Lexus Launches All-New 2018 Lexus LS

The Lexus LS has been dubbed as the original luxury disruptor. Arguably, no other car has turned an established category on its head as conclusively as the original LS did when it debuted in 1989. As if that wasn't enough, the sedan managed to raise the bar for powertrain smoothness, ride quietness, long-term quality, and documented dependability in the following years since. Now, Lexus attempts to disrupt once again with the release of the all-new 2018 LS.

The latest LS retains much of what Lexus' flagship sedan is known for--with a few nifty improvements. The powerful performance, exceptional quietness and generous spaciousness remains, paired with an even more inspired driving experience and state-of-the-art tech that aims to advance the Lexus brand further.

"Not only will the LS symbolize the Lexus brand, it will become the definitive new-generation luxury car embodying Japanese tradition and culture," said LS Chief Engineer Toshio Asahi. "As such, this global pinnacle must go far beyond what the world expects from a luxury car."

A more exciting ride

The 2018 LS is longer, lower, and wider than its predecessor, exuding a stylishly sleek and bold design that gives off the feeling of a coupe. Sitting in the cockpit, the vehicle immediately lends a fresh driver-centric performance feel. According to the sedan’s engineers, all of this is intentional, stemming from Lexus’ decision to build the LS on the company's new Global Architecture for Luxury (GA-L) platform. This premium platform--a rear-wheel drive--offers a more enjoyable drive while furthering the luxurious comfort that brand is known for.

"We set previously unheard-of targets and resolutely pushed ahead towards these ambitious goals," said Asahi. "The customers who are going to want to own a Lexus flagship are already surrounded by luxury on a daily basis--people who have a sharp eye for authenticity to begin with. We wouldn't turn their heads with a conventional premium product."

Performance and dynamics

Lexus built an all-new 60-degree 3.5-liter V6 engine specifically for the new LS. This new engine boasts an undersquare design equipped with twin turbochargers. The result is improved thermal efficiency, high V8-level power, excellent fuel efficiency, and exciting on-road performance, all in a more compact package than the previous version. While the outgoing model yields 386 hp and 496 Nm of torque, the new engine pushes 416 hp and 599 Nm of torque. These are vast improvements, to say the least.

Providing the new LS' ride and handling dynamics is the latest generation of the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), a chassis control system that Lexus introduced back in 2005. With the system, the new LS achieves cooperative control of all available vehicle systems that affect braking, traction, steering and stability to control basic longitudinal lateral and vertical motion as well as yaw, roll and pitch.

Interior styling

Lexus knows too well that more doesn't necessarily mean better, that's why instead of simply adding more features and tech, the brand took the omotenashi approach and imbued the new LS cabin with what they define as "luxury that welcomes and envelops passengers while treating the driver like a partner."

"I hope that when you open the door you'll experience an immediate, intuitive sense that you’re looking at an interior that is unlike any luxury car before," said Chief Designer Koichi Suga.

The new LS gets 28-way power adjustable front seats, an organically shaped dash design uniform height displays, upholstery wrapped elements, and a choice of nine interior color schemes.

A reinvigorated LS

The original LS turned Lexus into a household name for luxury cars, and the all-new LS pushes Toyota's luxury line toward a more energetic direction.  Each version of the LS sedan leading to this latest incarnation has managed to raise the bar on luxury, performance, craftsmanship and safety in its own way. With the reinvigorated 2018 LS, Lexus hopes not only to improve on what came before, but also to exceed expectations of the brand’s luxury consumers all over the globe.

The all-new LS was designed to be the brand's latest global citizen, available in over 90 countries including the Philippines. Lexus began sales of the 2018 LS last October 19 in Japan. Priced from ¥9,800,000 to ¥16,800,000 (P4.4 million to 7.6 million) the model is expected to hit the rest of the Lexus dealerships both local and international soon.