Next Lexus LS firms as coupe-SUV but wild LS van concepts also being explored

Lexus has used the 2025 Japan Mobility Show (JMS) in Tokyo to display two radically distinct next-generation LS flagship concepts as it declares the era of the large sedan to be over.

“The rules of the luxury market have changed dramatically,” said Ian Cartabiano, president of the Toyota and Lexus Calty Design Research arm in California.

“Executive sedans used to rule, but they are fighting a losing battle against SUVs … we needed to embrace the challenge and take the LS in a completely new direction,” Cartabiano said.

With the existing LS sedan set to be discontinued next year, two options for a next-generation LS were shown by Cartabiano to media, including Chasing Cars, at a preview event in Tokyo overnight.

Specifics, including the precise dimensions and intended powertrains for the concept vehicles were not confirmed, but Lexus is understood to be taking on a greater role as the battery electric (BEV) leader of the Toyota conglomerate.

One is a radical six-wheel van badged simply as the LS Concept. Built as a dedicated, chauffeur-driven people mover, the LS Concept minivan offers a large and sumptuous rear passenger space accessed by large sliding side doors.

The LS Concept responds to the hard pivot in the chauffeur-driven market in Asia in recent decades towards luxury vans, which provide substantially more space to work and relax than big sedans like the outgoing LS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, or BMW 7 Series.

To that end, the LS Concept has a relatively simple driver’s cabin – notably including some physical controls plus a yoke steering wheel and new-gen infotainment – leading to an exotic rear compartment with natural materials and a bamboo privacy screen.

Outside, a new take on the Lexus spindle grille is framed by extended LED running lights and backlit logotype, though the star of the show is the imposing and brutalist side profile with extensive bodywork atop six transparent multi-spoke wheels.

While the van product bears the LS Concept name, it may be a better indicator of a next-generation Lexus LM. The LM was introduced to various markets including Australia last year as an upgraded version of the Toyota Alphard van that sells well in East Asian locales.

However, luxury van takeup in Australia and European markets remains nascent, and these Western geographies may receive a different next-gen Lexus LS altogether.

Enter the LS Coupe Concept, which is an entirely different and considerably more driver-focussed vehicle.

The LS Coupe Concept presents with a fastback profile, SUV ride height, huge alloy wheels and a considerably sportier aesthetic.

“Some customers love the thrill of high-performance driving. Some want the best of everything. Maybe they can have both,” suggested Cartabiano.

The LS Coupe Concept is “a different kind of flagship for Lexus for a new kind of guest,” he said.

The forthcoming repositioning of the LS, likely into the sportier and more emotional coupe-SUV segment will also be made possible due to a wider pivot for the Lexus brand.

Parent company Toyota has made the decision to take its hitherto Japan-only Century sub-brand global with an ultra-luxury line of models set to challenge Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

With Century set to sit atop the global Toyota line, pressure on Lexus to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series will be reduced to some extent. 

In stark contrast to the LS Concept van, the LS Coupe Concept is distinctly driver-focussed to the point that the driver enjoys a sport-contoured front seat while the front passenger pew is wider and more plush.

The show-car gives the best preview yet of a forthcoming update to Lexus cabin tech, including the use of a fold-away passenger display which can be used when desired but stowed cleanly when not in use to reduce clutter.

A vast wheelbase has allowed the LS Coupe Concept to offer more rear headroom and legroom than the outgoing LS sedan, while rear seat passengers in the concept enjoy a video link to those up front, plus a video feed of the road ahead.

Up front, the LS Coupe Concept adopts similar outline lighting to the van but further simplifies the spindle grille with a narrower proportion, while the tail integrates a slide-out cargo compartment and even an integrated drone.

A surprise third member of the LS exploratory concepts is a miniature, single-occupant and autonomous version of the van dubbed the LS Micro Concept.

Avantgarde, Blade Runner-esque industrial design hides a sumptuous first-class recliner inside designed to transport LS owners for the last mile of their journey.

“We can foresee a time with greater restriction on space in cities,” Cartabiano explained, with the LS Micro Concept a kind of high-end alternative to autonomous rideshare solutions like Waymo and Tesla’s Robotaxi product.