Lexus has premiered the updated version of its flagship sedan, the LS, and announced that sales in Japan begin late 2020. For this latest update, Lexus' engineers focused on elevating the sedan's levels of comfort, quiet and overall refinement to help balance a range of new dynamic improvements dictated by the brand's Lexus Driving Signature initiative.

This philosophy applies detailed tuning, thoughtful component updates and control surface upgrades to help drive Lexus products to a new standard of vehicle control, balance and ultimately, driver confidence.

Expanding on this, the LS was developed with the aim of greatly enhancing the exceptional quietness and comfort that represent the Lexus DNA, and this was achieved through craftsmanship applied to even the smallest component - all the way from the vehicle's powertrain and suspension to the positioning of the stitch points of the seats.

A few examples of this attention to detail include the newly developed Adaptive Variable Suspension solenoid, which reduces damping force, while the stiffness of the run-flat tires and the rigidity of the stabiliser bars provide optimised performance.

Also, the orifice inside the engine mounts has been changed so as to alter damping characteristics, resulting in a reduction in vibrations transmitted to the vehicle's cabin. Seat coverings feature deeper stitch points, and underlying seat pads feature low-resilience urethane. Vibration absorption and soft seating contribute to even more enhanced comfort. Additionally, quietness has been improved by lowering maximum engine revolutions during departure acceleration.

In the LS500 gasoline-engine version of the new LS, improved initial engine torque leads to greater acceleration response. Improved shift timing and a wider acceleration range for each gear has resulted in less-frequent downshifts.

Both the hybrid version and the gasoline-engine version of the new LS have undergone Active Noise Control and Engine Sound Enhancement tuning for improved quietness.

The new LS is available in Gin-ei Luster, a new exterior panel colour that achieves deep shadows and robust highlights, enabled by new paint technology. The positioning of a vertical-themed character line in the corner parts of the front bumper expresses the excellence of the vehicle's stance. These changes also give the front bumper a structure in which the chrome trim on its lower edge wraps around to the sides to express liveliness.

BladeScan Adaptive High-beam System (AHS) is installed below the newly designed, compact, three-bulb lamp units and clearance lamps that have an accentuated 'L' design. The deep headlamps and squarish sub-radiator grilles positioned to the outside help to form the confident nature of the vehicle's stance.

On the inside, in addition to the use of a touchscreen for improved operability, Lexus paid thoroughly uncompromising attention to detail through a collaboration involving traditional Japanese crafts such as Nishijin brocade and metal leaf decoration, aiming to create a high-quality interior atmosphere suitable for a brand flagship.

The new LS features Lexus Teammate, which is the latest in advanced driving assist technologies. To achieve driving assist that provides a sense of security, Lexus not only thoroughly honed essential fundamental vehicle performance but also incorporated AI technologies centred on deep learning. Furthermore, by applying an uncompromising approach to system control that incorporates the driving operation of expert drivers, safe and superb driving stability has been made possible even when road conditions are complicated.