The LS launched Lexus in 1989 as chairman Eiji Toyoda's 'F1' flagship, engineered over six years to challenge Mercedes-Benz and BMW on refinement, aerodynamics and build quality. Its very quiet 1UZ-FE V8 and close attention to noise, vibration and harshness changed expectations for luxury sedans and made Lexus a known name in the United States almost at once. Later generations added technology, with the world's first eight-speed automatic and a V8 hybrid, before the current LS moved to a twin-turbo V6 and a coupe-like design.
The LS 400 arrived in 1989 and raised expectations for luxury sedans, beating the Germans on quietness, build quality and price all at once. Five generations later the LS still stresses engineering care, and is now offered with a twin-turbo V6 or a multi-stage hybrid.
37years
5generations
6trims
247–410hp range
The Lineage
5 generations · tap any to explore1 trimXF10
1989–1994
1 trimXF20
1994–2000
1 trimXF30
2000–2006
1 trimXF40
2006–2017
2 trimsXF50
2017–2024
The Story
Why the LS mattersTrims · XF50
2 trims · 2017–2024Fifth-generation XF50, moving to the GA-L platform, a twin-turbo V6 and dramatic spindle-grille styling.