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Lexus Recasts LS as 'Luxury Space' With Trio of Concepts at Japan Mobility Show

The flagship sedan is being phased out after a 2026 farewell as Lexus explores new forms, with the coupe-style SUV widely viewed as the most production-ready.

Overview

  • Three LS-badged concepts debuted in Tokyo: a six-wheeled MPV focused on cabin space, a coupe-styled high-riding SUV, and a single-seat autonomous micro pod.
  • 'LS' now denotes 'Luxury Space' rather than 'Luxury Sedan,' reflecting Lexus’s pivot away from traditional saloons as part of a broader brand realignment beneath the elevated Century marque.
  • Lexus design leads say the concepts are engineered for multiple powertrains, indicating potential EV, hybrid, or internal-combustion options rather than electric-only.
  • Toyota’s Simon Humphries said the six-wheel layout uses smaller rear wheels to maximize floor area, though reports note Lexus lacks a platform for such a vehicle and production appears unlikely.
  • Production timing was not announced; outlets report the current LS will bow out with a 2026 Heritage Edition and suggest the LS Coupe Concept is the most feasible candidate for series production.