Lexus has revealed the new generation of its global flagship sedan, the LS500, at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show. 28 years ago, the first LS was unveiled at the very auto show marking the birth of the brand Lexus. Now in its fifth-generation, the flagship sedan is all-new as it follows the brand’s design philosophy, incorporating all the luxuries the Japanese carmaker has to offer.
Staying true to the LF-LC concept showcased at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, the LS500 is based on the extended global architecture for luxury vehicles (GA-L) platform which currently underpins the LC coupe. The car is longer, wider, stiffer and sits lower than the older car and using clever materials, is 90kg lighter as well. The trademark spindle grille, sleek and distinctively designed headlamps, large 20-inch wheels, hefty C-pillar and a fastback, and the four-door coupe shape completes the demeanour of the new LS flagship.
On the inside, the LS doesn’t disappoint its flagship repute either. The front seats are 28-way adjustable with cooling, heating and massage while at the back the 48degree reclining seats even have a special Japanese Shiatsu massage. The dashboard is modern and incorporates a large 12.3-inch screen at the centre. The cabin is spacious owing to large wheelbase and comes with all the luxuries expected from a flagship vehicle.
Expected to be packing a V8 engine under the hood as the LS tradition and for the fact that it can be scrounged from the LC Coupe, the new LS instead uses a 3.5-litre biturbo V6 engine. The 410bhp and massive 600Nm of torque are adequate for a sprint of 0-100kmph in around 4.5seconds, according to Lexus. The only transmission option is a 10-speed automatic sending power to rear wheels, but can be had with an all-wheel-drive as well.
No pricing has been announced as yet, but the LS would go on sale in the US later this year. Indian debut of this flagship sedan is in the offing when Lexus initiates its campaign in India. The new LS comes in as a competition to the luxe-barges like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series.
