Lexus LS Strikes Into The Unknown With Wild Six-Wheel And Coupe-SUV Ideas

The Lexus LS sedan — within the U.S. at the least — is almost certainly lifelessand meaning the Japanese automaker wants a brand new flagship to fill the area occupied by the large luxurious cruiser since its debut in 1989. Since sedans are so yesterday, Lexus has determined to assume exterior the field in the case of its alternative… manner exterior the field. It unveiled a trio of LS ideas on the 2025 Japan Mobility Present that should characterize the place Lexus may take the LS subsequent. Considered one of them makes a variety of sense and is pretty standard. One is totally wild in probably the most absurd methods doable, and one is a dumb pod factor I could not care much less about.

We have gotta discuss concerning the wild and absurd one first, as a result of it is actually simply one thing. Lexus is just calling it the “LS Idea,” however that is actually underselling it, do not you assume? I imply, simply take a look at this freaking factor. It’s the van with six wheels. Are you joking? It has been a very long time since a mainstream automaker, particularly one as reserved as Lexus, put out an idea this excessive. Up entrance, there’s a standard 20-something-inch wheel at every nook. Then, if you get to the again, you will discover 4 smaller wheels, making this a kind of Tyrell P34 in reverse. It is magnificent. After all, it is all there to help a large van physique.

Lexus

Inside, we discover seating for six of us who wish to journey round in ultra-luxury whereas being sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the surface world. This machine is all about being pushed — not driving. Lexus made it very clear that the second row is the point of interest, and that is the place passengers are in a position to relax and calm down with what appears like a large reclining bench. Behind that, you will discover third row captain’s chairs that appear to have loads of room in their very own proper. This beast appears heavy, so I am not terribly stunned Leuxs determined to present it two rear axles. The entrance seats are pretty standard with a steering yoke and digital gauge cluster flanked by precise buttons.

Whereas luxurious vans are undoubtedly very fashionable in Japan, if I needed to guess the physique model that may keep on the LS’s nameplate, it will almost certainly be some kind of SUV or crossover. Even though Lexus calls this automotive the LS Coupe Idea, it clearly is aware of that too. Do not get it twisted: this factor could be very a lot a crossover, and if I had been a betting man, it is an excellent illustration of the place the LS nameplate is heading.

I will not sit right here and inform you the LS Coupe is production-ready, but it surely does not appear too far-fetched. The automotive follows within the footsteps of different SUV cutters earlier than it, just like the BMW X6, authentic Acura ZDX and Mercedes-Benz GLE with its mixture of a excessive experience peak and sloping roofline. I do know it isn’t a glance that everybody is into, however I believe it really works reasonably effectively on this utility.

Lexus

One factor that definitely will not make manufacturing is the LS Coupe’s rear-hinged doorwayshowever when you open them up, you will discover a four-seater format that promotes a way of openness — as these kinds of ideas usually do. Up entrance, the automotive, fairly unusually, has two completely different coloured and formed seats. I am undecided what that is about, but it surely’s fascinating, I suppose. There’s additionally a dual-level display with a big help brace operating throughout the appropriate facet of the dashboard. On the very least, it is an fascinating piece of design.

There isn’t any phrase on what both of those autos are powered by. It may very well be fuel, electrical or some mystical third factor nobody has considered but.

Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik

Oh, Lexus additionally debuted some piece of crap known as the LS Micro Idea, which is a single-occupant self-driving pod factor. It isn’t price entering into, since it will by no means be actual however is not enjoyable in the identical manner because the LS Idea. Anyway, each the van and crossover provide very fascinating concepts of the place the LS may go subsequent, as a result of the automotive world is altering — and quick.