SNEAK-PEEK: All-New Lexus LS at Chicago Auto Show

By Jerry Perez - February 14, 2017

If You Think the LS Looks Amazing in Photos, Well, It Looks Even Better in Person!

Club Lexus was in Detroit earlier this year when Lexus unveiled its new flagship sedan, the LS. There, we were able to bring you live video of the exciting debut, but shortly thereafter the LS was cordoned 0ff and it was nearly impossible to get up close.

We recently made the pilgrimage to the frigid Windy City for the 2017 Chicago Auto Show, where (after asking a few favors) we were granted full access to the Lexus LS. Of course, we had already seen plenty of its curvy design queues, its raked windshield, and extremely low roofline. Therefore, we focused on other details and more importantly, the stunning interior.

Lexus brought a full lineup to Chicago where its booth size rivaled some of the bigger domestic manufacturers. With nearly 1,000 vehicles on display by 40 exhibitors, it’s easy to see why the Chicago Auto Show is known as the “auto buyer’s auto show.” Its PR department praises the fact that over 70% of show-goers buy, or are in the market for a new vehicle. As a result, it’s an excellent place for the famed Japanese brand to flaunt its new masterpiece.

At a Glance:

The LS500 sat pretty on a raised rotating platform separating it from “lesser” machinery. While spinning under the dazzling lights the Lexus LS had its state-of-the-art sound system playing a variety of tunes ranging from funk to R&B. According to Lexus, the display is designed to show off the Mark Levinson surround audio package with in-ceiling array speakers. We must admit, it sounds pretty darn good!

Being inside the LS awards was an experience unlike any other. This writer’s had the chance to review just about every Lexus model, and this new flagship is truly on a new level. The leather is supple, the ambient lighting unique and refreshing, and every surface looks to be carefully crafted. In addition, Lexus went as far as changing the grain on the wood from straight-grain to cross-grain to give it a more vibrant appearance.

The inventors of Japanese luxury have always focused on cutting-edge technology, and the new LS isn’t the exception. Available 28-way power front seats feature heating, cooling, and even shiatsu massage. By opting for the executive package, such features transfer to the passenger, and even second-row seats. To say the 2018 LS is a step forward in luxury and comfort would be an understatement.

Furthermore, a 12.3-inch wide navigation display houses everything modern infotainment systems do, but with one trick up its sleeve. In order to allow drivers to focus on the road, the LS boasts the largest HUD (heads-up display) in the industry. A massive 24-inch color HUD is optional in the LS, which along with large LCD panels for the rear occupants will offer a streamlined media experience for the lucky few.