When it comes to luxury cars, there’s a very good chance that the first thing to come to mind would not be a Japanese-built car. Luxury and car is usually linked with the usual suspects like Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin and the lot. But cook up a long list of luxury cars and there’s bound to be one Japanese marque in there, that would be none other than Lexus.
Known for its impeccable attention to detail, fine Japanese craftsmanship by skilled ‘Takumi’, and a fierce focus on comfort, Lexus has been leading the charge for Japanese luxury cars since the brand was first introduced by Toyota in 1989. Since then, Lexus has grown to offer its customers a few different models and variants, but sitting right at the top of the Japanese luxury throne is the Lexus LS.
And when you think Lexus, the majestic LS comes to mind. And rightfully so too, as Lexus is the only Japanese luxury brand with a car to compete in the S-Class and 7-Series segment.
The Lexus flagship model has been giving its more established rivals from America and Europe a run for their money for some years now. It was the first model introduced by Lexus, and immediately asserted itself as a serious contender in the luxury segment. Today, the LS is not the car you get if you are bored with a Mercedes, BMW or Audi, but it is among the first few cars you consider when you think of purchasing a luxury sedan.
Over 730,000 units have been sold since its introduction 23 years ago, and is currently in its fourth generation. Fourth generation you say? Isn’t this new LS the fifth generation? Apparently not. Though the new LS features over 3,000 changes over its predecessor, Lexus still refuses to call it an all-new model. Almost everything about it is different, which is why when we first wrote about the LS we called it a full model change. Apparently we were technically wrong.
From the overall design, to the way it drives, but it still shares some parts with the older model. Some switches, some oily bits, the power trains, have all been carried over from the out-going model, so in view of that, Lexus has refrained from calling it ‘all-new’.
In explaining the decision not to sire it as an all-new LS, Chief Engineer Hideki Watanabe said, “The new LS is an extensive improvement over the previous model. We have changed many things, but the LS is our flagship model, so we are constantly looking for ways to set the benchmark for other manufacturers. We were a little bold with the design, and we know it might take time for people to warm up to it, but we have had great response, but expect the all-new model to be even greater than this.”
The new LS is the second Lexus model to receive the now iconic L-finesse design, the first was the GS. Admittedly there were some question marks with the design of the car as it looks bolder and more aggressive; language that’s usually reserved for sports car that are meant to be driven hard, and not for cars that are designed to pamper and be driven in.
But there’s a reason behind it, according to Watanabe-san, the United States is one of the largest market for Lexus, and in that segment American’s generally prefer to drive than to be driven in, and that’s one of the reasons why the new LS comes fitted with technology that makes it a more involving drive as well.
The body of the car for example is now more rigid thanks to laser screw welding, and adhesive bonding techniques. Though more rigid, the comfort levels of the car has not been compromised thanks to new ‘Frequency Adaptive Damping’ shock absorbers and the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) air suspension that actively adjusts the car’s pitch and bounce. Both systems work to keep the car flat on uneven surfaces, this gives the driver better control over the LS, and keeps the occupants comfortable on varying road surfaces.
The driver is also able to adjust the car’s character to suit his own driving style with the new Drive Mode Select system that features up to five switchable driving modes – Eco, which gives better fuel economy and suppler ride, and in hybrid models, the Eco mode also limits the voltage of the LS’s Power Control Unit which provides a more comprehensive control over the air conditioning and seat heaters, and lowers the cars dependence on the engine and electronics system.
Comfort mode adjusts the suspension characteristics to provide a smoother, more comfortable ride. Sport and Sport S modes take the LS to its full potential, maximising throttle response and engine power output to accelerator pedal inputs. There’s another mode called the Sport S+ and is only available with cars that are fitted with the AVS system. Sport S+ enhances performance by adjusting both the chassis and steering control systems while the AVS system works to reduce vehicle roll, sharpen handling, and optimise steering feel. What this translates to is a massive car that is able to tackle corners and engage the driver with impressive power.
Speaking of power, the LS features two powertrain options that have been enhanced to improve efficiency, boost power, and lower CO2 emissions. The 4.6-litre V8 engine powers the LS460 and LS460L. Dubbed the most technically advanced internal combustion engine ever to have been developed by Lexus engineers, the engine features a host of technological advancements like a dual-pipe intake system, an acoustic control induction system, D-4S stoichiometric direct injection, and a third-generation Dual VVT-i.
These systems work to make the engine more pleasant to the ear, and to churn out more power as well. The engine generates the highest specific output amongst normally aspirated V8 units in the premium automotive segment. It now produces 387hp and 493Nm of torque, mated to what was the world’s first 8-speed automatic transmission, the LS460 accelerates from 0-100km/h in only 5.7-seconds, and on to a top speed of 250km/h.
