Searching for a substitute for the automobile that began all of it.
Having shared information that 2026 would be the final mannequin 12 months for the model’s LS flagship sedan, Lexus is testing the water for a substitute car, exhibiting three fascinating idea designs at this 12 months’s Japan Mobility Present. The biannual occasion changed the Tokyo Auto Present in 2023, and has confirmed a hotbed for cutting-edge design.
Lexus LS Van Idea
Lexus LS Legacy
Lexus launched the model within the U.S. 1n 1989 with two fashions, the full-size LS sedan, and the smaller ES 250. However it was the LS that formed customers’ opinion of the model, straight difficult Mercedes-Benz with a automobile that was higher geared up, cheaper, and arguably of higher high quality than the German maker’s commemorated S-Class sedan.
The recognition of the LS has fallen over time, nonetheless, and different Lexus fashions have claimed the lion’s share of name gross sales. Even the expensive LX giant SUV outsells the LS by greater than 3-to-1.
Changing the Lexus LS
Lexus appears eager to model a substitute for the outgoing automobile utilizing the identical LS moniker, although, based mostly on the idea reveals in Japan this week, that mannequin won’t be a sedan.
The Japanese luxury-vehicle maker revealed three LS ideas this week, and we definitely admire the creativity in play. The ideas:
Lexus LS Coupe Idea
Of the three LS substitute candidates seen in Tokyo this week, it’s the Coupe Idea that’s principally more likely to see manufacturing. Had been such a car to be produced, we’d anticipate it to be priced properly above the model’s LX massive SUV.
And, like so many crossovers referred to as coupe lately, the LS Coupe would characteristic a coupe-like fastback roofline, however would really be fitted with 4 typical doorways. If Lexus chickens out on the van (See beneath), anticipate to see a model of the Coupe Idea in showrooms comparatively quickly.
Lexus LS Micro Idea
As a single-passenger “pod” is totally antithetical to the unique Lexus LS mission, we are able to assume that this idea is a product of name designers having a bit enjoyable. We admire the cool look, and see a distant future that features hansom-cab model small luxurious shuttles, however the Micro Idea is NOT the subsequent Lexus LS.
Lexus LS Van Idea
At first look, this 6-wheeled mega minivan could appear absurd, however we’re betting that an LS substitute alongside the strains of a big, snug individuals mover is into account. Observe that Lexus already sells a premium minivan in different markets, and that occupant coddling has largely changed driver engagement as a luxury-vehicle precedence. We’d anticipate to see two wheels disappear earlier than manufacturing, however we are saying this can be a idea to look at.
LS Van Idea Particulars
Whereas Lexus stored mum on probably LS Van Idea powertrain choices, they did clarify the six-wheel association. Apparently, by protecting the rear wheels small, designers had been in a position to restrict wheel intrusion into the cabin, thus preserving inside area.
Inside, the premium LS Van Idea Van cabin is lined with bamboo, and comes off—a minimum of in footage—as ultra-premium.
We suspect {that a} manufacturing model of the LS Van Idea could be battery powered, and geared up with the most recent autonomous driving system. We are able to’t hazard a guess as to the value of a van-like, flagship Lexus, however we’re fairly certain that the LS Van Idea gained’t arrive in showrooms with all six wheels.
CG Says:
Provided that luxury-vehicle customers are more and more expressing a want for consolation over sporty character, a premium minivan is smart as a continuation of the LS legacy. Not solely would such a van serve rich households and high-end limousine companies properly, it will even be a extremely seen halo mannequin for the model, recognizable at a distance, not not like the Cadillac Escalade. If we had a vote as to which idea would see manufacturing, we’d select the van,
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Lexus LS Van Idea Photos
Click on beneath for enlarged photographs
