LEXUS has celebrated its global 30th anniversary with a stunning special edition of the latest generation of its first model line, the LS flagship sedan, unveiling a new Inspiration Series variant.
The Lexus LS Inspiration Series has been developed to embody a model line at the pinnacle of craftsmanship, technology and refinement, delivering special design highlights and ushering in safety and suspension enhancements across the range.
Leveraging the opulence of the LS Sports Luxury, the LS Inspiration Series debuts a unique 20-inch dark vapor alloy wheel design and Khaki Metal exterior colour, featuring for the first time on the Lexus flagship sedan.
The distinctive shade of deep green joins Sonic Quartz, Liquid Metal and Scarlet Crimson options available with this limited edition. The expansive interior of the LS is also redefined for the Inspiration Series.
The special model comes with an exclusive combination of chestnut semi-aniline leather accented trim and nobel brown fabric door texture, complemented by intricate walnut Lexus insignia laser cut ornamentation.
A unique highlight and perfect finishing touch for the LS Inspiration Series is the installation of a kiriko pattern ornamentation panel across the passenger side of the dashboard, featuring an engraved 30th Anniversary signature with blue illumination.
The new model is available as the LS 500h, featuring the world’s first multi-stage hybrid system, incorporating a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and advanced electric motor; and LS 500, with the Lexus 3.5-litre twin turbocharged V6 petrol engine.
Benchmark technology includes a 12.3-inch centre display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, satellite navigation, voice control, DAB+ digital radio, a 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, and twin 11.6-inch rear entertainment screens.
Heated and ventilated front and rear outboard seats with massage function, 22-way power adjustable rear seats with passenger side ottoman, electric rear sunshades and a rear cooler box (LC 500 only) all feature in the limited model.
As with the recently introduced Lexus LC Inspiration Series, limited edition exclusivity is reflected in the confirmation of a tightly controlled global supply, resulting in fewer than ten units being available for Australian customers.
Key safety and suspension enhancements have also been applied to select Lexus LS variants to coincide with the introduction of the Inspiration Series, with the Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) now including more advanced functionality.
The enhancements including lane tracing assist (LTA) on Sports Luxury grades, which can now detect curves ahead and reduce vehicle speed entering a bend. It provides gentle steering inputs to keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane at any legal speed.
New curve speed reduction functionality becomes active when driving using the dynamic radar cruise control, and with steering assist and lane centering turned on.
All grades of the updated LS are also able to better protect occupants and other road users from danger at low speeds following the addition of a parking support brake system, able to warn the driver and apply braking force to reduce the possibility of contact.
The system uses intelligent clearance sonar and rear cross traffic sensors to detect static objects ahead or behind the vehicle, as well as crossing vehicles when reversing as part of rear cross traffic alert (RCTA).
All variants will also debut revised adaptive variable suspension (AVS), with the air suspension system now incorporating a redesigned independent extension and compression design and altered damping force for smoother body motion behaviour.
For the LS 500 only, the front mounts on the rear suspension member are now liquid-filled, replacing the previous rubber mounts in order to further reduce vehicle body vibration. It also benefits from a smoother starting action for the engine stop/start.
Pricing for the Inspiration Series anniversary edition LS 500 starts at $198,922 with the LS 500h fetching $199,505. Both prices are plus on-roads.
