The all-new 2018 Lexus LS, recently revealed at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, looks to disrupt the luxury segment with its rejuvenated combination of power, poise and purpose, as it did 28 years ago with the launch of the 1990 LS 400. The fifth-generation Lexus LS is based on a global platform and will be available in about 90 countries.
The new Lexus LS bears a coupe-like silhouette punctuated by the Lexus design language. The front fascia has the evolved tick-mark-shaped LED DRLs and the signature spindle grille, this time with unique texturing that plays tricks on lighting, created by intense CAD and hand-adjusting a thousand surfaces. While at the rear, you have parallel LED light strips with an up-bend, bumper-infused trapezoidal exhaust tips and a boot lid design that is reminiscent of BMW’s Bangle-butt.
This premium rear-wheel drive platform is an extended version of the one used for the stunning new Lexus LC 500 coupe. The new model is lower by 15 mm; and so are the hood and trunk, by are 30 mm and 40 mm, respectively. It is the first Lexus sedan with a 6-side window design, with windows that are flush with the side pillars, creating a smooth glazed surfaces. The GA-L platform is the stiffest in Lexus history and thanks to use of lightweight materials like ultra-high tensile steel and aluminum they managed to shed about 100 kilograms. And as the saying goes, lighter is better! The 1980 mm wheelbase is also 20 mm longer than the current LS long-wheelbase model.
Wheel options vary from one 19- and three 20-inch diameter. The premium 20-inch wheel gets an sputtering effect created by an electroplating technique. And all but one, get a hollow rim structure that helps reduce the tyre-generated resonance.
On the insides, you find a slightly Germanic interpretation on in-car furniture and dashboard architecture. Omotenashi, the concept of Japanese hospitality has been applied here which is supposed to anticipate the needs of the driver and passengers, attend to their comfort and help to protect them from hazards.
New seating designs come with available 28-way power front seats. Yes, 28! The rear cabin a design that creates seamless continuity between the trim and seatbacks for passenger egress. As expected with the seating comes the gets heating, cooling and Shiatsu massage which may put your vacation to the Far-East on hold. In addition, the seat behind the front passenger in an optional package can be reclined up to 48 degrees and together with the raised ottoman lets you stretch your legs out business-class style making better use of the largest legroom in a LS yet. The rear seat can also be raised up to 24 degrees to help assist the rear-seat passenger in exiting the vehicle.
Inspired by new Shimamoku wood patterns featuring larger cross-grain accentuates contrasts between light and dark. The new forms combine natural woodwork and application of Japan’s sophisticated sliced wood and laser cutting manufacturing technologies to create new patterns infused with Aluminum. The new LS also brings new ambient lighting technology inspired by Japanese lanterns and armrests designs that appear to float next to the door panel.
The Lexus LS 500 is equipped with an all-new twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine to power the rear wheels. It makes 415 horsepower and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque, appreciable gains over the V8 in the current LS 460, allowing it to take on superlimos on the drag strip with a projected 0-96 km/h time of 4.5 seconds. The new engine is coupled to the brand’s first-ever 10-speed automatic transmission for a premium passenger car, which debuted in the Lexus LC 500. The torque-converter is claimed to rival shift times of dual-clutch transmissions while shifting via paddles is available.
Helping it with its travels is the latest generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) which has algorithm that analyses inputs from systems like braking, steering, powertrain, and suspension – to control basic longitudinal, lateral and vertical motion as well as yaw, roll and pitch. It is also equipped with active stabilizer bars and the Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) System, known to common man as 4-wheel steering. They’ve also got ball joints n the upper and lower control arms multilink suspension to do some magic with driver control and feedback. And aluminum is the chosen metal, helping reduce unsprung weight. Lexus, for the first time, equipped the available air suspension with an access function which automatically raises the vehicle and opens the seat bolsters to welcome drivers behind the wheel.
Audio credentials for the Lexus LS read 3D surround Mark Levinson unit with more than a dozen speakers, some of then within the ceiling. While 12.3-inch infotainment screen will see a more engaging graphics and the next-generation remote touch is designed to mimic smartphone operation – something they have not been able to achieve with complete success in current models. And how about the optional 24-inch color head-up display — the largest in the world!
Active Noise Control detecting the engine sound and cancelling certain frequencies. But bystanders should get better sampling of the retuned exhaust note. The available Advanced Safety Package, features the an innovative Intuitive Pedestrian Detection with Active Steering within the lane that automatically brakes and steers around a jaywalker if detected…and more!
The all-new Lexus LS will go on sale in U.S. at the end of 2017 and it is very probable that it will make to the GCC showrooms about the same time. Pricing has yet to be announced for the region.
