Lexus LS will cease production in 2026 and bid farewell to the American market (3 photos)
Historical context
It’s been more than three decades since the first Lexus LS 400 was introduced in 1989. This full-size sedan proved that you don’t have to be a German manufacturer to make a German luxury car. It lured buyers away from BMW and Mercedes by offering Toyota Corolla-level reliability that rivals couldn’t match.
End of an era
Time has changed market preferences - in the first half of 2025, only 691 LS cars were sold, which is 42.3% less than last year. Lexus officially announces the end of sales of the flagship model in the US, but before the final farewell, it introduces a special version.
Limited series
The 2026 LS Heritage Edition is created as a tribute to the first generation of the model. The car will arrive in dealerships this fall with a starting price of $99,280, which includes $1,450 for delivery. 
Exterior and Interior
The exclusive model in the new Ninety Noir shade combines a deep black exterior with dark moldings and 20-inch Dark Gray Metallic alloy wheels. The interior in the first color for the LS, Rioja Red, is inspired by the style of the late 80s and early 90s.
Special trim features include an engraved Heritage Edition emblem on the center console and embroidered silhouettes of the model on the headrests. Standard equipment includes a panoramic roof, a surround view system, premium Laser Special Black wood trim and Ultrasuede headliner.
Technical specifications
The car is equipped with a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 416 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, which works in tandem with a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.6 seconds. 
The question of a possible replacement model remains open - Lexus representatives do not comment on plans for a successor to the legendary sedan.
The disappearance of the LS from the American market symbolizes the end of an era for the segment of traditional luxury sedans. Demand has steadily shifted towards crossovers and electric vehicles in recent years, forcing even such a veteran of the market to give way to new trends. The limited edition Heritage Edition becomes a kind of encapsulation of the 36-year history of the model, which once turned the idea of quality in the premium segment upside down.
