Last year, Lexus announced that the model that launched the brand, the LS, would leave the US. This was a big deal, since the car was the brand’s ultimate flagship, and the original model was designed for the brand and for America. What was also a bit strange was that the car wasn’t discontinued for the whole world. For example, you can still buy it in Japan, a market where the Lexus brand didn’t show up for years.
Not only can you buy it in Japan, but Lexus just made it even better for that market.
Lexus LS 500h from the front three-quarter angleLexus
The Changes Are Small, But Should Still Improve It
It stings to see the LS live on and keep receiving updates across the ocean, but at least none of the changes are earth-shattering enough to increase our jealousy. The most significant changes have to do with the chassis. Lexus added some reinforcements to the tunnel, and it added some dampening material to the braces for the suspension and cargo area. These are all done to increase rigidity and reduce vibrations for an all-around better driving experience. Additionally, the adaptive suspension has been retuned to reduce body roll, so the new LS may be a bit more fun to drive.
The other changes have to do with feature availability. The panoramic sunroof is now available as an option on every trim. Lexus also added the lovely and highly unique cut-glass door trim to the Executive trim level.
Otherwise, the LS line in Japan hasn’t really changed. It’s only available as the LS 500h hybrid, which uses a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6. In the US version, it made 354 horsepower combined. It’s a solid hybrid, though it’s a shame Japanese buyers don’t have the option to get the twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 that was available in American LS models until the end, which made 416 hp and 442 pound-feet of torque.
Wide shot of the Lexus LS 500h interiorLexus
Why Would Lexus Discontinue The LS In America?
Even though it doesn’t feel right, considering the car’s history with America, it’s not hard to understand why Lexus dropped the LS for this market. It simply wasn’t selling anymore. At the end of 2025, the year before Lexus launched the Heritage Edition as a farewell, Lexus sold just a bit more than 1,000 examples. That made it the brand’s worst seller, even behind the more niche LC and RC coupes. Even those coupes haven’t survived.
Instead, buyers have overwhelmingly preferred high-end SUVs. That same year, the Land Cruiser-based Lexus LX sold about seven times as many units as the LS. Lexus SUV sales only go up from there across the whole line, with the RX making up the bulk of the brand’s sales even today.
Lexus LS 500h from the sideLexus
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
While it’s understandable that Lexus would have discontinued the LS, it feels a little bit like Lexus just threw in the towel, rather than trying to keep competing. Genesis doesn’t sell many of its G90 flagship sedan, but it’s still selling it and improving it, since the company is aiming to be a full-line competitor and rival to the likes of Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
The decision to drop the LS may be pragmatic, but it’s not great for the brand’s image. Of course there’s every opportunity for Lexus to bring it back with a new generation.