The LS600h on the other hand is now credited as the world’s most powerful full hybrid V8. Its 5-litre petrol engine produces a whopping 445hp when combined to the electric motor and features 300Nm of torque that is available instantaneously and seamlessly from standstill. Though boasting more power, the LS600h will catapult to 100km/h in 6.1-seconds, and on to an electronically-governed top speed of 250km/h. The LS600h also leads its class when it comes down to fuel consumption, it sips just 8.6-litres of fuel on the combined cycle, that’s equivalent to a car that’s powered by a 3.5-litre engine.
There’s also a top of the line version for those who prefer a sportier edge to their cars, the F-Sport version that’s available for the LS for the first time. Available for both V8 petrol and full hybrid models, the F-Sport variants feature unique body kits, aggressive 19-inch wheels and 6-piston Brembo front brake callipers. It also has a unique interior trim as well as a lowered ride height, enhanced body rigidity, and a Torsen limited slip differential and Active Stabiliser system. To top it all off, Lexus has fitted an intake sound creator for a louder, more engaging engine note.
The interior has been redesigned and now has a clean, elegant dashboard that feels well-built yet easy to operate thanks to it being separated into two distinctive zones; an upper display zone with a 12.3-inch LCD multi-display screen which is also the largest in the industry, as well as the lower ‘operation zone’ that has all the switches and the second generation Remote Touch Interface that operates everything from radio controls, GPS, and even air-conditioning settings.
Other than the touch of modernity, the interior feels like it has been crafted rather than engineered, the ‘Shimamoku’ wood steering wheel for example, takes 38 days to manufacture and has to go through a total of 67 unique processes just to get it perfectly right. The interior is available in a choice of six colour schemes with a number of ornamentation that includes Walnut, Ashburn as well as Bamboo finishing.
The air-conditioning uses 13 sensors inside the car to detect your body heat. If the system concludes that you are feeling warm, it will turn up the intensity and lower the temperature of the air-conditioning system. It’s that intelligent. The wheels on the other hand now feature noise-reduction technology and contributes to the fact that the new Lexus LS is the most quietest car in its class.
The new LS was launched last week in Malaysia with four variants – the LS 460 (RM788,000), LS 460 F Sport (RM818,000), the long wheelbase LS 460L (RM878,000) and the top of the line LS 600h L (RM1,068,000). All prices are on-the-road without insurance.
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great
The front look does not have the elegance of ‘big taukeh’. Please restudy the front grill Lexus.
BTW we are glad to see news during Sat and Sunday. This shows that Paultan.org is still filled with enthusiasm. Good.
the grille on the lower spec shares the same look as toyota variants which is a little turn off. The honeycomb one looked much better!
Awesome………
Luxury car always look simple, cool and elegance. Looking at this car…. one can’t avoid imagining this is another a toyota.
Best car in the world. Much better than junk korean cars with no RV.
Well, Infiniti and Acura also considered as luxury Japanese marque..
But they no longer have any S-Class/7-Series contender. As the article stated “Lexus is the only Japanese luxury brand with a car to compete in the S-Class and 7-Series segment”.
The flagship sedan for Acura,which is the Acura RL (JDM Honda Legend) and for Infinity,which is the Infiniti M (JDM Nissan Fuga) are both a competitor to the mid-size luxury sedan such as the E-Class and 5-Series.
Oh. Thanks for explanation. Didn’t know that they didn’t have S class/7 series contender.
Infiniti and Acura: 99% street folks, and even educated females, have never heard about these brands.
If we really want Japanese luxury brand, then Lexus is the wise choice. Fit and finishes as well as cabin quietness are definitely better than the other two.
Imagine we drive a RM450k Infiniti and other people think that we are driving a ?Korean vehicle, does it defeat the purpose of spending this RM450k? Most people will ask you why you chosed Infiniti (and they laugh at your stupidity). BTW Infinity does have telescopic steering ya?
Well,in Malaysia obviously those people won’t know about Infiniti or Acura. Infiniti is really new here and there’s no Acura available here too.
I always wondered why people buy cars thinking about others perceptions.When you buy a car,you buy it for yourself. Driving a 450k car and people think we’re driving a Korean does not defeats the purpose.The driving experience and specs are the reason to buy cars.
Infiniti is a good brand,although I admit,it does not give out luxury feels like Merc,BMW,Audi or Lexus,but have you driven the Infiniti M?I’ve test driven the car.What it lacks in luxury features,it compensate with a really sporty drive.Sportier than the other competitors in my own personal opinion.
