- Lexus LS EU-Version, 2013
With over 730,000 models sold during its 23 year, four generation history (the majority of which are still on the road), the Lexus LS has grown and evolved with the times. Yet is has always remained true to four key genetic traits: The adoption of world first, cutting edge technologies; the highest levels of quality combined with a uniquely Japanese sense of style and detail; unrivalled cabin quietness; and the smooth, comfortable ride befitting a premium segment luxury sedan.
Constituting a significant evolution of the current LS, the new Lexus flagship scales new heights of product maturity through a bold blend of style and refinement.
Since its launch in 2006, the current generation Lexus LS has been subject to over 2500 ongoing improvements; at a stroke, the new LS adds another 3000 changes, including three world first, and no less than 15 Lexus first, features and technical innovations.
Responding in detail to customer feedback throughout every aspect of its development, the new LS has been conceived to raise the bar even higher in the pursuit of unprecedented refinement, comfort, driving performance, technical excellence and, above all, quality.
Representing further improvements to Lexus' already peerless standards, the new Lexus LS now lays claim to being amongst the quietest, most comfortable cars in the world.
EXTERIOR DESIGN
The new LS features major changes to the exterior which reflect a further development of Lexus' unique, L-finesse design philosophy. This design represents a bold blend of refinement and evolution, with dynamic, modern, yet dignified styling giving the Lexus LS a unique sense of presence appropriate to the flagship of the brand.
At 5,090 mm overall, the new LS is just 30 mm longer than its predecessor. The wheelbase remains a generous 2,970 in length, and front and rear overhangs have increased by 10 and 20 mm respectively.
Key to the new design is an aggressive frontal treatment which gives the new LS a powerful, more commanding road presence. In a further evolution of a styling cue first developed on the new GS range, the inverted trapezoid upper grille and slanted lower grille have been combined and integrated into a single element, bridging the bumper mid-section to create a prominent 'spindle' shape.
Achieving a new-found maturity here, this bold, elegant and individual grille treatment is the focal point of the major design changes. A Lexus first for the brand flagship, it makes the LS instantly recognisable as a Lexus at first glance, and is being adopted throughout the brand to strengthen the Lexus family identity between model ranges.
By projecting the surrounding bodywork forward of a vertical grille face, the spindle had been given a strong three-dimensional form, its shape further accentuated by a blacked-out grille finish and a completely chrome plated frame which extends to the bumper openings.
Beneath a new, more muscular bonnet design, the grille is flanked by headlamp clusters clearly positioned on a higher plane than the grille itself. This is a unique characteristic of Lexus models, focusing the eye at the very apex of the vehicle to give the design a resolute look and strengthen the impression of power and agility.
The Lexus LS may be equipped with two types of headlamp; a two projector discharge design and a three projector unit featuring full-LEDs. Equipped with the latter, the LS offers Lexus first, all-LED exterior lighting.
Featuring 12-LED turn signal lamps for the first time in a Lexus, the headlamp housings are underscored by integral LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). The DRLs are of a new design, featuring a single, seamless light tube which forms an L-shaped motif, further reinforcing the unique visual signature of the new LS.
The new, deep front bumper design forms a wide, trapezoid shape which anchors muscular front wings and flared wheel arches, reinforcing the new LS's wide front track, low centre of gravity and broad, purposeful stance.
The bumper integrates sharply sculpted front foglamp housings featuring LED foglamps. Harmonising with the spindle grille design and L-shaped DRLs, the vertical lamp structure incorporates the world's smallest PES lens with a diameter of just 30 mm, combining top-level illumination with a unique Lexus design signature.
In profile, the new Lexus LS shares its predecessor's long, elegant cabin proportions. The shape of the rocker panels and below-door mouldings has been changed, continuing the sharp form of the wheel arches and accentuating an image of air flowing smoothly along the flanks of the car. New door mirrors feature chrome plated ornamentation and incorporate LED puddle lights and a new LED turn signal.
