Having shared news that 2026 will be the last model year for the brand’s LS flagship sedan, Lexus is testing the water for a replacement vehicle, showing three interesting concept designs at this year’s Japan Mobility Show. The biannual event replaced the Tokyo Auto Show in 2023, and has proven a hotbed for cutting-edge design.
Lexus LS Van Concept
Lexus LS Legacy
Lexus launched the brand in the U.S. 1n 1989 with two models, the full-size LS sedan, and the smaller ES 250. But it was the LS that shaped consumers’ opinion of the brand, directly challenging Mercedes-Benz with a car that was better equipped, less expensive, and arguably of better quality than the German maker’s venerated S-Class sedan.
The popularity of the LS has fallen over the years, however, and other Lexus models have claimed the lion’s share of brand sales. Even the pricey LX large SUV outsells the LS by more than 3-to-1.
Replacing the Lexus LS
Lexus seems keen to brand a replacement for the outgoing car using the same LS moniker, though, based on the concept reveals in Japan this week, that model will not be a sedan.
The Japanese luxury-vehicle maker revealed three LS concepts this week, and we certainly appreciate the creativity in play. The concepts:
Lexus LS Coupe Concept
Of the three LS replacement candidates seen in Tokyo this week, it’s the Coupe Concept that is mostly likely to see production. Were such a vehicle to be produced, we’d expect it to be priced well above the brand’s LX big SUV.
And, like so many crossovers called coupe these days, the LS Coupe would feature a coupe-like fastback roofline, but would actually be fitted with four conventional doors. If Lexus chickens out on the van (See below), expect to see a version of the Coupe Concept in showrooms relatively soon.
Lexus LS Micro Concept
As a single-passenger “pod” is entirely antithetical to the original Lexus LS mission, we can assume that this concept is a product of brand designers having a little fun. We appreciate the cool look, and see a distant future that includes hansom-cab style small luxury shuttles, but the Micro Concept is NOT the next Lexus LS.
Lexus LS Van Concept
At first glance, this 6-wheeled mega minivan may seem absurd, but we’re betting that an LS replacement along the lines of a large, comfortable people mover is under consideration. Note that Lexus already sells a premium minivan in other markets, and that occupant coddling has largely replaced driver engagement as a luxury-vehicle priority. We’d expect to see two wheels disappear before production, but we say this is a concept to watch.
LS Van Concept Details
While Lexus kept mum on likely LS Van Concept powertrain options, they did explain the six-wheel arrangement. Apparently, by keeping the rear wheels small, designers were able to limit wheel intrusion into the cabin, thus preserving interior space.
Inside, the premium LS Van Concept Van cabin is lined with bamboo, and comes off—at least in pictures—as ultra-premium.
We suspect that a production version of the LS Van Concept would be battery powered, and equipped with the latest autonomous driving system. We can’t hazard a guess as to the price of a van-like, flagship Lexus, but we’re pretty sure that the LS Van Concept won’t arrive in showrooms with all six wheels.
CG Says:
Given that luxury-vehicle consumers are increasingly expressing a desire for comfort over sporty character, a premium minivan makes sense as a continuation of the LS legacy. Not only would such a van serve wealthy families and high-end limousine services well, it would also be a highly visible halo model for the brand, recognizable at a distance, not unlike the Cadillac Escalade. If we had a vote as to which concept would see production, we’d choose the van,
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Lexus LS Van Concept Pictures
Click below for enlarged images
