The Lexus LS is a line of full-size luxury sedans serving as the flagship model for Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, since 1989[1]. Throughout its first four generations, all LS models came with V8 engines and were primarily rear-wheel drive[1]. The fourth generation saw the introduction of all-wheel-drive, hybrid, and long-wheelbase versions, while the fifth generation transitioned to a V6 engine, offered in only one length[1].
Lexus LS Launch Details
The Lexus LS 400, the first model developed by Lexus, was launched in January 1989, followed by the second generation in November 1994[1]. The LS 430 then debuted in January 2000, and the LS 460/LS 460 L series in 2006[1]. The development of the LS began in 1983 as the F1 project, a secret flagship sedan[1]. Toyota’s existing flagship models, the Crown and Century, catered exclusively to the Japanese market and lacked the global appeal to compete with luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Jaguar[1]. The resulting sedan, after a five-year design process costing over US$1 billion, premiered with a new V8 engine and luxury features[1]. The Lexus LS was designed for export markets, and the Lexus division was created to market and service the vehicle internationally[1]. The original LS 400 achieved strong sales and significantly contributed to the successful launch of the Lexus brand[1].
Lexus LS Specifications and Design
In August 1983, Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda initiated the F1 project to produce a world-class luxury sedan for international markets[1]. The F1 development effort had no specific budget or time constraints, and the resulting vehicle did not utilize existing Toyota platforms or parts[1]. Chief engineer Ichiro Suzuki aimed to develop an all-new design that surpassed rival American and European flagship sedans in areas like aerodynamics, cabin quietness, top speed, and fuel efficiency[1]. The development involved 60 designers, 1,400 engineers in 24 teams, 2,300 technicians, and over 200 support workers who built approximately 450 flagship prototypes and 900 engine prototypes[1]. These teams logged 2.7 million kilometers (1.7 million miles) of testing in diverse locations, from European winter roadways to deserts in Arizona, Australia, and Saudi Arabia, as well as American highways and wilderness[1].
Designers began work on the F1 project in May 1985, presenting the first exterior study models in late 1985, featuring a sports car-like design with a low-slung bonnet and narrow front profile[1]. By 1986, the sedan adopted a three-box design with an upright stance, a more prominent grille, and a two-tone body[1]. Extensive modeling and wind tunnel tests resulted in a low drag coefficient for a production vehicle of the time (approximately 0.29)[1]. For the passenger cabin, material selection involved evaluating 24 different kinds of wood and multiple types of leather over two years before settling on specific trim combinations[1]. By 1986, the Lexus marque was created to support the launch of the flagship sedan, which became known as the Lexus LS[1]. After eight design reviews, revisions, concept approval in February 1987, and over US$1 billion in development expenses, the final design for the production Lexus LS 400 (chassis code UCF10) was frozen in May 1987, with design patents filed in February and May 1987[1].
Lexus LS Safety and Features
The Lexus LS 460 (XF40), introduced in 2006, featured advanced safety systems, including an automatic parking system and the first production eight-speed automatic transmission[1]. In 2007, V8 hybrid powertrains were introduced on the LS 600h/LS 600h L sedans[1]. The XF40 series underwent updates in 2009 and 2013, with the latter incorporating the company’s corporate fascia, featuring the “spindle” grille and redesigned headlamps[3].
Lexus LS Engine and Performance
The LS 400’s 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE 32-valve V8 engine produced 245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp) and 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) of torque[1]. It was paired with a new four-speed automatic transmission featuring ECT-i electronically controlled shifts, a super-flow torque converter, and a rear differential[1]. The chassis used an independent, high-mount upper arm double-wishbone suspension setup with twin-tube shock absorbers, and an optional passive air suspension system[1]. The LS 400 accelerated from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.5 seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph)[1]. Compared to rivals like the BMW 735i (E32) and Mercedes-Benz 420 SE (W126), the LS 400 had a quieter cabin (58 dB at 100 km/h), a higher top speed, a lower drag coefficient and curb weight, and it avoided the U.S. Gas Guzzler Tax[1]. In European tests, the noise level at 200 km/h (124 mph) was 74 dBA, equal to a BMW 735i at 150 km/h (93 mph)[1].
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Lexus LS Technology and Features
In January 1989, the LS 400 debuted as a 1990 model at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan[1]. Production began on May 15, 1989, with the first shipments leaving Japanese ports in late June 1989[1]. The first cars were available in August 1989, and U.S. sales officially began on September 1, 1989, followed by limited exports to Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom starting in 1990[1]. Sales in certain markets only started in late 1991, as Lexus focused on the North American and home markets[1]. Production was limited to about 50,000 cars per year to maintain quality standards, with 40,000 earmarked for the United States, 8,000 for Japan, and 2,000 for the rest of the world[1].
The Lexus LS series has consistently introduced advanced technology and luxury features. The LS 460, part of the XF40 series, was the first to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission[1]. The interior of the Lexus LS has always been meticulously crafted, with careful selection of materials and attention to detail[1].
Lexus LS Efficiency and Practicality
While the Lexus LS is a luxury sedan, efficiency and practicality have also been considerations in its design[1]. The LS 400, for example, had a lower drag coefficient and curb weight compared to its rivals, contributing to better fuel efficiency[1]. The introduction of hybrid powertrains in later models further enhanced fuel economy[1].
Lexus LS Price and Availability
At its introduction in 1989, the Celsior (the domestic-market version of the LS 400) won the Car of the Year Japan award[1]. The pricing of the Lexus LS has varied over the years and across different markets, reflecting its position as a luxury flagship sedan[1]. Production was initially limited to maintain quality standards, affecting availability in certain markets[1].
Lexus LS Mileage
The original LS 400 aimed to strike a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, with its design and engineering focused on achieving a lower drag coefficient and curb weight compared to its competitors[1]. Later models, particularly those with hybrid powertrains, further improved mileage[1].
Lexus LS Heritage and Evolution
Since the start of production, each generation of the Lexus LS has been manufactured in Tahara, Aichi, Japan[1]. The name “LS” stands for “Luxury Sedan,” although some Lexus importers have defined it as “Luxury Saloon”[1]. The name “Celsior” comes from the Latin word “celsus,” meaning “lofty” or “elevated”[1]. The Lexus LS has evolved through five generations, each bringing advancements in design, performance, technology, and luxury[1]. From the original LS 400 to the latest models, the Lexus LS has consistently represented the pinnacle of Lexus engineering and design[1]. The XF40 LS received accolades, including the *Wheels* Car of the Year and the World Car of the Year award in 2006 and 2007, respectively[3]. The Lexus LS remains a symbol of luxury, innovation, and performance in the automotive world[1].