Bangkok 2017: All-New Lexus LS Officially Launched

A couple of weeks ago, Toyota Motor Thailand announced the pricing of the all-new Lexus LS, but it has finally been officially launched at this year's Bangkok Motor Expo. The Lexus LS has a base price of THB 11.5 million for the entry-level LS350 Luxury. One level up, the LS500 Executive goes for THB 13.08 million. As for the range-topping LS500h, there are 2 variants: the Executive and the Executive Pleat models, priced at THB 14.5 million and THB 15.83 million respectively. 

Shown here is the top-of-the-range Lexus LS500h Executive Pleat, which packs a 3.5-litre V6 dual VVT-i petrol engine and two electric motors for a total output of 354 hp. The hybrid system operates in multiple stages courtesy of a conventional 4-speed automatic gearbox and a continuously variable transmission working hand in hand. The result is 10 virtual gears and far better response in operation. The 0-100 km/h sprint is clocked in just 5.4 seconds- which is impressive for such a large car. 

But that's not what the Lexus LS is about. As the pinnacle of luxury in the Lexus range, the LS is dressed to the nines on both the inside and out. Yes, Toyota's new fun-to-drive direction has influenced development at Lexus as well, but the engineers have not forgotten that the LS is at heart a luxury car. 

This particular unit comes with a red and black interior- and you can see the amount of work and detail that goes into things like the door trim. There's a streamlined, fluid design across the cockpit with an up-to-date entertainment system housed right in the middle. 

Will the all-new Lexus LS change the luxury car market when it arrives here? It's hard to say, as its predecessor didn't quite make waves despite being quietly regarded as one of the best luxury sedans money could buy in terms of refinement and quality. We'll just have to wait and see. Check out the gallery below for more interior and exterior photos of the Lexus LS500h.