What? The New Lexus Flagship LS Loses a Little in The Front! But Delivers a Winning Formula!

The fifth generation Lexus LS breaks from traditional up-right “limo type” styling, with a car boasting a coupe-like silhouette. Compared to its German counterparts, the new LS styling certainly is a refreshing change, and a change within this market segment, is definitely a bold move.

The launch itself featured little hints the “YET” philosophy, lined the event area, demonstrating where perfect opposites can come together in perfect harmony.

The new GA-L platform, also forms the underpinnings of the excellent LC500 coupe. LS is also their first car to feature flush-surface windows which smoothly integrate with the side pillar. The new LS sits 0.6 inches lower than its predecessor, and the hood and trunk are approximately 1.2 inches and 1.6 inches lower, respectively.

More side glass was also added in the rear, in-order to push the C pillars back, creating an added sense of unity between the cabin and body, which carries many similarities to the Lexus LC.

An eye for detail sets the LS apart from its automotive contemporaries. Takumi CAD modeller, Yasuhiro Nakashima built his very own set of tools, just for shaping the LS spindle grille, delivering one with a refined surface smoothness of 0.1 millimetre, something which even modern robotic milling machines are unable to achieve.

“The Lexus LS is the flagship of Lexus that embodies the history and image of the brand, and defines what the brand stands for. As a Japanese luxury brand, we wanted to integrate elements of Japanese culture and the timeless appeal of Japanese craftsmanship into the artistic side of Lexus. At the same time, we wanted to create a car that evokes an emotional response that draws people in from the very first instant. And more than anything else, we want everyone to feel our passion and commitment when they experience the LS” said LS chief designer, Koichi Suga.

In keeping with that mantra, Lexus designers had even gone through great lengths to design seating which envelopes occupants, while enhancing concentration for the driver, by ensuring that toggles for vehicle functions are located within reach, without the driver ever needing to shift. Passengers too are treated to excellent seats, with a welcome Shiatsu Massage function, and rear seating passengers too benefit from an available 11.6” display each, which adjusts automatically according to seat position. Their four-zone climate control, which Lexus termed the “Lexus Climate Concierge” monitors passengers via infra-red sensors, which provides optimal comfort for all occupants.

Traditional influences from the Andon, a Japanese lantern which emits a soft, ambient glow has found its way into the LS cabin, while the dash features sweeping lines inspired by the Chasen bamboo tea whisk, used in Japanese tea ceremonies.

Interior panelling features either Organic Art Wood layered and coated with a natural gloss to enhance the vibrancy of the grain, resulting in the impression of a flickering flame. Also available, handcrafted Herringbone panelling features mosaic craftsmanship, similar to those used for decorating musical instruments. Takumi craftsmen have also integrated the Lexus L-motif pattern within the herringbone design.

Adding to comfort and convenience, an air suspension with access mode control allows the LS switch between Normal and High ride heights, and also raises the car by 30mm for easier entry and exit.

For 2018, the new LS loses their much-revered and excellently smooth V8 engine, and now gets power from either a 3.5 litre naturally aspirated or turbocharged V6, and a V6 mated to a hybrid drivetrain.

The LS500h combines a naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle engine, paired with two electrical motors, and features direct fuel injection, with their much acclaimed Dual Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (Dual VVT-i).Combined with the hybrid drive system, and with a complex, but smooth electronically controlled planetary continuously variable transmission of Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive, coupled to an all-new four-speed automatic gear set at the output stage; the two systems work in tandem to increase the 500h’s range of gearing, where in manual mode, drives similar to a 10-speed transmission.

Losing two cylinders might not be all a bad thing, with the twin-turbocharged 3.5 litre V6 benefitting from Lexus’s experience in F1. The twin-turbochargers are designed and built in-house, featuring a curved turbine blade shape, and increased blade length. Together with electrically controlled wastegates, boost control is precise, and are engineered to ensure lag-free acceleration.

The LS350 features a 3.5 litre V6 with Dual VVT-I engine and a ten-speed close-ratio gearbox, with shift times close to those of dual-clutch transmissions, ensuring minimal power loss between gears. For starting acceleration, the close ratios of the low gears and the shortened shift time enable a rhythmic and exhilarating acceleration feel. The high torque of the twin-turbo engine matches ideally with the higher gear ratios for effortless, serene highway cruising, yet very quick downshifts yield direct acceleration with no lag in G response.

The LS is their first model in Singapore to offer the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+). In short, a suite of systems which aids in mitigating accidents, and covers the risks brought on by most common accident types.

Omnidirectional sensors around the vehicle, including stereo cameras, monitor all operating situations, from parking manoeuvres to collision avoidance.

Other layers of safety includes radar and monocular camera sensors to detect a collision with a vehicle ahead, it alerts the driver and activates pre-collision brake assist when the driver depresses the brake pedal. If the driver cannot depress the brake pedal, it activates the pre-collision brakes.

Their new radar cruise control ensures that the LS is able to adapt to vehicles ahead, maintaining a safe distance.

When the system detects a vehicle within the area illuminated by the high beams, it disables/enables 8 upper and 16 lower LEDs on each side to partially block light from the high-beam headlamps so that they don’t directly project onto a preceding or oncoming vehicle heightening visibility without dazzling other vehicles.

LDA alerts the driver with a sensory alert using steering wheel vibration or buzzer, and on the multi-information display. If the vehicle is about to cross lane markings without using the turn signals, the system assists by applying force to the steering to avoid lane departure.

When the quasi-millimetre-wave radars in the rear bumper detect vehicles in adjacent lanes that aren’t visible in the door mirrors, the system activates an LED warning indicator in the relevant door mirror the moment a vehicle enters its blind spot.

To assist safe reversing, RCTA uses quasi-millimetre wave radars in the rear bumper to detect approaching vehicles in difficult-to-see areas behind the vehicle. When an approaching vehicle is detected, RCTA alerts the driver with a buzzer and an LED indicator in the relevant door mirror.

The innovative PUH helps to provide pedestrian protection in the event of a frontal collision, and at the same time enables a sporty design with a low hood line. When sensors mounted in the front bumper determine that the vehicle has collided with a pedestrian, the hood instantly pops up on four fulcrum points to create a space to help absorb the impact force.

Video that provides the driver with an image of the vehicle as if viewed from above is displayed on the 12.3-inch EMV (Electro Multi-Vision) display. It helps the driver to check conditions around the vehicle that are difficult to see in real time.

The system helps the driver intuitively understand warnings with animations and information projected on the large 24-inch (600×150mm) display. The screen is divided into different areas to effectively bring information to the driver’s attention including cautions and warnings, driving support, road signs, vehicle speed, navigation and other information.

The LED cornering lamps distribute more light in the direction of forward travel and to the sides. The multi-weather lights help reduce glare caused by light from the headlamps projected forward when driving in fog at night, while providing sufficient light in front of the vehicle to give a good field of view.

Adding to safety, the LS’ robust structure provides a high degree of passive safety to protect occupants in a collision, and is equipped with 12 airbags.

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