DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Lexus debuts new LS

Japanese luxury brand Lexus took the wraps off its fifth-generation LS limousine overnight at the Detroit motor show, the same venue where the original LS debuted back in 1989.

Appropriately enough, Lexus promised this car will emulate the original by redefining the premium saloon segment with a new level of luxury and quality.

"Not only will the LS symbolise the Lexus brand, it will become the definitive new-generation luxury car embodying Japanese tradition and culture," LS chief engineer Toshio Asahi declared in a press release.

Australian luxury car buyers can find out from early 2018 when the LS goes on sale here if the new LS delivers on that promise.

Lexus chose to reveal just one car at Cobo Hall, the LS 500, powered by a brand-new 310kW/600Nm 3.5-litre direct injection V6 twin-turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

While it didn’t explicitly rule out the possibility of a V8 joining the range, there was much made of the new engine delivering more power and torque than the 4.6-litre V8 in the current LS460 while delivering superior fuel economy, although a figure was not claimed. But Lexus did claim a 4.5sec 0-60mph (97km/h) time for the LS 500.

Nor was there any discussion of the next-generation hybrid drivetrain that will also feature in the LS range, while in contrast to Lexus’ European rivals such as the BMW 7 Series, the car’s autonomous capabilities were played down.

Lexus did claim one world-first high-tech active safety feature, which spots pedestrians, alerts the driver via a 24-inch (!) colour head-up display and then brakes and steers to avoid an accident without straying outside its lane.

The car’s exterior includes the latest interpretation of the spindle grille. The body is lower and wider than its predecessor and in a Lexus sedan first has a six-a-side-window design. The LS has a 3125mm wheelbase, is 5235mm long, 1450mm high and 1900mm wide. Use of ultra-high tensile steel and aluminium helps it shed 90kg compared to its predecessor.

Inside the emphasis is on “experiential luxury”, with new seat designs, including 28-way power adjustment for the driver, heating, cooling and even Shiatsu massage.

The rear seats power recline, there’s a 3D Mark Levinson surround-sound system with ceiling speakers, a panoramic sunroof and air suspension that raises the car to aid entry and exit.

The LS 500 also comes with Active Noise Cancellation, no doubt dulling the exhaust Lexus says it has retuned for a more “authoritative tone".

What amongst this lot will be standard or optional in Australia we are yet to find out. As for pricing, Lexus Australia says it hasn’t even started negotiating with Japan.

As is usual with each LS generation, Lexus is acclaiming this car’s dynamics. This time it is using as evidence the car’s use of a lengthened version of the GA-L rear-wheel drive architecture that debuted under the LC 500 Coupe.

GA-L is the stiffest-ever Lexus platform and is aided in its dynamic goal by a new multi-link front suspension, revised multi-link rear-end and the latest generation of VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) technology.

This system implements co-operative control of all vehicle subsystems — braking, steering, powertrain and suspension — to control basic longitudinal, lateral and vertical motion as well as yaw, roll and pitch.  Active stabiliser bars and independent front and rear steering are also available.