well as with an intelligent parking assist system, which was the first of its kind in the United States and was not offered by other automobile makers. The fourth LS, built on a completely new platform, was available in standard and extended wheelbase variations. A new LS 600h L hybrid version was presented at the New York International Auto Show in April 2006. And in 2008, an all-wheel drive version of the Lexus LS Sedan appeared.
The fifth generation
The fifth generation Lexus LS has been produced from 2017 to the present. The luxury class model has a futuristic design and improved technical characteristics. The fifth LS is longer and lower than its predecessor, and also ‘lost’ 90 kg. The exterior of the car is made in a futuristic style, the interior is equipped with the innovative equipment, and the previous engine was replaced by a new 3.5-liter 6-cylinder V-shaped engine. It works together with a high-tech 10-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to the new engine, the LS500 accelerates to the first 100 km in 4.9 seconds.
Each generation of the Lexus LS strives in its own way for increased luxury, craftsmanship, dynamics and safety. And the newest generation features a much more expressive design along with superior road performance.
The exterior of the 2018/2019 Lexus LS is based on the latest design trends. Its core is the stylistic direction that applies to all new Lexus models. The dynamic lines of the body, demonstrating the sporty character of the vehicle, play an essential role. The front face is equipped with a large false radiator grille and aggressive headlights. The stern part of the new LS has a powerful bumper, stylish stampings and high-tech optics. The interior of the 2019/2020 Lexus LS is made of high quality materials. The comfort of the driver and passengers is provided not only by thoughtful noise isolation, but also by a special noise suppression system. The upper part of the dashboard is equipped with a new multimedia complex with a 12.3-inch display that has already proven itself in the latest generation RX.
Each generation of the Lexus LS strives in its own way for increased luxury, craftsmanship, dynamics and safety. And the newest 2020 Lexus LS features a much more expressive design along with superior road performance. The LS’s mesmerizing, dynamic image is as impressive as its superior performance and driver orientation. With its new and improved equipment, this flagship luxury sedan delivers incredible dynamics combined with superior comfort and grace.