To the rear, the front spindle design is reflected in flowing lines that cut across the boot surface from the C pillars and then flare out towards the lower half of the body, once again accentuating the new LS's low centre of gravity and purposeful stance.
First introduced in the LS, the unique, L-shaped motif inside the rear lamp clusters harmonises perfectly with the new trapezoidal design. The rear lamps also adopt LED technology throughout, adding depth and crystal-like clarity. The light guide LED lamps form a clearly visible L-shaped signature whether on or off.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Human-oriented interior design is one of the fundamental tenets of the L-finesse design philosophy. Marking a significant evolution in the design history of the LS, a new instrument panel reflects this with a radical change to a more horizontally-based layout offering drivers more comfortable, ergonomically ideal interaction with the vehicle's HMI (Human Machine Interface) systems.
A clean, elegant dashboard design forms a wide horizontal plane, emphasising the overall roominess of the interior, whilst the door and centre console trim support the driver and front passenger in a secure, cocooned environment.
The dashboard is divided into two distinct zones: an upper Display Zone, with the ultra-wide, 12.3 inch, LCD multi-display screen - the industry's largest - located at an ideal distance for at-a-glance viewing, and a lower Operation Zone, which allows access to system controls such as the second generation of Lexus' award winning Remote Touch Interface (RTI).
Every aspect of the driving position has been carefully considered to create the ideal placement of controls, maximise comfort and minimise driver distraction and fatigue. Switches have been combined and their number reduced, and the centre cluster has also been made more compact.
The driver's instrument binnacle incorporates high-visibility, large diameter Optitron dials and a 5.8" TFT (Thin Film Transistor) Multi-information screen - the largest amongst Lexus vehicles - with an enhanced display ability. The new LS follows the CT and GS in adopting a Drive Mode Select system, with meter illumination and multi-information display design changing from blue to red in sports driving modes, along with the switching of the hybrid system indicator to a tachometer in the Lexus LS 600h.
The centre of the instrument panel features an analogue clock, precision machined from aluminium, with a Lexus-first GPS-based time correction function. The light-emitting hands and scale have been shaped to be as narrow as possible, accentuating the sense of fine craftsmanship. The 12 0'clock marking has been specially cut to concentrate light when the minute hand converges with it, emphasising the start of the next hour.
The driver's immediate environment has been further enhanced by a new, 3-spoke steering wheel which, at 380 mm in diameter, is 10 mm smaller than the 4-spoke design it replaces, offering owners a more sporting feel and a closer engagement with the vehicle's enhanced driving dynamics. And the aluminium, asymmetric gear shift lever has been leather-clad for a comfortable grip.
Fully described in the Refinement and Comfort chapter, both the driver and front passenger seats have been redesigned to offer improved comfort and support.
Throughout the interior, genuine materials and finishes convey a contemporary, premium look and feel, with a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail for which Lexus is globally renowned. Lexus firsts, the lower section of the instrument panel and sides of the centre console are clad in a new, highly durable material with the highest quality stitching, and - taking design cues from the interior ornamentation - the new smart key is clad in real leather and alloy for an authentic feel.
This beautifully crafted interior is complimented by the world's first Advanced Illumination System (AIS). Featuring new, Champagne White interior lamps and dynamic LED instrument panel lighting, AIS is fully described in the refinement and Comfort chapter.
Wheels, Colour Schemes and Trim
The new LS may be equipped with a choice of five wheel designs, including three newly developed aluminium wheels, one 18" and two 19". Both wheel sizes are available in a new, hollow chamber, noise reduction design which features a unique, high gloss, ultra-metallic coating. The Lexus flagship is available in a range of 10 exterior colours, of which three, Sonic Silver, Fire Agate and White Nova, are new.
Lexus engineers developed a new advanced coating process for the Sonic Silver finish. Vehicles with the Sonic Silver exterior appear more radiant as an additional metallic texture gives both strong shading and defined, sharp highlights. This metallic effect makes subtle and defined bodylines more noticeable and the surface appear finely polished.
