Lexus IS (2021 minor change) and LS (2021 minor change)

Two Lexus sedans, the sporty IS and the ultra-luxurious LS, gained major refreshes for the 2021 model year and these latest facelifts look and feel like they're way beyond facelifts. Let's scope into these updated versions.

2021 Lexus IS

2021 Lexus IS interior

We begin with the sporty one known as the Lexus IS, the current third-generation model has gained a second and biggest minor change in its lifespan and this recent facelift made the IS look and feel different in every single way.

Beginning with the design, the facelifted IS is now sharper looking than the previous facelift, giving speedo boys more reasons to love this luxury sports sedan even more. Why? When this generation was launched in 2013, most speedo boys are in a shock over the way it looks and the first facelift made it even more questionable. With the second facelift of the third-generation IS, this is the IS that speedo boys demanded for, a sharp-looking luxury sports sedan that can be enjoyed harder for longer.

While the exterior now made even more admirable, the interior feels pretty much the same except that now, they've made the sat-nav screen longer than the old one and the seats even more premium. With all that comfort and all that tech to toy with, this newly facelift IS really means something.

As such, the IS still offers three choice of powertrains such as the 2.0L turbo, the 2.5L hybrid, and the 3.5L V6 engine. Due to a change of plans, the only way to get an all-wheel drive Lexus IS, in case when things get wet or freezing, is to go hybrid. That sucks because the normal petrol ones, the turbo and the V6, are rear-wheel drive as standard.

The Lexus IS gained some reworked dynamics after it was honed at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama. With its improved rigidity and reworked suspension, the IS feels even more matured to drive. You can spend the rest of your day off understanding this luxury sedan further.

While you were busy enjoying the IS's improved drivability, you should know that this 4.8 million yen car has festooned with the updated Lexus Safety System+ such as the Pre-Collision System with Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection, All=Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and more.

2021 Lexus LS

2021 Lexus LS interior

Now, let's scope through the facelifted Lexus LS, which starts at around 9,996,000 Japanese Yen. For its latest facelift, the Lexus LS is now more mature looking than when it first came out in late 2017, judging by its new front face that features new, mature-looking headlights, which is better looking than the Z-shaped lamps from the pre-facelifted model.

Come close to the interior and apart from the new 12.3-inch touch-operated display, there's something alluring about the new LS's interior and that's because the folks from Lexus wanted to put a slice of Japanese art on the door trims. This is artisanship done right and with such artisanship involved in the making of the new LS's interior, you can really feel its Japanese vibes when you get accommodated into it. It's like wearing a fancy kimono, if you know what I mean.

Like the pre-facelift, the updated Lexus LS still offers a choice of a 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo (V35A-FTS) engine mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox and the 8GR-FXS 3.5L V6 engine with two electric motors and lithium-ion battery, guaranteeing a 13.6km/L on the WLTP scale.

For the sake of technology, the updated Lexus LS features a rather clever but noticing Lexus Teammate, featuring the latest in advanced driving assist technologies. Such tech made the LS living in science-fiction and the Level 2 autonomy really is noticing and in case of speedo boy driving one, he'll be running scared because of the highly advanced safety tech that outsmarted him one by one.

These two facelifted Lexus saloons look and feel like they're way beyond facelifts and with all that tech festooned on it, the new IS and the new LS really shows that Lexus are on the serious side and it's time for us to get serious on these updated machines.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Fifth Generation Lexus LS

When Toyota first introduced the Lexus brand in 1989, the LS is one of the first Lexus models ever offered and after almost three decades and four generations later, the arrival of the all-new, fifth generation Lexus LS is spicing the battle of premium sedans with its new powertrain, new chassis, new look, and new technology that shows that this is still the car that put Japan in the luxury car map dominated by the Germans.

