New Lexus flagship on sale from April

Lexus will launch its all-new flagship sedan, the fifth-generation LS limousine in the United States this week, ahead of the model’s Australian release in April 2018.

The Japanese luxury manufacturer says two variants of the LS – the Sports Luxury and F Sport – will be offered in Australia, but is keeping pricing close to its chest.

However, motoring.com.au understands the LS will remain competitive with its chief upper luxury sedan rivals including the Audi A8 (from $198,855), BMW 7 Series (from $222,100), Jaguar XJ (from $201,326) and Mercedes-Benz S-Class (from $199,455).

As well as traditional three-box competitors, Lexus says the new LS’ coupe-style body will also see it compete with the Audi A7 (from $113,116), BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (from $188,910), Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (from $115,355) and Porsche Panamera (from $210,000).

The previous LS retailed from $185,690 (plus on-road csots).

Headlining the specifications list for the LS is Lexus’ new, twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine and multi-mode 10-speed automatic transmission, which will replace the long-serving 4.6-litre and 5.0-litre V8s.

It’s the first time since its 1989 debut that the LS will not be made available with a V8 engine, and the first time it will not be offered with the choice of short or long-wheelbase variants.

As well as the newly introduced 310kW/600Nm twin-turbo V6 – which will adopt the LS 500 badge – the range will also be available with a 264kW (total system power) V6 hybrid dubbed the LS 500h.

The LS 500h will share its driveline with the recently released LC 500h, and includes a 3.5-litre petrol V6 (220kW/348Nm), synchronous electric motor (132kW/300Nm) and new, proprietary Multi Stage Hybrid Transmission.

The new LS rides on a stretched version of the LC’s GA-L rear-wheel drive architecture and is longer (+25mm to 5235mm) than the long-wheelbase version of the outgoing model.

Wider (+25mm to 1900mm) and with an increase in wheelbase (+35mm to 3125mm), the 2018 LS now boasts the best rear-seat legroom in its class (1022mm), claims Lexus.

Passenger ingress and egress is assisted by Lexus’s new air suspension and rear-seat lowering function dubbed Access Mode. The 28-way adjustable seats also include heating and cooling, and even a Shiatsu massage function.

Sports Luxury variants will be offered with four different trim colours and six interior ornamentation options, which include the world-first Kiriko cut-glass ornamentation and hand-pleated door trim for what Lexus says is a “unique and upscale look and feel”.

F Sport models are available with three trim colours and a “dynamic, Naguri-style aluminium ornament”, Lexus says.

All variants are available with the choice of 13 paint colours, including two new hues: Liquid Metal (silver) and Scarlet Crimson (red).

The LS will be available with a wide array of driver assistance and infotainment technology, including Lexus’ Safety System + with Intuitive Pedestrian Detection, and its latest-generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management electronic chassis control technology.

A 24-speaker, 2400-Watt Mark Levinson 3D audio system is also available, as is the largest full-colour head-up display ever offered at 24 inches.

“Not only will the LS symbolise the Lexus brand, it will become the definitive new-generation luxury car embodying Japanese tradition and culture,” said Toshio Asahi, chief engineer of the new LS.

“As such, this global pinnacle must go far beyond what the world expects from a luxury car.”

Visit motoring.com.au again soon for our first review of the 2018 Lexus LS 500 and LS 500h from their global launch this week.