By Steve Laser
Since the beginning of Lexus, the LS has been the flagship Luxury Sedan for Toyota’s upscale brand. Yet times are changing, and Lexus is seeking to reinvent its flagship.
Two new LS concept vehicles made their debut at the Japan Mobility Show – one has six wheels, and the other has four.
LS Concept
Lexus already builds a luxury minivan, called the LM, that’s available in Japan, Europe and other markets. However, the new flagship LS Concept delivers “Luxury Space” surprises, with dramatic styling, and rides on a new six-wheel platform.
“Lexus has always been about more than just four wheels,” said Simon Humphries, Chief Branding Officer (above). “And now to redefine our flagship. An LS that no longer stands for Luxury Sedan nor Luxury SUV but rather Luxury Space. …I did promise you the future would be about more than four wheels but you probably weren’t expecting six!”
Why six wheels? The idea is to maximize floor space, since the quad rear wheels are lower profile than the two wheels up front. While powertrain details were not mentioned during the presentation, the LS Concept could be front-, or perhaps, all-wheel-drive. And it could be an EV, with room under the floor for batteries.
The beautifully detailed interior offers easy access to the second- and third-row seats thanks to the extra-large sliding doors and low-profile floor. The seats look comfortable and luxurious, with a swiveling and reclining second row. An abundance of Lexus amenities are expected for passengers to enjoy their time in this flagship concept.
The driver is also treated to a futuristic environment, with a yoke-style steering wheel, and dual widescreen displays. Buttons mounted on the lower dash appear to offer quick access to features, such as the sliding doors, climate control, and what looks like ride-height adjustment for the suspension.
It’s unknown at this point whether Lexus intends to build a vehicle like the LS Concept. And if they do, what international markets would welcome an amazing new six-wheel Luxury Space.
LS Coupe Concept
Lexus also displayed another variation on the LS theme, called the LS Coupe Concept. While this sporty vehicle rides on four wheels, it could bring a new dimension of fun-to-drive luxury for the LS model space.
The LS Coupe Concept is an incredibly good-looking vehicle that would likely have wide market appeal should Lexus decide to build it. While it’s called a coupe, it has four doors that open clamshell style.
This design allows easy access to the rear seats. However, a production vehicle would likely have four traditional doors. The interior features unique designs for the driver’s and front passenger’s seats.
Amenities for rear seat passengers include access to extra-large, vertical format displays. The above photo highlights the possibilities for “Lexus Gesture Control,” while the screens could display the weather, music and entertainment choices, plus outside camera views.
The dash offers the flexibility for triple widescreen displays, with two for the driver, and one for the front passenger. While the LS Coupe Concept appears to be a BEV, Lexus has not yet announced potential powertrains, or future production plans.
Sport Concept
Lexus brought the Sport Concept to the Japan Mobility Show, following its premiere last summer at The Quail in Carmel, Calif. As a vision for a next-generation sports car, the concept could potentially evolve into a production model for the future.
The dynamically styled Sport Concept features signature Lexus design elements, including high-tech lighting, a long hood, bold fender arches, side sculpting with air ducts, large alloy wheels and a retractable wing-type rear spoiler.
Sport Concept’s interior offers a high-tech environment with a yoke-type steering wheel and neatly integrated displays for the driver. Powertrain details are still unknown. A future addition to the Lexus lineup, based on the concept, could offer a twin-turbo V8, or perhaps a V6 with self-charging hybrid system.
The Japan Mobility Show replaced the long-running Tokyo Motor Show. General public days are scheduled for Nov. 1-9, at Tokyo Big Sight, in the Ariake district of Koto-ku.
Note: Concept vehicles shown in this story are not for sale.
News source and photos courtesy of Lexus
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