Lexus Malaysia has unveiled its latest flagship model, the new Lexus LS. Hailed as the ultimate in refinement and luxury, the LS is in a class of its own in a market dominated by European marques and is widely regarded as the ultimate Japanese luxury saloon. The new Lexus LS features a host of meticulous technological improvements over its predecessor but the most prominent difference would be its design. The new LS also feature Lexus’ new design philosophy called the L-finesse as well as the signature spindle grille. The bold and dynamic design lines give the LS a sportier presence over its predecessor, effectively opening up the LS to an entirely new market that yearns for cars that are both luxurious and sporty to drive.
The interior has also been updated according to Lexus new design philosophy and now features a clean, elegant dashboard that emphasises on the overall roominess of the interior. First introduced in the GS, the new dashboard is divided into two distinct zones; an upper display zone with the ultra-wide 12.3 inch LCD multi-display screen, the industry’s largest. And a lower operation zone, which allows access to system controls such as the second generation of Lexus’ award winning Remote Touch Interface (RTI).
This new LS is the first model to be made available in Sports trim. Designed to balance the demands of a luxury sedan while providing its driver with the ultimate driving pleasure, the all new LS Sport features a more exclusive exterior, 19-inch wheels with 6 piston Brembo brakes and tops it off with an intake sound creator for a sportier engine note. This new LS also features five different driving modes to cater to the driver’s mood. These modes are ECO, NORMAL, COMFORT, SPORT S and SPORT S+. These modes work with the Frequency Adaptive Damping (FAD) shock absorbers as well as the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) air suspension system to control pitch and bounce rates for an even flatter, road hugging ride or a more supple ride if the driver so wishes, all available at fingertip by simply turning a knob.
One of the highlights of the new LS is the availability of Shimamoku wood is an example of the very finest in traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Translated as ‘striped wood’, processing the Shimamoku wood involves a unique procedure which involves 67 manufacturing steps over the course of 38 days. The Shimamoku wood finishing is just one of a few different finishes that are available for the new LS.
The new LS has also been hailed as the most quietest and most refined car in its class. Silence and refinement has always been a Lexus trademark, but the LS has taken it up a level by the clever use of advanced sound deadening materials used in the front and rear wheel arch liners, around the floor of the car as well as the the boot. Wind noise is nearly non-existent thanks to a change of insulation material for the roof trim, and the addition of aero fins to the door mirror to reduce air turbulence.
Renowned for their comfort, the seats of the new LS have also been improved with a new design that minimises pressure points, improves body support and reduces fatigue when driving. The seats are now bigger with better cushioning and thigh support. Both front seats feature an integrated air-conditioning system as standard and work in unison with the Lexus Climate Concierge air conditioning system.
A first for any car in the world, the Climate Concierge utilises 13 sensors that are strategically placed around the cabin. These sensors detect your body heat and adjust the air-conditioning accordingly, if it detects your body temperature is rising, it will lower the temperature to cool you down via 20 individual outlets that distribute cool air throughout the cabin of the new LS.
The new Lexus LS is now available in four different models. The LS 460 which is priced at RM 788,000, the LS 460 F SPORT is priced at RM 818,000, the long wheel base LS 460L which is priced at RM 878,000, and the top of the line LS 600h L which is priced at RM 1,068,000.
