Lexus has celebrated its global 30th anniversary with the “Lexus LS Inspiration Series”. This is aimed to showcase its craftsmanship, technology and refinement. As well as introducing safety and suspension enhancements across the range.
Fewer than 10 units will be available for Australian customers so keen Lexus buyers might like to pick up their phones asap.
Based on the Lexus LS 500 Sports Luxury, the LS Inspiration Series has a new design of 20-inch Dark Vapor alloy wheel design. It introduces a Khaki Metal exterior colour which is a distinctive shade of deep green. It also offered in Sonic Quartz, Liquid Metal and Scarlet Crimson options.
The interior of the LS features an exclusive combination of chestnut semi-aniline leather-accented trim and Nobel brown fabric door texture, complemented by intricate walnut Lexus-insignia laser-cut ornamentation.
Infotainment technology includes a 12.3-inch centre display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, satellite navigation, voice control, DAB+, 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and twin 11.6-inch rear entertainment screens.
A further highlight is the use of a Kiriko pattern ornamentation panel across the passenger side of the dashboard. This features an engraved “30th Anniversary” signature with blue illumination.
Heated and ventilated front and rear-outboard seats with massage function, 22-way power-adjustable rear seats for the driver, electric rear sunshades and rear cooler box (LC 500 only) provide driver and passengers luxurious travel.
The Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) has been expanded to include more advanced functionality for the lane tracing assist (LTA) on Sports Luxury grades, which can now detect curves ahead and can reduce vehicle speed entering a particular bend.
The LTA provides gentle steering inputs to keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane and can operate from highway speeds down to standstill.
New curve speed reduction functionality becomes active when driving using the dynamic radar cruise control, and with steering assist and lane centring turned on.
Frankly I’m not keen on the idea of the Lexus reducing speed to what it considers is correct for a bend. We will get hold on one to road test and provide our opinions. In any case, it can effectively be turned off if the driver’s not keen on it.
Only in the LS 500, the front mounts on the rear suspension member are now liquid-filled, replacing the previous rubber mounts in order to further reduce vehicle body vibration.
LS 500 Inspiration is priced at $198,922 and LS 500h Inspiration at $199,505. On-road costs have to be added. Contact your nearest Lexus dealer for driveaway prices.
