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Lexus LS Concept Gallery: Six-Wheeled Minivan Reimagines Flagship as “Luxury Space”

The Lexus LS Concept, unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show, is a complete and radical reinvention of the brand’s flagship nameplate. Previewed as a six-wheeled minivan, the concept moves the meaning of “LS” from “Luxury Sedan” to “Luxury Space,” a strategy designed to maximize interior room and redefine opulence in the age of SUVs. The boldly styled, three-row vehicle features highly dramatic elements, including three axles, sliding doors, and a VIP-centric interior with reclining seats and a sophisticated digital cockpit.

The Radical LS: Six Wheels and Maximum Space

The six-wheel design is the most dramatic change, implemented to maximize cabin volume and stability, catering directly to the chauffeur market.

Three Axles/Six Wheels: The most distinguishing feature is the six-wheel layout, with the side view being “the most dramatic”. Lexus states this configuration helps to maximize floor space and improve overall packaging.
New Brand Vision: The LS name now stands for “Luxury Space,” a direct response to the declining demand for highline sedans, which Lexus says are “fighting a losing battle with SUVs”.
Exterior Design: The front features dazzling, integrated LED illumination and a lighted LEXUS emblem, resembling the concurrently revealed LS Coupe Concept. The tall, slab-sided profile is necessary for the cavernous interior space.
Seamless Access: The large doors are power-operated and slide open, providing easier access for high-line occupants.

Lounge Interior and High-Tech Cockpit

The interior is designed as a VIP-focused, technologically advanced lounge on wheels.

Seating Configuration: The cabin is exceptionally spacious, accommodating up to seven people in a 2-2-3 configuration. The second-row seats can almost fully recline into lounge chairs for chauffeured travel.
Interior Accents: The cabin uses premium materials, including wood and bamboo privacy screens, creating a warm, elegant atmosphere.
Yoke Steering and Displays: The minimalist cockpit features a yoke-style steering wheel and a trio of digital screens. Two wide display screens are positioned in the front, with the one at the back placed slightly higher for better driver visibility.
Utility: The van features a wide-opening tailgate and dual skylights, blending luxury with functionality.

Future Outlook

The LS Concept is a pure design study, but it hints at a strong direction for Lexus’s future flagships.

Powertrain: The concept is widely expected to be fully electric to maximize quiet luxury and interior volume, though Lexus has not released official drivetrain specifications.
Production Potential: Given the massive popularity of luxury minivans (like the Lexus LM) in Asian markets, a production version of this radical concept is plausible, although its sales in Western markets like the U.S. are unlikely.

Final Thoughts

The Lexus LS Concept is a spectacular and audacious response to the decline of the traditional luxury sedan. By reinventing the “LS” as “Luxury Space” and utilizing a six-wheeled platform to unlock business-jet-like space and comfort, Lexus is making a bold statement about its future direction. This concept proves Lexus is willing to challenge its own history to maintain a presence at the pinnacle of the luxury mobility world, ensuring its future flagship offers unmatched space, comfort, and technological spectacle.

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