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Future models - Lexus - BEV ConceptLexus to reimagine LS in coupe, van formatsTwin LS studies see Lexus steer its flagship away from the traditional sedan29 Oct 2025 By TOM BAKER in TOKYO LEXUS used this year’s Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo to preview a striking redefinition of its long-running LS flagship, unveiling two concept vehicles that signal the end of the traditional large sedan era.
Speaking at a media preview in Tokyo, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) CALTY Design Research president Ian Cartabiano said the landscape for luxury cars had fundamentally shifted in recent years.
“The rules of the luxury market have changed dramatically,” said Mr Cartabiano.
“Executive sedans used to rule, but they are fighting a losing battle against SUVs. We needed to embrace the challenge and take the LS in a completely new direction.”
Mr Cartabiano presented two concept studies that outline diverging futures for the LS nameplate: a six-wheeled, chauffeur-driven van called the LS Concept, and the other a sporty high-riding coupe-SUV named LS Coupe Concept.
Both show cars explore how Lexus might reinterpret its top-tier offering towards the end of the decade, and after the fifth generation ‘XF50’ LS is discontinued with production expected to finish up next year.
Although Lexus is yet to confirm details like intended powertrains or dimensions for the concepts, GoAuto understands that Lexus is expected to be allocated a battery electric (BEV) leadership role within TMC’s future model strategy.
The first LS proposal would transform the model into a lavish people mover aimed squarely at the chauffeur-driven market that has migrated toward luxury vans in Asia over the last 20 years.
Design-wise, the LS Concept van centres on a spacious rear compartment accessed by wide sliding doors and framed by extensive bamboo screening for added privacy.
Occupants enjoy lounge-like accommodation separated from the driver’s compartment, which integrates next-generation infotainment presented via a steering yoke that sits beneath vertically stacked dual screens.
Externally, the LS Concept displays an evolutionary interpretation of the Lexus spindle grille motif, framed by continuous LED lighting and backlit logotype. The side profile is upright and architectural, accentuated by six transparent multi-spoke alloys.
While the concept is badged LS, the van configuration could inform a third-generation Lexus LM, the marque’s luxury van derivative of the Toyota Alphard now sold in several global markets including Australia.
In contrast, the LS Coupe Concept represents an alternative future direction for the badge, combining a fastback silhouette with SUV-like proportions and large-diameter alloy wheels to deliver a more driver-focused LS.
“Some customers love the thrill of high-performance driving; some want the best of everything. Maybe they can have both,” said Mr Cartabiano.
The designer described the LS Coupe Concept as “a different kind of flagship for Lexus”.
Inside, the coupe-SUV divides the front seats into distinct roles: the driver’s seat is heavily bolstered for sporty driving while the front passenger has wider, more indulgent shaping.
The Coupe Concept previews new Lexus interior technology, including a foldaway passenger display that can be concealed when not in use for a clean and minimal dashboard design.
Despite its sportier, wide stance, an extended wheelbase provides greater headroom and legroom than the current LS sedan. Rear passengers have video communication facilities linking with those up front along with a forward view of the road.
At the rear of the LS Coupe Concept, a slide-out cargo drawer houses sundry items while the fastback glass incorporates a deployable drone.
A third and much smaller study dubbed the LS Micro Concept was revealed alongside the main vehicles. The compact, single-occupant pod features brutalist styling that conceals a reclining first class-style seat intended for last-mile autonomous travel.
“We can foresee a time with greater restriction on space in cities,” Mr Cartabiano explained.
With acceptance of luxury vans remaining limited in Western markets, Lexus may pursue a split LS strategy in which a coupe-SUV and a van are deployed in different geographies—potentially simultaneously.
With ultra-high end TMC sub-brand Century set to assume the topmost position in the corporate hierarchy, Lexus says it will gain the latitude to reposition its model range toward more emotional design.  Read moreAll motor show Alfa Romeo Abarth Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chrysler Chevrolet Dodge Citroen Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton Haval Great Wall Honda Holden Hyundai HSV Isuzu Infiniti Jaguar Iveco Kia Jeep Land Rover Lamborghini Maserati Lexus McLaren Mazda MG Mercedes-Benz Mitsubishi Mini Opel Nissan Porsche Peugeot Ram Proton Rolls-Royce Renault Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo VolkswagenMotor industry news GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events. |
Click to shareAll motor showAlfa RomeoAbarthAudiAston MartinBMWBentleyChryslerChevroletDodgeCitroenFerrariDSFordFiatFPVFotonHavalGreat WallHondaHoldenHyundaiHSVIsuzuInfinitiJaguarIvecoKiaJeepLand RoverLamborghiniMaseratiLexusMcLarenMazdaMGMercedes-BenzMitsubishiMiniOpelNissanPorschePeugeotRamProtonRolls-RoyceRenaultSkodaSaabSsangYongSmartSuzukiSubaruToyotaTeslaVolvoVolkswagenMotor industry newsGoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events. |
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