A Brief Look at the Lexus LS
The Early Years of the Lexus LS
The Lexus brand burst onto the luxury automotive scene in the late 1980s with a lineup of finely tuned vehicles that offered the luxury and performance that consumers craved. Among those early offerings was the Lexus LS sedan, a flagship model that quickly established itself as a contender for top honors.
The first Lexus LS model arrived on the scene in 1989, and it was an instant hit with the motoring public. Based on the Toyota Celsior, the Lexus LS was intended to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7 Series. It was a bold move for a fledgling brand, but the Lexus LS had the quality, refinement, and comfort to make it a serious contender.
The first generation of the Lexus LS ran from 1989 to 1994. It was powered by a 4.0-liter V8 engine that produced 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The engine was mated to either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission, and all-wheel drive was an option. The first-generation LS was a rear-wheel-drive sedan that aimed to provide the ultimate in luxury and comfort, and it succeeded handily.
The Lexus LS Reinvented
As the automotive market continued to evolve, so did the Lexus LS. In 1995, the second generation of the LS arrived, and it was an even more impressive vehicle than the first. It was larger, more refined, and more powerful than ever before, and it quickly established itself as a worthy competitor to the best luxury sedans from Europe.
The second-generation Lexus LS was powered by a 4.3-liter V8 engine that produced 290 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. It was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive was once again an option. The second-generation LS was designed to provide even more luxury and comfort than before, with a focus on performance and ride quality.
The Lexus LS Enters the 21st Century
As the Lexus LS approached its third generation, the world was changing rapidly. Technology was advancing at an unprecedented pace, and consumers were demanding more from their vehicles than ever before. The third-generation LS arrived in 2001, and it was a vehicle that was firmly oriented toward the future.
The third-generation Lexus LS was powered by a 4.3-liter V8 engine that produced 290 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. This was the same engine as in the previous generation, but it had been heavily revised for improved performance and fuel efficiency. The LS was now available with a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive remained an option.
The third-generation Lexus LS was a technological tour de force. It featured a host of advanced features, including adaptive headlights, a rearview camera, a premium sound system, and more. It was also the first LS to feature a hybrid drivetrain, which combined a V8 engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
The Lexus LS Goes Hybrid
In 2006, the fourth generation of the Lexus LS arrived, and it was a vehicle that continued to push the boundaries of what was possible in a luxury sedan. The fourth-generation LS was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produced 380 horsepower and 367 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful LS models ever produced.
The fourth-generation LS was also the first LS to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provided smoother shifting and improved fuel efficiency. And once again, the LS was available with an all-wheel-drive system.
But the biggest news for the fourth-generation LS was the introduction of a hybrid drivetrain. The LS 600h was the first full-size luxury sedan to feature a gas-electric hybrid powertrain, and it quickly became one of the most sought-after models in the LS lineup. With a combined output of 438 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque, the LS 600h offered performance that was on par with many V12-powered European luxury sedans.
The Modern Lexus LS
The current generation of the Lexus LS arrived in 2018, and it represents the pinnacle of the Lexus brand’s engineering and design prowess. The fifth-generation LS is a vehicle that offers unparalleled luxury, performance, and technology, and it is a vehicle that stands out in a crowded and competitive luxury sedan market.
The fifth-generation LS is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that is paired with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The LS 500, which is the standard version of the model, produces 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The LS 500h, which features the hybrid drivetrain, offers a combined output of 354 horsepower.
The fifth-generation LS is available with a host of advanced features, including a 24-inch head-up display, a 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, and semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The vehicle also features a highly advanced suspension system that is capable of adapting to road conditions in real-time for optimal performance and ride comfort.
The Legacy of the Lexus LS
The Lexus LS is a vehicle that has evolved over the years to become one of the most respected and sought-after luxury sedans on the market. From its humble beginnings in the late 1980s to the highly advanced and luxurious fifth-generation model today, the Lexus LS has remained true to its roots. It is a vehicle that offers refinement, comfort, and performance in equal measure, and it is a vehicle that is sure to continue to be a cornerstone of the luxury automotive market for many years to come.