Radical six-wheeled van: Lexus revolutionizes luxury mobility with new spatial concepts
Sedans are out, the Lexus LS Concept Coupé revives the crossover.
(Photo: Lexus)
The Toyota Group is presenting various new Lexus models at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, which runs until November 9th. These include radical interior concepts and a high-performance, near-production-ready concept car. ntv.de took a look around.
Anyone who's been following Lexus news in recent weeks has been confronted with some sad news: the brand has announced the end of the LS. This luxury sedan is where it all began in Germany. Back in 1989, it was the first model with which Lexus redefined luxury – especially in terms of noise and driving comfort. The whisper-quiet V8 under the hood was virtually inaudible from the driver's seat.
And now? Long live the LS! The brand is launching several LS concepts, where LS stands for "Luxury Space." The three-axle LS Concept, however, does seem a bit outlandish, prompting the reflexive question: Can you drive that with a regular car license? However, this futuristic space concept is designed as a chauffeur-driven vehicle anyway.
The flat, large wheels of this concept car are reminiscent of the Maybach rim style – it doesn't get more classy than this.
(Photo: Lexus)
This Japanese car would definitely be an eye-catcher, even if the production version rolled into showrooms with only half the spectacular flair. The six-wheeled concept study otherwise impresses with its fancy LED lighting effects. However, delicate lines as daytime running lights and illuminated brand logos are standard fare these days.
Inside, the concept car impresses with its abundance of space. However, there's also something for tech enthusiasts to enjoy. Lexus seems to have found a solution for users who want to combine sensory experience with modern infotainment.
The interior of the large van should be as comfortable as possible.
(Photo: Lexus)
Lexus has not designed everything to be maximally clean and without physical switches, as is currently the trend with many manufacturers, but rather celebrates refined interior design with elegant-looking woods and architecturally staged switches in the center console area.
Two curved displays underscore the high-quality feel of this interior design. And wide-opening sliding doors ensure that you can slip in just as easily as you sit on the sofa-style benches: comfortably.
The Lexus LS Concept Coupé is a luxury crossover.
Is this still a passenger car or already a truck? As a three-axle vehicle, this van looks absurdly radical.
(Photo: Lexus)
In contrast, the LS Coupé Concept seems much more approachable. It has the potential to replace the current LS as a production model. Positioned somewhere between a coupé and an SUV, its elegance is expressed not least through its large, smooth wheels – someone clearly took inspiration from Maybach.
Inside, the LS Coupé is still very much a concept car and doesn't look like it will be going into production anytime soon. With its two displays, it's reminiscent of the large concept car and, just like that one, has a steering wheel that's somewhat reminiscent of a racing control unit. The doors hinged at the A- and C-pillars are a cool touch; moreover, the seats promise a comfortable atmosphere. As befits its status, the second row features individual seats.
Sleek lighting design and elaborate aerodynamics: The concept study is a maximum-performance road sweeper with GT3 genes.
(Photo: Lexus)
But the truly spectacular exhibit here in Tokyo is, tellingly, not a trade fair premiere: the Lexus Sport Concept. This excitingly designed, low-slung sports car appears to be the closest thing to a production model and was already shown at the Pebble Beach Auto Show this summer. The company is already busy testing prototypes of the sports car.
Perhaps this is finally where the "downsized" eight-cylinder engine with a displacement of around four liters and turbocharging, which Toyota has always promised, will be used. If electric motors are added, the powertrain will be incredibly powerful and efficient. A movable spoiler suggests active and sophisticated aerodynamics.
With the near-production Lexus Sport Concept, the manufacturer shows: The super athlete is practically already in the starting blocks - just behind the scenes.
(Photo: Lexus)
Inside, there's a canopy-like cockpit with the familiar "split" control unit, around which a specially designed display landscape has been constructed. According to expert speculation, the production model will be a GT3-style sports car, comparable to a high-end version of a Mercedes-AMG GT or Porsche 911.
This would finally give the company a serious sports car in its lineup, with the potential to sell a critical mass on the global market. It wouldn't be absurdly extravagant like the V10 LFA sports car of yesteryear, but rather an object that even fans without the corresponding budget could occasionally spot on the road and admire.
Source: ntv.de
n-tv.de
