2018 Lexus LS
The current, fourth generation Lexus LS
is over a decade old now. According to a report from Lexus Enthusiast, the
fifth generation 2018 Lexus LS will debut in early 2017. The Lexus-centered
blog is speculating the debut timeline from the May 2015 on-sale date given by
Mag-X alongside their rendering of the all-new model. A Detroit Auto Show
premiere is highly likely, given that the very first LS as well as the current
LS debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
While the on-sale date may appear a
little too unrealistic due to the short gap between the debut and dealership
arrival of the car, the rendering by the Japanese publication does seemingly
give a proper glimpse of the next-gen Lexus LS in terms of design. The all-new
LS should be inspired by Lexus LF-FC concept that debuted at the 2015 Tokyo
Motor Show and may have cues borrowed from the Lexus LC grand tourer.
Not much is known firmly about the of
the next-gen Lexus LS, but it will most certainly be a rear-wheel drive sedan.
Like the Lexus LC, it may be based on a new rear-wheel drive platform which
would be a part of the new corporate global architecture for luxury vehicles
(GA-L). Like now, all-wheel drive drivetrain configuration and a long-wheelbase
version should be available. Earlier this year, a report citing Mark Templin,
Executive Vice President at Lexus International, said that the interior of the
all-new LS will be unlike any Lexus before, and its pricing (in USA) will be
below the BMW 6 Series.
Earlier reports have said that the new
generation LS will be offered with V8 petrol and V8 petrol-electric hybrid
powertrain options. While no specific details are available about the model
range yet, Toyota Motor did file for ‘Lexus LS500’ and ‘Lexus LS500h’ trademarks
last year, suggesting the introduction of two new models (one petrol and one
petrol-electric hybrid).
