by Historical Context
Over three decades have passed since the first Lexus LS 400 appeared in 1989. This full-size sedan proved that to create a German-class luxury car, it is not necessary to be a German manufacturer. It lured buyers away from BMW and Mercedes by offering reliability unattainable for competitors, on par with the Toyota Corolla.
End of an Era
Time has changed market preferences – in the first half of 2025, only 691 LS cars were sold, which is 42.3% less than last year. Lexus officially announces the discontinuation of sales of the flagship model in the USA, but before the final farewell, it presents a special version.
Limited Series
The 2026 LS Heritage Edition version is created as a tribute to the first generation of the model. The car will arrive at dealerships in the autumn of this year with a starting price of $99,280, which includes $1,450 for delivery.
Exterior and Interior
The model is exclusively available in a new Ninety Noir shade, combining a deep black body color with dark moldings and 20-inch Dark Gray Metallic alloy wheels. The interior, in the first-ever Rioja Red color for the LS, is inspired by the style of the late 80s and early 90s.
Trim features include an engraved Heritage Edition emblem on the center console and embroidered model silhouettes on the seat headrests. Standard equipment includes a panoramic roof, a surround-view camera system, premium Laser Special Black wood trim, and an Ultrasuede headliner.
Technical Specifications
The car is equipped with a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 416 hp with a torque of 442 lb-ft, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.6 seconds.
The question of a possible model replacement remains open – Lexus representatives do not comment on plans for a successor to the legendary sedan.
The disappearance of the LS from the American market symbolizes the end of an era for the segment of traditional luxury sedans. Demand in recent years has steadily shifted towards crossovers and electric vehicles, forcing even such a market veteran to give way to new trends. The limited Heritage Edition series becomes a kind of time capsule of the model’s 36-year history, which once revolutionized perceptions of quality in the premium segment.