2018 Lexus LS

With prices start from 9,800,000 to 16,800,000 Japanese Yen, the new LS remains the most expensive Lexus to buy, unless if you are a business tycoon selling real estate or a member of the Diet, but on the upside, it's less expensive than the BMW 7-Series, so it's a hard bargain. But what do you get for your buck? First, comes the exterior and in tradition of making Lexus models scarier than the the predator from AVP, this is the most terrifying and judging by its monstrous Spindle Grille, Z-shaped headlamps, and the new LC-inspired rear lamps, the new LS is as sexy and as terrifying as a poison ivy on the comic book convention or dinner with the Bakers.

2018 Lexus LS interior

2018 Lexus LS interior

On the inside, the new LS boasts the perfect level of luxuriousness and craziness. Take this dashboard for instance, it looks like the air conditioning vents have been stretched throughout the entire dashboard and that's one way of saying "our cars look as crazy as hell and we are proud of it." Just as we thought that the new LS's interior is reminiscent of the old S-Class, instead, it's too wild to be a proper gentleman's saloon car for work or for trips to the country club and with the LFA-styled instrumental panel, life couldn't get even madder than this. On the plus note, the trim and the seats feels like it's fresh from the IKEA catalog while it smells like it's fresh out from the Tokyo museum and on the rear passenger seats, features such as the rear-seat entertainment system, 22-way rear power seats, and a seat massager, brings out that "out on the limo" feeling when you step out from the LS and show everyone that you have spent so much hours inside the car, you forgot to do what you're supposed to do, like bringing your sisters to their favorite fast food joint.

2018 Lexus LS

Like the Lexus LC coupe a while back, the new LS utilizes the GA-L platform and coupled with reworked dynamics, it's now longer, wider, and lower than the previous model it replaces, therefore it's becoming more rewarding than ever. Let's see what the Bethnal Green mob has to say when they drive one of these. Anyway, Bethnal Green mob aside, the powerplants are what you call revolting, starting with the petrol variant. The old model's V8 engine has been sadly thrown away to the great junkyard in the sky and in place lies the all-new 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo (V35A-FTS) engine mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The V35A-FTS engine produces 422PS of power, 600Nm of torque and 10.2km/L of fuel efficiency, that performance is a kaiju in the making and when equipped with all-wheel drive, it almost feels like a Nissan GT-R but with Mr. Jolson on the back, smoking his Cuban cigar.

On the hybrid note, the old model's V8 powerplant's also replaced with the 8GR-FXS 3.5L V6 engine with two electric motors and lithium-ion battery. This is the Multi Stage Hybrid, and like the LC, this thing keeps the planetary-type continuously variable transmission from Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive and also adds a unique four-speed automatic transmission and that doesn't stop here because when engaging in M mode, the two gearsets act together to provide the effect of 10 gears. Combined power output is about 359PS while fuel efficiency by JC08 Mode standards is by about 16.4km/L.

Performance aside, the new LS features a high caliber of passive safety for occupant protection in collisions as well as the brand's Lexus Safety System + and Advanced Safety Package, featuring the world's first system with Intuitive Pedestrian Detection with Active Steering within the lane. When it spots a pedestrian, not only it can automatically brake by itself, it can even steer around while staying in the lane. Now that's science stuff.

So, what's my thoughts with the new LS? Well, while the design will most likely to appeal the Jolson crime family in the streets of London, the interior boasts the same level of luxuriousness as the Europeans with reflections of Japanese art in mind. On the performance side, the turbocharged variant doesn't sound as lively as the old one but it can almost behave like the Nissan GT-R when equipped with all-wheel drive. As for the hybrid, however, it's not what you called enjoyable but for daily use, it can rather do the job nicely than the Honda Legend. Above all, the new LS is a revolting revolution to show the opposition what it's capable of.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

2013 Lexus LS range

2013 Lexus LS

2013 Lexus LS

Which is why, if you want a luxury Japanese premium sedan, might as well get one of these. Yes, it's a Lexus LS, and this incarnation have been a while for about six years when it was launched in Autumn 2006 but I have to say that this is still the indulgence that I have expected after slowly eating a delicious and chewy caramel candy that your neighbors gave you from last year's Halloween.