If I’m driving a great car and people don’t know what car is it,then it’s not my problem.That’s their own stupidity.
The way you’re thinking is obsolete. Malaysians are too concerned about “what people will think” and that’s the reason why there’s so many fake handbags and all.Because they think wearing a fake LV handbags will make them looks better than wearing an original Bonia handbags.
If you want Malaysian to know what brand is the car you’re driving and you want it to be non-Korean,you know what you should get? A Proton. There’s a lot of street folks (and even educated females as quoted by you) won’t know that the latest Toyota 86 is a Toyota anyway. So,you can’t go wrong with a Proton.
Cheers.
Alpha, I totally agree with you. I always get this impression that Malaysians buy a car to impress others, not to enjoy driving it. Or they will have the powers of Dr Xavier, coz they always claim that someone who owns a BMW or Merc will NEVER switch to something else. :)
People who can afford cars in this range are not bothered by what others think. I still remember my ex-boss’ father who was one of the first in KL to use the original 400LS, replacing his S-Class. I thought it was a downgrade and wondered why. He was gushing about how silent and calm it was, even better than a Rolls. Comfort level was way better than the S-class so he stopped riding in a Mercedes ever since. This was at a time when a Japanese car costing as much as a S-class was unheard of. Plenty of people asked why, including me… but nobody would dare laugh at a Billionaire.
I totally concurred your ex boss father decision to opt for LS..Lexus LS 400 ucf 20 & ucf21 and LS430 ucf30 & ucf31 are the best riding sedan in the world, ultimate comfort no other cars can match..In Japan until 2006 it is called toyota celsior, it is essentially the same car with only different emblem…
“And when you think Lexus, the majestic LS comes to mind.”
Actually the first thing that would come to my mind when I think of Lexus is the LFA supercar :D
On a side note, is there a particular reason why Lexus is the only car company that i know of who literally cover up the whole engine bay with plastic covers? Does that benefit the car in anyway or do Lexus just want to make it look tidy?
It prevents dust buildups in the engine,so lesser maintenance is required. And it look cool and tidy too.
But I think it’s quite common for luxury cars to have the whole engine bay covered in plastic covers,though. But mostly are for mid-end range.
For example,the Merc W211 E200K (1.8L supercharged) does not have full plastic covers,but the W211 E280 (3.0L V6) does have its engine covered in full plastic covers.
burp.. anything new?
Nth much new.. only 3000 NEW item compare to previous model if u didnt read the article.
The front grill look sporty, should make it more elegant so as show high level of “luxury”!
So big engine buat pa? Everybody is downsizing by making smaller and more efficient engine to reduce emission.
Toyota lexus still showing off their super big engine. I don’t think luxury will have to tie with big engine.
Still prefer german ride over jappy as it’s more refine and technologically more advance than jappy.
The most important is Euro now is weaker against Yen. So this is the time to own a german rather than jappy.
We can always buy jappy when Euro gets stronger.
Have you experienced the situation when the 1st thing your friend, after looking at your new car, asked you is the cc of your car.
One day I wish all of us reach the status when we just want to use our most luxurious cars with the largest cc to attend our important friends’ dinners in theirs houses. In normal days, maybe we will just settle with C200.
Somehow i may prefer a more efficient engine with adequate performance.
With technology breakthrough. I believe we can yield more from what we have. Look at the BMW 320d. Being a 2.0 but is so punchy yet giving 1000km average from a tank. Only drawback now is the clatter sound. But i still believe things will get better.
I don’t believe the myth of owning a prada and people ask you how much cash you have inside.
I will be more impress when a luxury car is using a smaller engine and yet giving similar performance. Its shows that technology is at work.
Big cc with big output is just outdated.
this is supposed to be a 7 and s class rival, it needs a big engine. it makes me sad inside every time i see a big car with a puny heart. Cars like these need a v8, v6 atleast (not even s class or bmw has a 4 cylinder on their big cars) any smaller then it wont be luxurious anymore, not just because of lack of cruisibility but also it will sound like clatter box, audi and bentley has been using cylinder deactivation in their new cars ( from v8 -> v4) and they have to use sound wave cancellation every time the engine goes into v4 mode. Plus due to the volume of them, your everday proton, toyota, honda probably contribute alot more to the pollution.
There are a couple (maybe more) versions of Lexus’ story regarding the future of the LS.
Number one, it was reported that Lexus is mulling over a major departure in styling form, ditching traditional sedan format for a crossover design. Reason? Sales of full-sized sedans are declining y-o-y in Europe and America.
