In a complete break from tradition, the new fifth generation Lexus LS is long, sexy, emotional and has a couple style roof line.
Realizing that the big dollar Lexus LS will remain at least a fourth choice flagship sedan pick behind the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series and Audi A8, the new LS is aimed at being more sporting and sensuous than its German competitors.
It’s also bigger than the XF40 LWB LS, but has a lower roof, and is around the same size as the LWB German offerings. The new LS is based on the GA-L platform that’s shared with the LC coupe, and is over 200 lb (90kg) lighter than the XF40 LS.
Only the LS500 has been revealed so far and it has a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 415hp (309kW) and 442 lb-ft (599Nm), a 10-speed automatic, and either RWD or AWD. The RWD XF50 LS has an estimated 0 to 60mph time of 4.5 seconds.
Available equipment includes 19 and 20-inch wheels, 28-way electric power front seats with heating, cooling and massage, rear passenger seat with 48 degrees of recline and 24 degrees of lift, active noise control, 3D surround Mark Levinson sound system, 24-inch heads-up display, 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
The new Lexus LS goes on sale in the US towards the end of 2017.
Dimensions (compared to LWB XF40 LS)
Length: 5,235mm (+84mm) | 206.1 inches (+3.3 inches)
Width: 1,900mm (+25mm) | 74.8 inches (+1 inch)
Height: 1,450mm (-26mm) | 57.1 inches (-1 inch)
Wheelbase: 3,125mm (+34mm) | 123 inches (+1.3 inches)
