Lexus Repositions LS500 Flagship Sedan

Toyota Motor Corp.’s Lexus unit is taking its LS sedan—the model that launched the luxury division 28 years ago—in a sportier direction with the 2018 LS 500 unveiled on Monday at the Detroit auto show.

Lexus will launch the fifth-generation Lexus LS in the U.S. late this year. A hybrid variant is expected to follow later.

Built on the stretched version of the Global Architecture-Luxury (GA-L) platform Lexus introduced with the latest LC coupe, the new LS is longer, lower, wider, lighter and more dynamic than its predecessor. The rear-drive GA-L teams aluminum and ultra-high-strength steel to save about 200 lbs and provide a stiffer, more nimble ride, according to the carmaker.

The chassis integrates electronic controls for braking, steering, powertrain and suspension functions to help control body movements. Active stabilizer bars and double ball joints in the upper and lower control arms help optimize suspension geometry to increase wheel control, Lexus says.

An optional air suspension automatically raises the car and spreads the seat bolsters on entry. The dynamic handling system features independent front and rear steering.

Power comes from a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The powerplant makes 415 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, up 29 hp and 75 lb-ft from the naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8 in the current LS 460.

Lexus says the transmission shifts as quickly as a twin-clutch automatic. Zero to 60 mph acceleration is estimated at 4.5 seconds.

Designers created several thousand sketches before a final design was selected, according to the company. The result is a sleek, coupe-like silhouette that eschews Lexus’ traditional boxy look and adds a “jewel-like” appearance to the brand’s signature “spindle grille” front end.

The interior features 28-way adjustable power front seats with heating, cooling and a Shiatsu massage function. The rear seat can be reclined up to 48°. Other goodies include a new infotainment system with increased connectivity, and what Lexus claims is the world’s largest 24-inch head-up display.

The car’s active safety system can detect a pedestrian, apply the brakes and steer around the person, Lexus says. A noise-cancellation system keeps the car's more authoritative exhaust note out of the cabin.