Two, there are reports citing poor economic conditions for the reason Lexus delayed development of an all-new LS.
i can see the posibility and feasibility of the second point, but the first point? ehm……not so sure, as that particular group of people normally wants big limos, instead of big crossover. and it’s not like Lexus doesn’t have a big SUV for that purpose oledi. it’s not a crossover, but still it’s something other than big limo. so the super rich actually has a choice, or they can simply buy both.
There are a couple (maybe more) versions of Lexus’ story regarding the future of the LS.
Number one, it was reported that Lexus is mulling over a major departure in styling form, ditching traditional sedan format for a crossover design. Reason? Sales of full-sized sedans are declining y-o-y in Europe and America.
Number two, there are reports citing poor economic conditions for the reason Lexus delayed development of an all-new LS.
Lexus LS… The true potential that Toyota could achieve. Therefore, we should not judge Toyota based on their lower end models like Vios, Corolla Altis and so on. I know many typical people who doesn’t know about cars judge Toyota through that way.
You should know that Toyota is Toyota and Lexus is Lexus.They will never make the two brands the same.Getting a Toyota will never be the same as getting a Lexus.True, Lexus is the “true” potential of what Toyota could achieve,but they will never ever make a Toyota as good as a Lexus.
Actually, Toyota CAN be as good as a Lexus… I mean, Lexus is the proof but you get what you pay for. Toyota knows that their main target group will not pay for a luxury range model, EVEN in Japan. Creating Lexus for the luxury market was a great idea, and they are richly rewarded for it by being the number 1 selling brand in the USA.
As a matter of fact, Toyota can do that if they choose to. In case you din’t know, earlier Lexus models are sold as Toyota in Japan. LS as Celsior, GS as Aristo, IS as Altezza, ES as Windom, RX as Harrier, SC as Soarer. Anyway, high quality Toyota which, I dare say almost on par with Lexus still exist today in Toyota’s lineup. Examples are Toyota Crown, Mark X, Vellfire and so on.
ya..hieraki of Toyota is like this..First and foremost: Toyota Century(exclusively used by Japanese Emperor & parade) 2. Toyota Crown Majesta/Toyota Celsior(LS) 3. Toyota Crown Athlete/Royal Saloon, ..and the rest Toyota Aristo, Windom, Altezza, MarkII(mark X), Cresta, Chaser, Sai, Premio, Allion, Cressida, Corona, Corolla….2 doors like toyota soarer(lexus sc430), supra, gt86(ae86), celica and so on…love JDM cars….
very impressive. not many people here knew so much about normal (non-performance) models of JDM Toyota cars. thumbs up to you. =)
Well, Lexus built solid and good cars. but my vote still goes to Infiniti!! Just love the Ininiti FX37!!
FINALLY !!!!!! Thank you Alpha for writing the actual truth about the 2013 LS – First off allow me to say I love lexus as a brand, I am an original owner of a fully loaded 2001 LS 430, the 1st year in production that came with a Black burled wood dash and beige interior ( this combination was only made one other time – not sure why ? )
My model was ground breaking from the LS 400, it had features that no other car ( I looked at the time, because I was going to buy a BMW 7 series ) not only was the LS 430 $20,000 less it was technologically better. I will admit the BMW as a drivers car is far superior but I have NEVER been sorry of my purchase and still own the car today waiting for a replacement.
When the LS 460 was released I was so excited to purchase my new car but sadly I wasn’t as impressed. The LS 460 seemed cheep in comparison to my car and the benifits from the features seemed no better then my car. So I held off for 6 yrs ( now granted we were in a financially different climent 2001- 2007 vs 2007 – 2012 )
This 2012 LS 460 is NOT a new model and thank you for stating that as no else will. Number 1 it hasn’t hit 6 years yet and the engine and transmission are virtually the same as the LS 460. Yes, the fit and finish is now the same as my LS 430, finally but technically speaking it is not ground breaking or ahead of the Germans.
I think Lexus should make a stand in the next generation LS 490 or what ever they will badge it. Make this model a true competitor to the BMW 7 series or Benz S class or Audi A8 – make this car drive like theirs or better if possible. Release industry leading technology in a vehicle. Set the bar for original owner satisfaction – this is a topic I think you should write about. The original buyer and how the manufacturer repays this individual. We are the early adapters, we are the ones taking the plunge, we are ones taking the financial hit – then thank us. Dont make us pay for software updates on our GPS Nav systems, find ways to make us feel special ( ie: Equus Hyundai ) perhaps you might have some idea’s ?
I was going to throw in the towel and trade my my baby in for either a A8 or 760i until I read your article. The fact that Mr. Watanabe understands that this 2013 is not a new model I will wait for that new model. Thank you Alpha and Mr. Watanabe –
Patiently waiting,
Tom LS 430