This year though, some big changes occurred on the current-generation Lexus LS and as we know it, we've expected a newly redesigned rear lamps and a new front face which gains the signature "Spindle Grille" first applied on the Lexus GS.

The 4.6L V8 (1UR-FSE) engine equipped on the LS460/LS460L was now being recalibrated so it now produces 392PS of power, about 7PS more than the previous model and fuel economy is a thirstier 8.4km/L, while being fitted with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The 2UR-FSE (5.0L V8) engine and 1KM electric motor that powers the LS600h/LS600hL has been tweaked as well. Although the power output remains the same, the JC08-rated fuel economy's been improved from 11.0km/L to 11.6km/L. The LS Hybrid is mated with a CVT with Manual Mode to make things a bit interesting as you endlessly flipping a page of a magazine while at the hospital, waiting for the doctors to call out your name.

2013 Lexus LS

Surprisingly, there is now an F-Sport variant for the first time on the 2013 Lexus LS! Thanks to this new F-Sport pack, it transformed the LS from a luxury Japanese saloon for the politicians into a ultra-sleek, ultra-sexy, aggressor with a much more aggressive stance to attack its prey alive, much like a hazing occurred at one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Think about it, when I look upon the F-Sport pack of the new 2013 Lexus LS, things will go "BITE ME ALIEN BOY!" because it looks like an alien from Prometheus. Or better yet a predator from AVP. He he he he....Sorry, why would I said that? That's a dreadful simile to describe it...oh my gosh...

2013 Lexus LS interior

2013 Lexus LS interior

Aside from making the LS' exterior a bit more aggressive with a bit more feel, the interior has now been reworked so when every time I see fit on the inside, it feels more civilized, especially the dashboard kinda looks like the grown up version of the interior that I seen on the latest Lexus GS. Also, it also comes with the Lexus Remote Touch system that points me to which mode I am on and then I click it to engage it. Surprisingly, the monitor's now split screen, so there's going to be some kind of techie-overload here.

Speaking of which, the Lexus LS still comes with the L-Select interior customization program, which allows me to personalize the LS' interior just they way I want and when I have the perfect LS interior, I would say that this one's sonorously bespoke for this model. L-Select now offers 6 new themes such as Presidential Suite, Escape Journey, Japanese Modern, Royal Therapy, Wild Beauty, and Passionate Spirit, which allow even more variety and customization according to each owner's sensibilities and lifestyle.

With numerous safety features included, the 2013 LS now comes with the newly-developed Adaptive High-beam System (AHS), which uses a camera to detect preceding and on-coming vehicles and selectively blocks sections of the high beams that could interfere with other drivers' vision. That's very complicating but very clever. I like that.

So, the Lexus LS, on its 2013 model year though. It's now getting more aggressive like a sleeping dog but more civilized as the Duke of Westminster. Although, this is is a Lexus, it's not quite a suitable car for everyday use because thanks to such pricing, this is only fit for Japanese politicians, high rollers, celebrities, and high-profile people who want to stand out the crowd. 

AVAILABLE COLORS: White Pearl Crystal Shine, White Nova Glass Flake, Sonic Silver, Starlight Black Glass Flake, Red Mica Crystal Shine, Sleek Ecru Metallic, Mercury Grey Mica, Black, Black Opal Mica, Fire Agate Mica Metallic, and Lapis Lazuli Mica.

