Lexus introduced the fourth generation of its flagship model, the LS, at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January as a 2007 model year.
Toyota pushed harder into the luxury segment with the LS lineup. Not only did it fit the LS with all the safety nannies it had in its basket, but it also added fuel-efficient hybrid drivetrains and an impressive range of features to convince customers that Lexus’ flagship model was more than anything they’d ever need. Furthermore, it offered the vehicle with either a short or a long wheelbase option, so those who wanted to stay behind the wheel could have one for themselves. At the same time, those who wanted to sit back and relax while being driven could get the extended version and enjoy better legroom and more comfortable seats.
At the front, the fourth generation of the LS featured a narrower chromed grille crossed by seven horizontal slats where the brand’s badge took center stage. It was flanked by clear-lens headlights, which the automaker said it designed by taking inspiration from Baccarat crystals tumblers. On the bumper, the automaker installed a pair of air intakes on the lower side, flanked by headlights. These were needed for additional engine cooling since the upper grille wasn’t tall.
From its profile, the L-finesse design language introduced by the GS model combined convex and concave shapes to create waved shapes for the vehicle. The slightly enlarged front wheel arches were followed by the sculptured door panels that featured concave shapes on their lower sides. To emphasize them, Lexus underlined them with chromed trims. At the back, the sloped rear window was followed by a tall and short deck. Finally, the rear fascia featured broad taillights extended from the quarter panels onto the trunk lid, while the lower side of the bumper revealed flat and horizontal exhausts.
Inside, the car sported leather upholstery covering the seats, door cards, and dashboard parts. To enhance the luxurious cabin, the automaker added real wood trims on the center console, the steering wheel, and the mid-line of the dash panel. The driver fronted an instrument cluster with a simple layout that sported a wide tachometer and a speedometer flanked by the fuel level and the coolant temperature gauges. Atop the center stack, Lexus added a touchscreen for the infotainment system that featured an HDD-based navigation system and 14 gigabytes of storage for audio files, and it sent its music through a 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. In the back, the automaker installed powered seats that could recline to provide a more relaxing journey for those seated there.
Lexus offered the car with a choice of two V8 engines: a 4.6-liter and a 5.0-liter hybrid. Both sent their power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel independent suspension and the long list of safety systems were also part of the LS’ standard package.