The new 2018 Lexus LS has arrived in Malaysia and here’s why it’s a big deal

There’s a reason why the LS in Lexus LS stands for ‘Luxury Sedan’. The first LS made its debut in 1989 and since then, every edition was made with the utmost attention to detail. That same determination is the reason Lexus took a whole decade to reinvent the fifth-generation LS. From the on-road performance to the craftsmanship of the design, it was build to impress. 

THE PERFORMANCE

Built on the same high-performance platform as the LC, the 2018 Lexus LS features an all-new 3.5-litre twin turbo V6 engine which offers a significantly higher horsepower than the previous 4.6-litre V8 engine. The numbers: 310 kW/415 hp with 600 Nm of torque. Combine that with the world’s first 10-speed automatic transmission in its class, and the most advanced Lexus dynamic control system, and you’ll get a sedan that’s both powerful and fuel-efficient. Additional note: The LS 500 is able to sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds. 

THE TECH

For starters, in traditional Lexus fashion, the audio system is brought to you by Mark Levinson and it’s developed specifically for the LS. Read: 23 speakers and a 16-channel amplifier to deliver a concert hall-like listening experience. On the visual side—in addition to the 12.3-inch wide navigation display—the LS comes with a 24-inch colour heads-up display—the largest in the world—to project a variety of information onto the driver’s forward view. Another attractive feature is the air suspension system which automatically raises the car by 30mm and widens the seat bolsters upon unlocking the car to make getting in (and out of) the car easier. 

THE DESIGN—INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR

A lot can change in ten years and for the latest LS 500, it’s taking its leave from the more formal designs and taking instead a more Sensual Aggressive appearance with sporty undertones. It’s also the first Lexus sedan with a six-window profile for better visibility. The cabin within, on the other hand, offers a luxurious escape. Not only is it enveloped in artistic elements of Japanese culture but it’s also equipped with new seating designs (power-adjustable up to 28 ways for the front and 22 ways for the rear). 

THE ART

As mentioned, the new 2018 Lexus LS is a work of art, especially evident in its interior. Exclusive to the LS 500 and LS 500h Executive, and in limited quantities, the car is fitted with a Hand-pleated Upholstery that uses a complex origami-like technique which took four years to develop and only achievable by hand. Similarly, the striking Kiriko Glass ornamentation was created by hand-cutting clear colours and delicate lines in a piece of glass while the ambient lighting was inspired by Japanese lanterns. 

The LS 500 Luxury, LS 500 Executive and LS 500h Executive with a Lexus Hybrid Drive are available for the Malaysian market. The OTR (without insurance) price for the range begins at RM799,000.

For more information, visit Lexus Malaysia’s website.