The Lexus LS is a historically significant vehicle that pushed the stagnant automotive industry forward during the late ‘80s. With a vault-like built quality, hushed quietness, attention to detail, and dependability, it challenged German and American manufacturers to take notice while redefining what luxury meant to buyers in the ‘90s. Thanks to the success of the LS, Lexus has thrived for close to three decades now, but the brand’s allure has slowly given way to a boring and bland brand image. With each iteration representing the best of what the brand has to offer, Lexus introduces the latest fifth-generation LS at the 2017 North American International Auto Show.
Based on the stretched LC platform, the new LS is lower and sports a more slippery coupe-like profile. It’s design is bolder and more aggressive, with Lexus’ trademark spindle grill spearheading the vehicle’s design. The rest of the exterior is marked by sharp creases, abrupt angles and lines, as if they’re trying to desperately wash away their tarnished brand image. To determine whether the design is successful or not will have to be seen with how the consumers react, but we have a feeling that the design will be as divisive as the 2016 presidential election. Inside, the cabin is luxurious as ever, with supple leather and imaginative use of materials and design.
Powering the flagship sedan is a 3.5-liter twin turbo V6 producing 415-hp, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This is the first time Lexus is offering their flagship without a V8, but the new V6 should provide penalty of power to blow past its predecessors. As Lexus is big on hybrid powertrains, it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to expect a top of the line hybrid version in the near future. The fifth generation LS will go on sale in the US towards the end of 2017.