The all-new Lexus LS flagship sedan, launched in Australia today, delivers premium levels of powertrain smoothness, spaciousness, handling, ride comfort, safety, craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The fifth-generation LS is based on a new rear-drive platform and features a bold design with a coupe-like silhouette.
Two powertrains are offered, including the first turbocharged petrol engine offered in the LS and the first 10-speed transmission in the segment.
The powertrains are 310kW twin-turbo V6 LS 500 and multi-stage hybrid system LS 500h (combining V6 petrol and electric power for a maximum 264kW).
Pricing is identical for LS 500 and LS 500h, beginning at $190,500 for F Sport, with a $5000 premium for Sports Luxury. There are eight premium hand-crafted interior ornamentation options for Sports Luxury models, four of which command a premium of $9,880.
Lexus also expanded the customer care for which it is renowned, announcing an unconditional 10-year complimentary roadside assistance program to make ownership even easier and more beneficial.
Mr Thompson said Japanese aesthetics, drawing on the skills of master craftsmen and the “omotenashi” or hospitality principle, reflected the human-centred engineering and attention to detail inherent with the Lexus brand.
“This human touch gives the Lexus brand its soul and sets it apart from our competitors,” he said.
LS chief engineer Toshio Asahi said the challenge for Lexus with the fifth-generation model was not simply to go beyond the achievements of the past, but to re-imagine what a global flagship sedan should be.
“In doing so, four key pillars underpinned the development of the new LS – brave design, Takumi craftsmanship, exhilarating performance and imaginative technology,” he said.
Foundation for the new design and chassis was the GA-L platform that allowed Lexus to extend the wheelbase, provide a spacious interior, and achieve an ideal front-rear weight balance and the lowest centre of gravity in class for greater agility and comfort.
The latest Lexus Safety System+ includes a pre-collision system, all-speed radar active cruise control, lane keep assist and adaptive high-beam system to control the LED headlamps.
Every Lexus LS is equipped with blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, pop-up bonnet and tyre pressure monitoring system.
Advanced new front and rear seat designs offer class-leading levels of adjustment and sophisticated new massage functions.
In-cabin technology includes a 12.3-inch multi-media screen, head-up display with segment-leading size, Mark Levinson 23-speaker audio and auto-closing doors.
Performance benefits include standard Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), air suspension with access mode control and adaptive variable suspension.
LS 500 F Sport is the outright performance model, equipped with the V6 turbo, a world-first six-step VDIM system, four-wheel steering and active stabiliser bars to provide an even higher level of stability control while maintaining ride comfort.
F Sport features include unique exterior and interior treatments, 20-inch alloys with a front-rear tyre size differential, high-performance brakes, variable gear-ratio steering, dynamic rear steering and active stabiliser bars.
Sports Luxury additional features include four-zone climate control with rear cooler, 22-way power rear seats with passenger-side ottoman and seven massage programs, rear-seat entertainment and noise-dissipating 20-inch alloy wheels.
