2027 Lexus LS revealed, goes hybrid-only with chassis upgrades, new features

The Lexus LS isn't done yet, with the current, fifth-generation flagship sedan being revealed in updated guise in Japan ahead of an Australian launch in the coming months.

Previous reports from Japan have proved correct, with the large luxury limousine receiving various chassis upgrades plus new features – though not Lexus' latest Arene operating system or Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 suite of advanced driver assistance systems.

“The Lexus LS will receive a minor technical update with updated vehicles due to go on sale in Australia towards the end of the year,” a Lexus Australia spokesperson told CarExpert in July.

This update has now been detailed in Japan, and includes the retirement of the twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre petrol V6 engine that powered the LS500. The LS is going hybrid-only in Japan – with Australia confirmed to follow – and will be offered exclusively in 3.5-litre V6 hybrid LS500h guise.

Earlier this month, Lexus Australia confirmed it would axe petrol-only versions of its RX and LS in response to "customer preferences".

In Japan, the LS500h is offered with either rear- or all-wheel drive, though in Australia all LS models are rear-wheel drive.

The LS500h mates a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine producing 220kW of power and 356Nm of torque, mated with a 132kW/300Nm electric motor, a 10-speed automatic transmission and a lithium-ion battery. Lexus Australia claims a total system output of 264kW.

Lexus in Japan says it has reinforced the LS' centre tunnel and fitted the rear suspension brace and luggage brace with a thermosetting resin, said to reduce high-frequency vibrations and improve both handling stability and ride comfort.

The luxury brand has also retuned the adaptive suspension and electric power steering systems for a "more natural and controllable steering feel", as well as less body roll and pitch sway.

The LS finally has an opening panoramic sunroof available as an option, though a single-pane sunroof is also available.

Visible changes are otherwise few and far between, though notably the Lexus 'L-mark' logo on the boot lid has been replaced with the Lexus wordmark, tying the now-nine-year-old LS in with newer models from the brand. The interior, however, is essentially unchanged and sticks with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

It's unclear how much life is left in the LS, though it has outlived its LC coupe and convertible sibling.

Last year, Lexus announced the full-size luxury sedan's discontinuation in the US, which was the first market to receive the LS model line – a vehicle developed with the US market as a priority.

Shortly thereafter at October’s Tokyo motor show, Lexus revealed two concepts wearing the LS name, one a coupe SUV and the other a bizarre six-wheel people mover, pointing towards an entirely different shape for the Japanese luxury brand's next-generation flagship.

Toyota has also indicated it wants to take its ultra-luxury Century brand to global markets, having previously been exclusive to Japan, which knocks Lexus down a rung on the ladder in terms of prestige.

MORE: Explore the Lexus LS showroom