For almost four decades, the Lexus LS has stood as a symbol of Japanese luxury and engineering excellence, proving to the world that a newcomer could rival Europe’s finest sedans. Now, the legendary LS is preparing to bow out. Lexus has confirmed that the model will officially end production after the release of a special edition,the 2026 Lexus LS500 AWD Heritage Edition.
This marks the conclusion of an era that began in 1989 when the very first LS shocked the auto industry. Much like the Subaru Legacy, which is also ending its run this year after 36 years, the LS has become a name associated with reliability, craftsmanship, and luxury.
The Final Chapter: 2026 Lexus LS500 Heritage Edition
The Heritage Edition will serve as the LS’s last stand, and Lexus is making sure it goes out with style. Only 250 units will be produced, each carrying a price tag of $100,730.
The exterior comes in a unique color called Ninety Noir, a deep, elegant finish that pairs with 20-inch, split 20-spoke wheels finished in Dark Gray Metallic. Inside, the LS gets a first-ever Rioja Red interior, accented with Laser Special Black wood and brushed aluminum trim. A panoramic glass roof with Ultrasuede lining completes the luxury feel.
To mark its exclusivity, a Heritage Edition emblem is placed on the center console. Comfort is also a priority; every seat is heated and equipped with a power lift-up buckle system. For music lovers, the sedan features a Mark Levinson 23-speaker, 2.4 kW Reference Surround System with QuantumLogic Immersion, designed to create an immersive listening experience. You may check this for more photos
Technology hasn’t been left behind either. The Heritage Edition comes with Advanced Park Assist and a Panoramic Surround View Monitor as standard.
Under the hood, it’s powered by a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6, producing 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a Torsen limited-slip differential. This setup is capable of pushing the LS500 from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds,a reminder that luxury can also be quick.
A Legacy That Redefined Luxury
When the LS first debuted at the 1989 North American International Auto Show, it turned heads. Reviewers at the time described it as a blend of BMW and Mercedes-Benz styling, but with a uniquely Japanese spin. Most shocking was its price; the LS400 came in at about half the cost of its German rivals, despite offering refinement and reliability that often surpassed them.
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By 1990, the LS400 was already winning praise. Automobile magazine declared it “one of the finest iterations of a luxury sedan for sale,” highlighting its ability to perform equally well as a chauffeur car, a comfortable road trip cruiser, and even a fun-to-drive machine when pushed. This reputation quickly established Lexus as a serious luxury contender.
Key Moments in Lexus LS History
- 1995 LS400 (Second Generation): The model was updated with better insulation, adaptive suspension, and improved brakes, making it quieter and more comfortable than before. Lexus even launched a limited Coach Edition, featuring leather from the luxury brand Coach.
- 2001 LS430 (Third Generation): Featuring a 4.3-liter V8, this generation was conservative in design but still widely respected. It won multiple awards for quality and reliability, proving that buyers valued refinement over flash.
- 2007 LS600h L (Hybrid): Lexus shocked the world again with a hybrid-powered luxury sedan boasting 438 horsepower. It was also the first Lexus production car to cross the six-figure price barrier, signaling Lexus’s confidence in competing with ultra-luxury brands.
- 2018 LS500 (Fifth Generation): Breaking from tradition, this version swapped out the V8 for a twin-turbo V6 and introduced a bolder, more aggressive design. While it faced stiff competition from German luxury sedans, it showed Lexus was willing to take risks and modernize the brand’s flagship.
Why the LS Was So Important
The Lexus LS wasn’t just another luxury car; it was a statement. It showed that Toyota could take on Mercedes-Benz and BMW, not just in reliability, but in comfort, technology, and driving experience.
For many buyers, the LS was the perfect combination: a sedan that required less maintenance than its German rivals while offering similar levels of luxury. The LS’s reputation for trouble-free ownership became one of Lexus’s strongest selling points, helping the brand grow into one of the top luxury automakers in the U.S.
The End of an Era
Although the LS is ending, its influence will live on. Lexus has used the lessons learned from nearly four decades of building the LS to improve its entire lineup, from SUVs to hybrids. The brand is now pushing forward into electrification, but the DNA of precision, reliability, and comfort that the LS created will remain.
For enthusiasts and collectors, the 2026 LS500 Heritage Edition is not just another luxury sedan; it’s the closing chapter of a groundbreaking story that started back in 1989.
The world may be shifting toward SUVs and electric cars, but the LS will always be remembered as the car that put Lexus on the map and changed the way people thought about Japanese luxury.
FAQs
Why is the Lexus LS being discontinued?
The LS is being retired because sales of large sedans have dropped as more people now prefer SUVs and crossovers. Even though the LS has been a symbol of luxury for decades, the company is shifting focus to models that fit current buyer demand.
What is the Lexus LS Heritage Edition?
The Heritage Edition is the final version of the LS. It’s a special, limited model with only 250 units made. It has a unique paint color, luxury interior details, advanced tech features, and a strong twin-turbo V6 engine.
How much will the last Lexus LS cost?
The Heritage Edition will be priced at about $100,730. Since it’s limited, prices could go even higher on the resale market.
Is the last Lexus LS still a V8?
No, the final Heritage Edition uses a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 416 horsepower. Earlier generations of the LS came with V8 engines, but this version keeps the newer V6
When did the Lexus LS first come out?
The LS first launched in 1989 and was sold as a 1990 model. It shocked the luxury car market by offering the same comfort and quality as German brands but at a much lower price.
How fast is the 2026 LS Heritage Edition?
It can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.2 seconds, which is quick for a full-size luxury sedan.
Will there be another sedan to replace the LS?
Right now, there is no direct replacement planned. The focus is moving toward SUVs and electric vehicles, though the company may introduce new luxury cars in the future.
Is the Lexus LS a good car to buy used?
Yes, older LS models are known for reliability, comfort, and lower repair costs compared to some German luxury sedans. Many owners keep them for years because they are dependable and smooth to drive.
What makes the LS special compared to other luxury sedans?
The LS stood out because it mixed high-end comfort with long-term reliability. It was designed to compete with the best luxury cars in the world but was often more affordable and easier to maintain.
How many generations of the Lexus LS were made?
There were five generations from 1989 to 2026. Each one improved on design, technology, and performance, but the car always kept its focus on quiet comfort and high quality
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