Introduced in 2006, the fourth-generation Lexus LS was pretty long in the tooth in terms of design and technology, despite receiving updates in 2009 and 2012. After years of trailing behind the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the BMW 7 Series, the LS has finally received a comprehensive redesign. Launched at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, the fifth-generation LS could give Lexus a better shot against Germany's best luxury sedans.

Longer and wider than its predecessor, the new LS has a stretched, ground-hugging appearance, as well as a sportier stance due to its engine hood and trunk lid sitting more than an inch closer to the ground. Its wheelbase has also been extended by 1.3 inches. But more importantly, the old design language from the mid-2000s has been ditched in favor of fresh styling cues seen on more recent Lexus products.

Up front, the familiar "Spindle" grille has been updated to the company's most recent design and given a new mesh that seems to change its shape depending on light. The massive grille – which I'm not very fond of on this model to be honest – is flanked by aggressive, Z-shaped LED headlamps at the top and deeply sculpted air intakes at the bottom. Lexus also ditched the dull, straight beltline of the old model for a swoopy character line that makes the sedan appear more muscular toward the rear. The big recess carved just above the side skirts also enhances the LS' aggressive looks, while the bright chrome work in the wheels and around the windows keep the four-door in the high-end luxury realm.

Around back, the new LS is very familiar. Much like the previous model, the taillights extend well into the rear fender, almost reaching the top of the wheel arches. However, the taillights are significantly larger, more angular, and almost shaped like an X. This feature is borrowed from the company's recent concept cars, including the LF-FC, which previewed the fifth-generation sedan. The rear bumper is rather simple and featureless (but elegant), while the trunk lid raises above the fenders, creating an effect that reminds me of BMW's "Bangle butt" design. Only it's not that awful.

The interior has also been redesigned from the ground up, now featuring a low-slung dashboard with horizontal lines and a split designs between the massive infotainment screen placed on the upper section and the A/C control on the lower side. Unlike most cars in this class, the center stack and center console are separate units, which makes me wonder whether Lexus took inspiration for the new LS from classic american luxury sedan. Highlights include a new seating design with 28-way power thrones with heating, cooling, and massage for the driver and front passenger, Active Noise Control for a quieter ride, improved comfort, and a 12.3-inch display for infotainment and navigation. Options include a rear passenger seat that can be reclined up to 48 degrees, a 3D-surround Mark Levinson audio system with in-ceiling array speakers, and a 24-inch heads-up display, which Lexus claims it's "the largest in the world."

There's big news under the hood too, where the previous 4.6-liter V-8 was replaced by an all-new, twin-turbo, 3.5-liter V-6. Much like most companies, Lexus has taken the "V-8-level power without sacrificing fuel economy" route and claims that 415-horsepower and 442-pound-foot V-6 will deliver significantly more mpg. There's no specific ratings to run by as of this rating, but it's worth noting that the V-6 cranks out 29 horsepower and a whopping 75 pound-feet more than the outgoing V-8. Lexus also said the LS needs 4.5 seconds to hit 60 mph, which is pretty good for a rear-wheel-drive model. The transmission is the same 10-speed automatic that debuted in the LC500 coupe.

Speaking of RWD, the LS uses a new global architecture dubbed GA-L. Essentially an extended version of the LC500's platform, it's the stiffest in Lexus history and comes with the latest generation of chassis control technology, including Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). This system implements cooperative control of all vehicle subsystems, including braking, steering, powertrain, and suspension, to control basic longitudinal, lateral and vertical motion, as well as yaw, roll and pitch.

The redesigned sedan is set to go on sale for the 2018 model year.

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Why it matters

Needless to say, the new Lexus LS looks great on paper and its design is stunning compared to the outgoing model. Sure, the old car wasn't bad despite being a decade old, but it was simply too bubbly and subtle for a range-topping luxury model. With both Mercedes-Benz and BMW having adopted sportier designs for the S-Class and 7 Series – and even Cadillac for the CT6 – the LS was left behind as the stubborn and dated proposition of the full-size luxury segment. Lexus fixed just that with the fifth-gen sedan and also voted for state-of-the-art technology and a more fuel efficient V-6, but it remains to be seen whether the new LS has what it takes to give its German and American rivals a run for their money. Based on looks alone, I'd definitely get one!

2018 Lexus LS - Drivetrain Specifications

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