It goes without saying that the fourth-generation Lexus LS has been around for quite some time. First introduced in 2006, the company’s resident full-size->ke4304 luxury sedan->ke142 is on its last legs and is in dire need of replacing. Fortunately, Lexus->ke47 appears all set to introduce the fifth-generation LS->ke436 in 2017 with Japanese auto magazine MAG X going a step further by indicating that the flagship model will be making an appearance – in production form on less – at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show.->ke222
News of the fifth-generation LS’ arrival has made the rounds before, and while Lexus has remained quiet on the details, it has previously indicated that the next LS would come with a choice of V-6, V-8, and hybrid->ke147 powertrains. A hydrogen->ke4485 version could also be in the cards, although that’s less likely than a hybrid and would need to at least make use of the hydrogen fuel cells->ke4483 currently being used in the Toyota Mirai. Still, the possibility of a hydrogen-powered Lexus LS is tantalizing, especially if the cells are paired with either a V-6 or V-8 engine.
As far as looks are concerned, a rendering made by Continue after the jump to read the full story. showed a car that draws plenty of styling influence from the Lexus LF-FC Concept that was first unveiled at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.->ke1834 That would fit right in with Lexus’ plans to streamline its new models into its new global architecture and use the current design language to create a unified look for all of its models. Since the fifth-generation LS will remain as Lexus’ flagship model, it’s imperative for the car to reflect all the best of what the company has to offer.
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Lexus LF-FC Concept
On behalf of everyone who has been secretly wishing to see an all-new Lexus LS, word of the fifth-generation’s arrival is a most welcome development. Personally, I can’t believe that it took Lexus this long to give the fourth-generation LS the rest it has long deserved. A decade is a longtime for a life cycle of a car, updates and facelifts notwithstanding. For a little perspective, think of about this way. In the same time period, BMW has sold not one, not two, but Read our full review on the Lexus LF-FC here. generations of the 7 Series. As much updates as Lexus put into the fourth-gen LS, it would’ve still been woefully outgunned by the more technologically advanced models that rivals like BMW, Mercedes, and Audi are already offering.
So yes, it is pretty exciting to see Lexus finally make this step, even if it was at least four years overdue. But hey, I’m not complaining. I’m actually looking forward to seeing the fifth-generation LS just to see how big of a jump it makes when you line it up against its predecessor. I imagine it being two completely different models, representing the massive gap in years between the arrival of both models.
Even more good news: the arrival of the fifth-generation LS is expected to happen in January 2017. That’s not a long time from now and if Lexus wants to meet that schedule, it should be just a matter of time before details about the fifth-gen LS start coming out. A lot is riding on the flagship model to be as good as it’s been set up to be and knowing how Lexus has taken it’s time with the development of this car, my own expectations for the fifth-generation LS is going to be sky high.
Lexus LF-FC Concept
Read our full review on the Lexus LF-FC here.