Happenings

Lexus Flagship LS Lands On our Shores

BY Joel Tam

The new Lexus LS model range, now in its fourth generation and spanning across 23 years, includes the LS 460, LS Hybrid and for the first-time, an all new LS 460 F SPORT.

Photos: Joel Tam

Lexus has sold more than 730,000 LS models since the model range’s inception, a pretty big feat considering the premium brand is a rather young one. The first LS was launched here back in 1992.
 
True to their roots, Lexus has produced another premium luxury icon in the new LS. Mr Klaus Redomske, Marketing Director, Borneo Motors (Singapore) Pte Ltd said: “The new LS focuses on delivering the pinnacle of refinement for cabin comfort and pushes the boundaries of developing innovations that brings out the value of ‘Bespoke Hospitality’, meaning that we have anticipated the needs of users right down to the finest details, making sure that the LS will meet and exceed the demands of our customers. Once you experience the luxurious comforts and driving refinement of the new Lexus LS, I am confident that the Lexus brand will once again raise the benchmark in the premium automotive scene.” 

On top of producing top notch cars, Lexus aims to make sure that the customer experience from the start till finish is an impeccable one. This will be achieved when their new showroom is up - more on that soon.

Back to the LS. Following the recent GS and RX models launched, the LS has been comprehensively redesigned and incorporates the new Lexus spindle grille design. This keeps the new LS in line with the new brand identity.

Available in four variants, the LS 460, the LS 460 (with Long Wheel Base), the LS 460 F SPORT (an LS first) and the LS Hybrid, the new LS Hybrid is equipped with the refined second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive, delivering performance specifications to ensure that the LS Hybrid remains the world’s most powerful full hybrid V8. Customers who prefer a sportier drive will be able to choose an F SPORT variant of the LS which wears a more aggressive exterior with a unique sport interior design, other sweet items exclusive to the F SPORT include the lowering of ride height by 10mm, 19-inch forged wheels, Brembo® 6-pot caliper front brakes, aluminum trims, the addition of a Torsen® limited slip differential, sound creator to the engine and paddle shift controls.

New, laser screw welding and adhesive body bonding techniques have increased the overall body rigidity of the new Lexus LS. This not only promises to enhance stability, but also creates a more comfortable ride with no detriment to handling agility. A new Drive Mode Select system features up to 5 personalised driving modes — ECO, COMFORT, NORMAL, SPORT S and SPORT S + to optimize the driver’s preferred combination of economy, comfort, performance and handling characteristics.

The new Lexus LS also comes equipped with advanced safety enhancements to protect the driver and occupants. Safety features in the new LS includes the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), the Automatic High-Beam System (AHB), enhanced roof strength and 10-SRS airbags to provide the maximum levels of occupant protection.

The Advanced Illumination System (AIS), an all-LED interior lighting system, illuminates the LS to greet the approaching occupants and then fades in sequence with the vehicle starting procedure. The new Lexus Climate Concierge offers maximum comfort for every LS occupant through the use of multiple sensors to automatically regulate not only the temperature of the cabin, but also the climate control seats, quickly bringing each occupant to their preferred temperature.

The new LS lays claim to be amongst the quietest and most comfortable cars in the world. Comprehensive improvements have been made to the car’s noise and sound insulation from the engine, road and wind. The new luxury sedan will also come fitted with Lexus-first, hollow chamber noise reduction wheels, further lowering the front cabin noise.

Adopted for the first time, the Shimamoku wood ornament trim, which involves 67 manufacturing steps over the course of 38 days, will showcase the highest level of skilled Japanese craftsmanship, creating a feeling of modernity and spaciousness for the driver and passengers.

Prices start at SGD 434,000 (with COE) for the new Lexus LS. Borneo Motors has already begun delivery of their first 45 orders that were received even before the car touched Singapore ground.