The new interior is available in a choice of six colour schemes; Mellow White, Ivory, Light Grey, Black, Black and Saddle Tan, and a newly available Topaz Brown. The variety of ornamentation available has also been expanded, with newly developed Walnut, Black and both matt and high gloss Ashburl finishes, as well as newly available Shimamoku and Bamboo.
A Lexus first, the steering wheel and lateral dashboard ornamentation are available in a new, Shimamoku finish. An example of the very finest in traditional Japanese craftsmanship, Shimamoku - translated as 'striped wood' - involves the painstaking layering and angled cutting of dark and light shaded wood veneers in a unique process which involves 67 manufacturing steps over the course of 38 days.
Fully described in the F SPORT chapter, an F SPORT package is available for the first time on the LS model range. It includes unique exterior styling, lowered Sport air suspension, and exclusive interior features include sports seats, trim details and colour schemes.
REFINEMENT, COMFORT AND PROGRESSIVE FEATURES
With the launch of the first LS in 1989, the Lexus flagship immediately established a reputation for peerless levels of quietness and refinement. Its cabin combined the most advanced, technically sophisticated equipment with a luxurious environment quiet enough to enable normal conversation whilst travelling at high speed.
Successive generations of LS have consistently improved on every aspect of this unique interior environment. Cabin quietness and occupant comfort levels have been painstakingly honed, and progressive equipment refined with numerous world firsts in advanced on-board technology, to create the unparalleled comfort, convenience, discreet hospitality and carefully considered driver interaction that lie at the heart of the Lexus Ownership experience.
Representing further improvements to Lexus' already peerless standards, the new Lexus LS now lays claim to being amongst the quietest, most comfortable cars in the world.
Improved sound insulation
Comprehensive improvements have been made to the sound insulation in every area of the new LS, ensuring that it surpasses even the exemplary standards of cabin quietness already established by the current generation Lexus flagship.
Reducing engine noise, the dashboard silencer seal structure has been strengthened and insulation added to the engine cover. Both engine and road noise has been reduced through the adoption of thicker insulation to the front wheel arch liners and a revised noise insulating structure to the tibia pad.
Road noise has been reduced through the optimisation of floor silencer coverage, the addition of insulation materials under the rear seat, a change in rear wheel arch liner insulation material, an increase in the area of boot space trim sound insulation and a reinforcing of the rear partition panel hole seal structure.
Both wind and road noise have been reduced through the addition of further insulation to the door inner weather strips and service hole covers. And wind noise has been reduced through a change of insulation material for the roof trim, a smoothing of the A pillar and door frame mouldings, and the addition of aero fins to the door mirror to reduce air turbulence.
The result of these numerous enhancements is immediately noticeable aboard the new LS. Class-leading quietness is exemplified in the front seats by the lowest levels of engine noise amongst the new flagship's rivals, and in the rear seats by a level of conversation clarity which now rates at almost 100% when the new Lexus is travelling at 100 km/h.
Noise Reduction Wheels
Furthering these efforts to achieve the ultimately quiet ride, the new LS also becomes the first Lexus to adopt noise-reduction wheels. They channel resonant noise - generated by the tyres on impact with road surface imperfections - from the main air chamber within the tyre to adjacent hollow areas within the wheels, via resonator holes.
Once inside, the sympathetic vibrations generate air friction. The friction transforms the sound into kinetic energy, reducing the amount of noise. Tests reveal that, whilst driving on an uneven road, the cockpit environment in the area of the front seats is significantly quieter.
Body Structure Rigidity Enhanced for Greater Ride Comfort
High body rigidity is not only fundamental to vehicle stability and handling agility, it also plays a significant role in minimising the transmission of noise and vibration from the engine bay and road surface into the cabin, thus enhancing ride comfort.
The new LS incorporates several measures designed to further reduce vibration and improve ride comfort: A Lexus first, a new laser screw welding technique offers panel joint adhesion across entire surfaces as opposed to individual spots, increasing overall body rigidity.
