Lexus has revealed a major facelift for its flagship LS model – including the first F Sport variants - which will arrive locally late this year.
Although technically an upgrade, Lexus being Lexus it’s breathtaking in its thoroughness – 14 Lexus firsts and over 3,000 changes.
For starters there are major changes to the appearance of the news Lexus LS – only the roof, doors and rear quarter panels carry-over from the current version. All-up the new Lexus LS has a much more dynamic, wider, lower on-road presence headlined by the introduction of the latest ‘spindle’ grille and new three-bulb LED headlights and rear combination lights (the latter displaying the Lexus ‘L’ when illuminated.
There’s also new alloy wheels (19-inch for F Sport and Sports Luxury models). And here’s Lexus attention to detail – the wheels feature hollow rims. Why? Because they’re quieter at speed making for significant reductions in cabin noise.
Massive changes inside too with new seats and a completely new dashboard design reminiscent of the Lexus GS and including the world’s largest 12.3-inch LCD multi-screen display. There’s also a new, smaller three-spoke steering wheel and analogue clock which is linked to the GPS so it automatically switches as you swap time zones (buyers in Tweed Heads will appreciate that during Daylight Saving Time!).
Underneath substantial chassis changes have wrought improved driving dynamics. Lots of stiffening and evolved adaptive variable air suspension system are part of the story.
But possibly the biggest news is the new F Sport variant for the Lexus LS. Sitting on lowered sports suspension, the sporty LS gains a Torsen rear differential, throttle blipping for the transmission and unique sports seats as just part of its major extras.
Lexus Australia will announce the full details and local prices closer to launch.
