Stealth Rider

Luxury and performance meet in the Lexus LS

- Alethia Tiang

IT STARTED OUT as the “F1 project” in 1983, and came to fruition in January 1989. The Lexus LS, the Japanese automaker’s first-ever model, is in its fifth generation with a bold new design and more to offer.

For Lexus, this luxury sedan sets the tone in every way and reflects the brand’s Japanese identity and approach to the finer things in life. As Koichi Suga, its chief designer, says, “The Lexus LS is the flagship of Lexus that embodies the history and image of the brand, and defines what the brand stands for.”

The new generation comes in three powertrains: LS 350 with a V6 naturally aspirated engine; LS 500 with a twin-turbocharged V6; and LS 500h hybrid.

Even for its size, the LS 350 base model is no slouch. Under the hood lies a V6 unit that promises 310 horses and 380Nm of torque, proving there’s so much more life in naturally aspirated engines. Zero to 100km/h is achieved in 6.5s — not quite a speeding bullet but neither is it sluggish. By comparison, competitors like the BMW 730Li complete the century sprint in 6.4s while the Audi A8 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class do it in under 6s.