The number of engine support member joints has been increased, and the engine mount characteristics improved. Both a larger tunnel brace and larger partition panel reinforcement have been adopted, along with larger front seat brackets.
Together, these measures result in a noticeable reduction in vibration, particularly in the floor area around the driver's seat, leading to a marked improvement in ride comfort.
Improved Seating Comfort and Seat Air Conditioning Control
Already renowned for their comfort, the front seats of the new Lexus LS have been further improved with a new design to minimise pressure peaks, improve support and reduce fatigue during even the longest journeys.
The upper back contact surface of the new LS front seat has been expanded, and the cushion thickness of the seat base has been increased by 20 mm for greater comfort. The addition of cushion length adjustment allows for the transfer of greater pressure under the thighs, reducing pressure on the buttocks. Improved pelvic support helps maintain correct lower body posture, reducing fatigue on long journeys.
The front passenger seat features a new, Ottoman-style, fold-out calf support which improves lower leg comfort by reducing heel pressure by 45% and thigh pressure by 10%.
Both front seats feature an improved air-conditioning system fitted as standard, the system being further incorporated within the rear seat upgrade package. The seats feature a larger heating area around the shoulder and back of the knee, and the heater output has been more than doubled, from 100 to 210 W, halving seat warm up time.
The seat also offers a larger cooling area, with twin low pressure drop heat exchangers increasing airflow by some 30%, and larger diameter seat perforations and a larger blower increasing airflow by a further 12%.
Both front and rear seat climate control may now be automatically incorporated in the operation of the new Lexus Climate Concierge air conditioning system.
Lexus Climate Concierge
A world first, the new Lexus Climate Concierge offers every LS occupant the ultimate in on-board thermal comfort. The world's most advanced climate control system, it features all the benefits of the Multi-zone Automatic Climate Control developed for the previous generation Lexus flagship, combined with automatic integration of the seat heating and cooling systems, and the steering wheel rim heater.
Guaranteeing ultimate comfort, the 4-zone independent control system goes beyond simply managing the air temperature within the cabin. Fully customisable, it also controls the temperature of all points of contact within the cabin - seats and steering wheel - to bring each occupant to their preferred temperature as quickly as possible.
For instance, in cold weather before the air conditioning system heating has reached maximum efficiency, the steering wheel heater and individual seat heaters are automatically turned on to warm up the driver and passengers quickly. Once the rapid seat heating function achieves a comfortable temperature - accomplished in half the time of the previous system - the seat heater automatically reduces temperature before switching off.
In a similar fashion, on hot days, a rapid cooling function controls seat temperature before the air conditioning system cooling has reached maximum efficiency, to quickly achieve a comfortable environment.
The Lexus Climate Concierge uses up to 13 sensors managed by a central ECU, including - part of the rear seat upgrade package on long wheelbase models - a unique, roof-mounted infra-red matrix sensor to measure climactic conditions throughout the cabin. Measuring the surface temperature of rear seat occupants enables the system to assess their specific thermal comfort, and then instigate bespoke adjustments to the air-conditioning system's independent rear zones.
No less than 20 individual outlets distribute warm or cold air throughout the cabin of the new LS. Besides B-pillar outlets, rear seat passengers benefit from generously sized Roof Climate Diffusers. Mounted above each outer rear seat, they offer unparalleled climate control around a passenger's head and neck.
The full hybrid LS 600h L further benefits from a heat exchanger with integrated PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heating elements. This system will warm the front cabin area as quickly as possible after vehicle start-up, before the engine itself has reached a sufficiently high running temperature to supply heating to the air-conditioning system.
Nanoe® Technology
The climate control system also incorporates a new Nanoe® technology system. This air cleaning technology operates automatically when the air conditioning is turned on. It releases 20 to 50Nm diameter nanoe particles - negatively charged ions wrapped in water molecules - into the cabin.
By attaching themselves to airborne particles and molecules, the nanoe ions have been said to have both an air purifying and odour eliminating effect. They also deodorise vehicle seats and ceiling to create a cleaner cabin environment.
