On the lookout 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 attention-grabbing 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. But it surely was the LS that formed customers’ opinion of the model, straight difficult Mercedes-Benz with a automobile that was higher outfitted, inexpensive, and arguably of higher high quality than the German maker’s commemorated S-Class sedan.
The recognition of the LS has fallen through the years, nonetheless, and different Lexus fashions have claimed the lion’s share of brand name gross sales. Even the dear 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 is not going to 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 largely more likely to see manufacturing. Have been such a car to be produced, we’d count on it to be priced effectively above the model’s LX large SUV.
And, like so many crossovers known as coupe lately, the LS Coupe would function a coupe-like fastback roofline, however would really be fitted with 4 standard doorways. If Lexus chickens out on the van (See beneath), count on to see a model of the Coupe Idea in showrooms comparatively quickly.
Lexus LS Micro Idea
As a single-passenger “pod” is solely antithetical to the unique Lexus LS mission, we will assume that this idea is a product of brand name designers having slightly enjoyable. We admire the cool look, and see a distant future that features hansom-cab fashion 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 seem absurd, however we’re betting that an LS substitute alongside the traces of a giant, comfy folks mover is into consideration. Notice 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 count on to see two wheels disappear earlier than manufacturing, however we are saying it is a idea to look at.
LS Van Idea Particulars
Whereas Lexus saved mum on doubtless LS Van Idea powertrain choices, they did clarify the six-wheel association. Apparently, by preserving 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—at the very least in photos—as ultra-premium.
We suspect {that a} manufacturing model of the LS Van Idea could be battery powered, and outfitted 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 positive that the LS Van Idea received’t arrive in showrooms with all six wheels.
CG Says:
On condition that luxury-vehicle customers are more and more expressing a want for consolation over sporty character, a premium minivan is sensible as a continuation of the LS legacy. Not solely would such a van serve rich households and high-end limousine providers effectively, it could 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 pictures
