The Lexus LS is categorized as a full-size luxury sedan offered as the best model of the Lexus. From the very beginning, all the generations of the Lexus LS have been produced at Tahara, the Japanese city. The name LS stands for the "Luxury Sedan" while some importers call it "Luxury Saloon". As the first generation the LS 400 was first released in 1989 continuing with the second generation in 1994.
The LS430 was first released in the 2000. The domestic-market model of the LS 400 and LS 430 was marketed as Toyota Celsior whereas the fourth generation Lexus LS 460 was released with an automatic parking system and eight-speed automatic transmission. All the LS fourth generation models are available with V8 engine along with a long-wheelbase model and hybrid.
THE THIRD GENERATION LEXUS LS 430
The F1 project serves as the inception of the LS models of Lexus. It was offered with a new V8 engine and several convenience and luxury features. It was aimed for export markets and the Lexus division was established to promote these vehicles. It was the first us market Lexus offered with an adaptive cruise control also known as the Dynamic Laser Cruise Control.
The sedan model was offered with a new 4.3 liter engine. It is also considered as one of the first gasoline V8 cars to have been certified as the Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle Since the previous LS restyling was too much restricted with its approach, the new design team decided on the more detailed interior, exterior and technological development. It took almost four years to develop the LS 430 design, after being approved from the 16 different concept designs. The body became more aerodynamic, and the interior became more spacious. Also the fuel tank had a different positioning that resulted in the increase in the trunk space.
2003 to 2006
Fully designed, the LS 430 was released in 2003. Now with radar sensor the Dynamic RADAR Cruise Control was able to work in all weather conditions. It was the first Lexus to use millimeter-wave radar technology and also the first Pre-Collision System (PCS) on a Lexus sedan. It was also its first appearance with the high-intensity discharge headlights as well as with AFS adaptive curve headlights. The interior had an updated navigation system, a programmed electronic key, knee air bags and a bluetooth along with a backup camera.
THE FOURTH GENERATION LEXUS LS 460
The fourth generation LS Lexus was designed during 2002 to 2004. In 2005, at Tokyo Motor Show was revealed the gasoline-electric hybrid concept car. This fourth generation Lexus LS was the first Lexus model to be manufactured in long-wheelbase model and standard model. The technical details of the fourth generation model were made available in detail at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006. A hybrid model of the Lexus LS 600h L was released at the New York International Auto Show. And very soon after its release, it received the car of the year Japan award.
The LS 460 and LS 460 L were released in the U.S and Europe in 2006, in Australia, East Asia and Middle East in 2007. During 2006 and 2007 the prices went higher with the options packages and hence became the competitor of BMW, Audi, and Jaguar.