In addition, because nanoe moisture content is approximately 1,000 times that of conventional ions, the emission of ions bonded to water molecules is said to have a moisturising effect on skin and hair, acting to enhance occupant well-being.
Advanced Illumination System (AIS)
This beautifully crafted interior is complimented by the world's first Advanced Illumination System (AIS). Featuring new, Champagne White interior lamps and dynamic LED instrument panel lighting, AIS is an LED interior lighting system which creates an atmosphere appropriate to the flagship of the Lexus model range.
Elements of the LED lighting illuminate to greet the occupants as they approach the car, even before it is unlocked, activating and fading thereafter in sequence with the vehicle starting procedure.
The numerous interior lamps of the AIS are divided by colour temperature into three illumination colours: a Warm White, for soft facial illumination from dome lamps and vanity mirrors; Champagne White, bringing elegance and serenity to the overall interior lighting to reinforce the progressive luxury inherent in the new Lexus LS interior design; and White Heat, for the clearest possible text illumination of the meters, instrument panel and clock.
Control of the timing, brightness and distribution of AIS illumination throughout the interior is fully coordinated, enabling both interior and exterior lighting ambience to be varied according to several vehicle operation and driving scenarios:
A 'Greeting' lighting sequence guides the driver to the vehicle and welcomes him on board. When the door is unlocked, the DRLs and door mirror puddle lamps illuminate. As the driver approaches the vehicle, soft light floods the footwells, and the dome lights, clock and new, full-width, instrument panel band lighting gently illuminate.
The 'Vehicle Start' sequence illuminates the meters, switches and clock to full brightness, the navigation screen opening sequence begins, and brighter instrument panel band illumination flows from the centre to both sides of the LS interior. The inside door handles and footwells are also lit.
The 'Driving' sequence dims the instrument panel band from the sides to the centre, simultaneously dimming footwell and door handle lighting, and reducing meter, switch and clock illumination to the driver's preferred level.
On switching off the LS, the 'Vehicle Parked' sequence flashes and then dims the instrument panel band lighting from each side towards the centre, before it finally concentrates to a point and extinguishes. Once the instrument panel light is off, the entire interior illuminates, including the door handles and footwells.
Second Generation RTI with 12.3" Multimedia Display
The second generation Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) multi-function control device has been enhanced for increased user-friendliness and ease of operation.
RTI features the world's largest on-board multimedia display; a 12.3 inch, full colour, LED screen with an ultra-wide, 24:9 format. The screen's size allows for the permanent display of two types of information simultaneously, such as map/audio, Night View/map and navigation input/incoming call.
The system now incorporates the world's first slide haptic joystick mechanism - a planar slide-type controller, much like a computer mouse, that allows users to scroll quickly and easily across the display screen. The ENTER command is now accomplished by simply pushing the controller. Usability has also been improved through the addition of ambient lighting, and by minimising the difference in height between the RTI controller and the armrest.
The Lexus Navigation System
Accessed via the LS's Remote Touch control system, the Lexus Navigation System benefits from a powerful, HDD capacity, making it one of the fastest, most accurate systems on the market.
In conjunction with enhanced Remote Touch control, the multimedia system's 12.3" display now has multi-screen capability, allowing for the permanent display - and independent control - of three types of information simultaneously, from a menu including map, audio, vehicle information, navigation input, air conditioning functions and incoming call.
Incorporating automatic screen zoom at intersections, the navigation system features several new functions. They include a true 3-D view with city model and landmark graphics, the accurate replication of motorway signage, and speed limit information.
The advanced voice recognition system has been improved through an enhanced recognition capability and a reduction in operational steps. It allows users to search both phone and music databases, and facilitates one-shot navigation address input.
Via internet connection using the customer's Bluetooth mobile phone, the Lexus Navigation System provides access to an on-line Points Of Interest search facility from the Google Local Search database, and allows addresses from the Google map website to be added as destinations.
An RDS-TMC traffic information system is integrated directly within the navigation system, offering an advanced information service in nine Western European counties. This allows the most accurate information to be used in the system's route calculation, giving the driver the option of taking an alternative route to avoid traffic incidents.
