2018 Lexus LS 500 - INTERIOR

A completely reimagined standard of flagship luxury

Inspired by the omotenashi principle that welcomes and envelops passengers, the interior of the LS is a showcase of craftsmanship, comfort and cutting-edge design. The interior ambient lighting is inspired by Japanese lanterns while the Shimamoku-inspired wood patterns feature bold contrasts between light and dark, giving the wood a more vibrant appearance. An optional Executive Package takes rear seat luxury one step further with options for heating and massage in addition to an extra 3.4-inches of legroom compared to the previous LS.

Advanced Safety Features and Driver Support

The comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ comes standard on every LS. It includes a Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Intelligent High Beam headlamps (IHB), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with Lane Keep Assist (LKA). One step above is the newly available Lexus Safety System+ A that adds Pedestrian Alert, Active Steering Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA), Lane Departure Alert with road edge detection and Lexus CoDrive, which bundles Lane Trace Assist and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) together.

The Intersection of Tradition and Technology

A new approach to creating trim elements again turned to Japanese culture, combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with advanced manufacturing techniques. This is reflected in signature touches, such as beautiful interior ambient lighting inspired by Japanese Andon lanterns and armrests that appear to float next to the door panel.

On Executive models, Kiriko Glass ornamentation and available hand-folded pleats on the door trim perfectly illustrate the brand’s “Innovative elegance through Japanese craftsmanship” and exemplify a true handcrafted approach.

The striking cut glass ornamentation – a world first in a production vehicle - draws inspiration from Japanese Kiriko glassware. Traditional Kiriko patterns are created using a technique that involves hand-cutting clear colors and delicate lines in a piece of glass, which are then repeatedly polished to a soft glow. For the 2018 LS, Kiriko master craftsmen worked closely with Lexus designers and engineers to duplicate the hand-carved appearance of Kiriko glass using leading-edge laser data copying and polishing technology. For those not choosing the Executive Package, the look of the Kiriko glass pattern ornamentation has been adopted for the display zone in front of the passenger seat.

The hand-pleated upholstery is produced using a process that took four years to develop—and that can be done only by human hands. A single cloth sheet is folded like origami paper, each fold carefully overlapped with the next, creating a dramatic pleated effect. The effect of the light and the three-dimensional upholstery creates an elegant space that envelops the occupants.

Integrated into the LS 500’s cabin is the next-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI), designed to mimic smartphone operation and supporting handwritten input. In addition to its 12.3-inch wide navigation display, the LS can incorporate an optional 24-inch color heads-up display (HUD)—currently the largest in the world—that projects a variety of information onto the driver’s forward view.

Enveloping Rear Seat Luxury

While making the new LS even more of a driver’s car, Lexus also optimized the LS as a car to be driven in, lavishing considerable attention to the rear seat. The rear cabin design creates seamless, enveloping continuity between the trim and seatbacks for passenger egress.

Options for heating, and massage make the rear seat a welcoming environment. The available power front and rear seat with Shiatsu massage and a raised ottoman, part of the Executive Package, offers more legroom than any previous-generation LS (3.4 in. more than the outgoing model). In addition, the seat behind the front passenger in this optional package can be recl