PRICE LIST:

460 バージョンL - 10,300,000 yen
460 バージョンL 4WD - 10,800,000 yen
460 Fスポーツ - 9,800,000 yen
460 バージョンC Iパッケージ - 8,950,000 yen
460 バージョンC Iパッケージ 4WD - 9,450,000 yen
460 バージョンC - 8,700,000 yen
460 バージョンC 4WD - 9,200,000 yen
460 - 8,300,000 yen
460 4WD - 8,800,000 yen
460L エグゼクティブパッケージ 4-seater - 12,600,000 yen
460L エグゼクティブパッケージ 4WD 4-seater - 13,100,000 yen
460L エグゼクティブパッケージ 5-seater - 12,600,000 yen
460L エグゼクティブパッケージ 4WD 5-seater - 13,100,000 yen
460L - 11,300,000 yen
460L 4WD - 11,800,000 yen

600h バージョンL 4WD - 12,500,000 yen
600h Fスポーツ 4WD - 12,300,000 yen
600h バージョンC Iパッケージ 4WD - 11,150,000 yen
600h バージョンC 4WD - 10,900,000 yen
600h 4WD - 10,500,000 yen
600hL エグゼクティブパッケージ 4WD 4-seater - 15,500,000 yen
600hL エグゼクティブパッケージ 4WD 5-seater - 15,500,000 yen

ALSO AVAILABLE:

Modellista Parts for 2013 Lexus LS F-Sport

2013 Lexus LS

URL: http://www.modellista.co.jp/product/ls/index.html

TRD Parts for 2013 Lexus LS F-Sport

2013 Lexus LS

URL: http://trdparts.jp/lexus/ls/index.html

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Lexus LS/LS Hybrid Facelift and LS460 Version SZ

Since 1989, Toyota launched the Lexus brand to the American market, following with the launch of their luxury premium sedan named Celsior and it's sold to the world market as the Lexus LS. In 2005, Toyota brought the Lexus brand to its home country, replacing all the Altezza, Aristo, Soarer, Celsior, and Harrier names into Lexus names such as the IS, GS, SC, LS, and RX.





Now in 2009, the "Exaelitus" of Lexus gets its minor face-lift and next level of features to bring this premium luxury sedan the Lexus touch it deserves. Brace yourselves for the totally redesigned Lexus LS & LS Hybrid. Aside from the face-lifted LS & LS Hybrid (short wheelbase or long wheelbase), a sportier variant known as the LS460 Version SZ joins the LS family to bring adrenaline-pumping executives a custom treatment of this prime sedan.

For the minor change, both the LS460 and the LS600h received themselves a redesigned grille that enhances their L-Finesse philosophy to a whole new dimension. With the enhanced grille, new front bumper design, new set of rims, new rear lamps, and the sportier side from the LS460 Version SZ, proportion takes no substitute for this premium sedan.

From the interior, there is a comfortable side that scatters the enigmatic aura on the inside. Known as the Version UZ variant (similar to the Toyota Crown Majesta's high grade F Package), the optional ottoman rear seat and the rear entertainment system provide comfort and relaxation for the stressful executive on the rush. Also, there is an optional fine graphic meter equipped on the LS' instrumental panel, giving the driver a state-of-the-art technology provided on the long cruising trips ahead. For the wealthy Japanese executives, L-Select is now on the LS and LS Hybrid. The L-Select feature allows the customer to customize the LS' interior with the style he or she deserves, there are 30,000 combinations the customer has to choose from to mix and match the LS' interior style that suits his or her tastes.

GOSH, THAT NEW STYLE OF THE LS SURE IS NICE


Reader note: There is an inevitable cause why I called the Lexus LS an "Exaelitus" because of the CM song used in the Japanese commercial since 2006, it was composed by Yoko Kanno (famous for the BGMs heard from Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex series) and sung by Origa. For the Lexus fans in the Philippines, stop by for that commercial I said about it.

From its new look, new features, same performance, same safety features, and the new custom LS460 grade, known as the Version SZ, the LS' minor change is the new world of luxury cars from all over the globe. How will the face-lifted beauty of this premiere Lexus sedan shine against other premium sedans? Be prepared to get your hands on the redesigned LS and the LS Hybrid from Lexus, and let your fancy hands flow freely on the road.