A Tribute to an Enduring Legacy: The Lexus LS Heritage Edition
Bidding Farewell to an Automotive Legend: The Lexus LS's Journey Through Time
Back in 1989, Toyota made a remarkable entry into the luxury car scene with the introduction of the Lexus LS400. This groundbreaking vehicle not only established the Lexus brand but also compelled established luxury manufacturers like Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW to re-evaluate their strategies. However, in recent years, consumer preferences have shifted from traditional flagship sedans to crossovers and full-size SUVs. This change is reflected in Lexus's 2024 U.S. sales data, where the ES sedan's sales were only about a third of the best-selling RX crossover. Consequently, Lexus announced on September 26 that the 2026 model year would be the last for the LS sedan, concluding its remarkable 36-year run.
The Heritage Edition: A Stylish Departure for a Venerated Sedan
Before its final bow, Lexus is celebrating the LS with a special limited-edition model: the 2026 LS Heritage Edition. This exclusive version pays homage to the “craftsmanship, innovation, and passion” that have characterized the LS throughout its history. Only 250 units of the Heritage Edition will be produced for the U.S. market, with prices starting at $99,280, including destination fees. Deliveries are expected to begin in the fall. The Heritage Edition will be the sole LS 500 variant available, presented as a “thoughtfully curated, mono-spec model with elevated style and substance.” It will feature an exclusive color, Ninety Noir, a sophisticated black that harmonizes with its dark exterior accents. The vehicle also boasts 20-inch split-20-spoke alloy wheels in Dark Gray Metallic, incorporating noise-reduction technology for enhanced cabin tranquility.
Interior Excellence and Advanced Features of the Final LS
While the exterior of the Heritage Edition showcases subtle refinements, the interior makes a bold statement, ensuring the LS's final appearance is notably stylish. For the first time in the LS's history, the Heritage Edition's interior is adorned in a striking Rioja Red, providing a vivid contrast to its refined exterior. This limited-edition model also includes unique cabin details, such as an etched Heritage Edition emblem on the center console and embroidered LS silhouettes on the headrests. These bespoke elements complement an extensive list of standard luxuries, including a panoramic glass roof, a Panoramic View Monitor, and premium Laser Special Black wood trim, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz's Flowing Lines lacquer. The headliner and sun visors are finished in Ultrasuede, while rear passengers benefit from heated seats and power lift-up buckles. Advanced Park assist and a 23-speaker, 2,400-watt Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound system are also included as standard features.
Performance and a Look Back at the LS's Impact
Under the hood, the LS Heritage Edition retains the 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine found in the standard LS 500, delivering 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Power is managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system with a limited-slip differential, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds. The retirement of the Lexus LS highlights a significant shift in consumer preferences, a trend Toyota has embraced wholeheartedly. The introduction of the Lexus RX in the United States in March 1998, widely considered the first luxury crossover SUV, has cultivated a devoted customer base. In 2024, Lexus sold 118,636 RX units in the U.S. compared to just 2,163 LS sedans, with LS sales accounting for a mere 0.62% of Lexus's total U.S. vehicle sales of 345,669 cars. The author expresses a fondness for the Lexus LS, noting that the black paint of the Heritage Edition recalls the original LS from the 1990 commercial, famously featuring champagne glasses on its hood, which introduced the brand to American consumers.