What type of car is Lexus LS?
The Lexus LS is a full-size flagship luxury sedan produced by Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. It serves as the brand’s largest and most prestigious model, aimed at buyers seeking premium comfort, refined engineering, and cutting-edge technology.
As Lexus’s flagship, the LS competes with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8. The current fifth-generation LS (introduced in 2017 and updated through the early 2020s) is offered with gasoline and hybrid powertrains, with strong emphasis on ride quietness, cabin refinement, and advanced driver-assistance features.
Overview and positioning
The LS is designed to deliver a spacious, luxurious experience for both front-seat occupants and rear-seat passengers, with meticulous interior materials, seating comfort, and ride quality. It is built on a front-engine, rear- or all-wheel-drive platform, and in many markets can be ordered with a long-wheelbase variant for extra rear legroom.
What defines a flagship luxury sedan
Flagship models sit at the top of a brand’s lineup, combining premium materials, advanced technology, and utmost refinement. For the Lexus LS, that means a serene ride, a cabin packed with comfort features, and a focus on quiet, smooth performance over sporty, high-strung dynamics.
Key characteristics
Below are the core traits that consistently define the Lexus LS across generations and updates.
- Large, premium four-door sedan — the flagship model for Lexus.
- Full-size class with spacious interior and comfort-oriented ride.
- Typically available with rear-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive.
- Powertrains centered on a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with a hybrid variant in many markets.
- Advanced interior tech, high-quality materials, and a quiet, refined cabin.
- Broad suite of electronic driver-assistance and safety features.
- Long-wheelbase "L" variants offered in select markets for extra rear-seat space.
- Performance-oriented F Sport trim available in some markets.
In summary, the LS is built to emphasize luxury, comfort, and technology within a large, stately sedan package.
Variants and powertrains
The current Lexus LS lineup centers on two main configurations, with regional variations and optional packages that emphasize comfort or sport-tuned dynamics.
- LS 500: the primary gasoline variant, powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, typically paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and available rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
- LS 500h: hybrid version combining the V6 gasoline engine with electric motors, offering improved efficiency while maintaining luxury-focused performance.
- Long-wheelbase LS (often badged as "L" in markets like China and the U.S.): adds extra rear-seat legroom and comfort features.
- F Sport/track-ready trims: provide sportier styling cues, sharper handling, and firmer ride.
Overall, Lexus positions the LS as a technologically advanced, comfortable, and quiet flagship sedan with hybrid options to appeal to efficiency-minded buyers while preserving traditional luxury cues.
Design and technology
The LS showcases Lexus’s design language with a prominent grille (in most years), refined cabin appointments, and a suite of technology designed to enhance comfort and safety. Recent updates have refreshed the infotainment interface and expanded driver-assistance features to keep pace with rivals in the luxury segment.
Interior comfort and tech highlights
Expect high-grade materials, supportive seating for up to five (or four in some markets with executive rear seats), and quiet acoustics. The cabin often features a large central display, digital instrumentation, premium audio systems, and climate control that can be tailored for comfort on long journeys.
Summary
The Lexus LS is a full-size, flagship luxury sedan that blends serene ride quality, generous interior space, and advanced technology. As Lexus’s leading model, it aims to deliver a refined experience that prioritizes comfort and quiet sophistication over overt sportiness.
