雷克萨斯第四代LS上市已经有10年了，成为该级别车型中最老的一款车。从最近拍到的原型车看，新一代车型将很快发布。这辆车的车身只是包裹了一层薄薄的伪装，它采用了量产版前大灯和尾灯组，这表明该车已经准备正式发布了。车厢内配备后排娱乐系统，前排座椅的椅背安装了折叠桌板，这进一步表明，第五代LS即将发布。雷克萨斯一年多前发布的LF-FC概念车的很多元素出现在新一代LS上，包括硕大纺锤格栅，类似耐克标志的LED日间行驶灯，更顺滑的车身，造型锐利的尾灯组。整体来看，新一代车型的车身尺寸将比现行版大很多，标志版轴距进一步增加至3米以上，甚至还有更长的长轴距版。至于内装，车厂表示将提供“更多更酷的配置”，但没有透露细节。预计新车将提供高端信息娱乐系统，全数字仪表群以及一系列安全和辅助驾驶系统。此外，内饰质量和精致程度将进一步提升以确保2018款LS能与宝马7系和奔驰明年发布的S级改款车及全新奥迪A8争夺市场。虽然新车尺寸增加，但重量将进一步降低。至于动力系统，目前还不清楚，但预计将采用LC500h搭载的3.5升V6混动系统和LC500搭载的5.0升V8引擎。预计车厂将在明年1月北美车展发布新一代LS，随后将于明年中期投产，作为2018款车型在美国上市，随后将于秋季在日本上市。
Best spy shots yet of the all-new Lexus LS
To say a new Lexus LS is overdue would be an understatement as the fourth-gen (XF40) has been around for a decade and it’s actually the oldest model in its class. But the good news is the wait is almost over as an official reveal is likely around the corner taking into account the prototype spotted appears to be ready to drop off that black fabric and reveal its sleek body.
The fact that it has only a thin layer of disguise and it’s carrying the production-ready headlights and taillights suggests Lexus is almost ready to host an official reveal. It even has a rear-seat entertainment system with dual tablets mounted on the back of the front seats, thus further indicating an imminent official premiere of the fifth-gen LS (XF50).
With a concept being shaped in most cases after the final design of the production car, the LF-FC unveiled a little over a year ago should paint an accurate picture of what to expect from the revamped LS. A huge spindle grille, Nike logo-like LED daytime running lights, much sleeker body, and a pair of sharp taillights. Overall, the new Lexus flagship is expected to significantly grow in size and come with a longer wheelbase stretching at more than 3,000 mm for the standard variant, with even more room between the two axles for the LWB variant.
About the cabin, Lexus has made the promise it will have “some cool interior stuff,” but without going into any details. We imagine the new LS will be a technological tour de force with a high-end infotainment system, all-digital instrument cluster, and a plethora of safety and assistance systems. In addition, a boost in quality and refinement is also expected to make sure the 2018 LS will put up a good fight against the 7 Series and next year’s S-Class facelift and all-new A8.
Seeing as how the LS will ride on an entirely different platform than the outgoing model, it’s safe to say it will undergo a strict diet that should shave off a considerable amount of weight, despite the increased footprint. Engine lineup remains a mystery at this point, although a hybridized 3.5-liter V6 from the LC 500h and a 5.0-liter V8 from the LC 500 are expected.
We’re willing to wager Lexus will unveil the next-gen LS next month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Production is expected to start by mid-2017, so that would make it a 2018MY for the U.S. of A. market following a fall launch at home in Japan.