In some European countries, traffic information is also transmitted on DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting), using TPEG (Transport Protocol Expert Group). This constitutes a significant improvement over RDS-TMC technology for several reasons; the digital signal can carry far more information; its pin-point accuracy allows for better navigation routing; and it offers a wider service with more precise traffic flow information, and parking availability.
Premium Surround Sound System
The new Lexus LS is fitted as standard with a Premium Surround Sound System. Featuring a 9 channel amplifier and 10 speakers, and now equipped with a digital radio tuner, it offers a class-leading standard audio system specification.
The system has been upgraded in the new LS, with the adoption of a new digital amplifier. Full digital processing and newly developed power integrated circuitry brings enhanced clarity to the sound. The system's surround sound effect has been strengthened through the use of new DSP processing technology.
New, compressed audio enhancement technology has also improved the recovery of high frequency components and tones lost from compressed audio sources such as an iPod®. iPod functionality and interface quality has been enhanced; via USB port connectivity, the iPod menu can now be driven from the vehicle's RTI control system and album cover art displayed on the 12.3" multimedia screen.
The system utilises no less than 10 individual speakers, including front and rear door mounted tweeters, upper rear door mid-range units, a large, 250mm subwoofer for powerful, deep bass notes and a newly adopted 87mm front centre speaker for improved definition and mid-range clarity. The carefully considered disposition of speakers within the Lexus LS interior ensures the highest possible quality of sound reproduction throughout the entire cabin.
Mark Levinson® Reference Surround System
The LS may be equipped with a state-of-the-art Mark Levinson® Reference Surround System offering quite simply the finest in-car audio experience available today. Over 2,000 hours of laboratory and on-road voicing have optimised the system for the specific acoustic characteristics of the new Lexus LS passenger cabin.
In conjunction with the 12.3" display screen, the Mark Levinson® Reference Surround System introduces LS owners to a complete, discrete 5.1 home theatre entertainment experience.
The discrete circuitry, 15 channel, ML3-16 Processor Power Amplifier covers a frequency range of 20Hz-20kHz, producing up to 450 Watt with less than 0.1% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Through 7.1 channel surround speaker architecture, separate, full-range side and surround channels provide an extraordinary sense of musical envelopment and depth for all passengers. In particular, rear seat passengers do not merely experience sound from behind as with other automotive 5.1 systems.
Key to the superlative performance of the new Mark Levinson® Reference Surround System are no less than 19 loudspeakers (12 of which are unique to this system alone), each one custom engineered for the particular acoustic characteristics of its location. The system comprises seven 25 mm tweeters, seven 100 mm midrange units, two 150 mm x 230 mm woofers, two 165 mm woofers and one 250 mm subwoofer.
Mark Levinson® loudspeakers use a variety of advanced materials, construction techniques and geometry to reduce distortion and coloration while increasing the dynamic capability of the system to achieve truly superior results.
Blu-Ray® Rear Seat Entertainment System
The Lexus LS Rear Seat Entertainment System features a separate DVD/CD player and a 9" VGA screen for the 5.1 home theatre entertainment experience of the Mark Levinson Reference Surround System.
The system has been upgraded in the new LS, offering occupants an SD card slot and, a Lexus first; the high contrast, high definition Blu-ray player. The system remote control has also been made smaller, and the controls more intuitive.
In addition to a rear screen-dedicated Blu-ray® player, the rear centre console houses a storage compartment for DVDs, CDs and headphones, a refrigerated cool-box, cup holders, a retractable table, remote controls for both the massage programme and entertainment system, and a control panel for the operation of the air-conditioning, seats and sunshades.
The system also incorporates an additional input for the connection of various portable devices such as a games console or video camera. Furthermore, two sets of headphones may be connected to the system simultaneously, allowing rear seat passengers to enjoy the full breadth of rear seat entertainment available aboard the LS without distraction to the driver or front seat passenger.
