Lexus has announced that production of its flagship sedan, the LS, will end in the US market with the 2026 model year. This marks the end of a legendary car that was born as the first LS400 in 1989 and has led the luxury sedan market for 35 years.
Decision to withdraw from US market, ending 35 years of history
Poor sales in the US are the deciding factor
The Lexus LS’s withdrawal from the US market is due to a severe sales slump. Sales in the first half of 2025 were just 691 units, a significant 42.3% decrease from the same period last year. This figure seems like a different era from the time when the car sold tens of thousands of units per year.
The main reasons for the decline in the luxury sedan market and the growing popularity of SUVs are the decline in demand for large luxury sedans like the LS. As American consumer preferences shifted from sedans to SUVs and crossovers, demand for large luxury sedans like the LS declined year by year.
Details of the final “Heritage Edition”
2026 LEXUS LS HERITAGE EDITION
Limited to 250 special edition vehicles
The 2026 LS Heritage Edition, marking the finale in the US market, will be a special edition limited to just 250 units, priced at $99,280 (including shipping), and will go on sale in the fall of 2025.
Special equipment includes a new deep black paint finish called “Ninety Noir,” combined with 20-inch wheels in a dark gray metallic finish. The interior is finished in a new “Rioja Red” color, with an etched Heritage Edition emblem on the center console and an embroidered silhouette of the first-generation LS model on the headrests.
2026 LEXUS LS HERITAGE EDITION
Powertrain and equipment
The Heritage Edition is equipped with the same 3.4L V6 twin-turbo engine as the current LS500, producing a maximum output of 416 hp and a maximum torque of 442 lb-ft. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and AWD system, achieving 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.6 seconds.
Standard luxury features include a panoramic glass roof, a panoramic view monitor, and a 2,400W Mark Levinson sound system with 23 speakers.
Signs of the end in the European market
The end of the LS is approaching not only in the US but also in the European market. Sales of the LS have already ended in the UK, with total sales since 2020 at 39 units, and only 3 units in 2024, a dismal situation.
The reasons for the sluggish sales in Europe include the cost of complying with stricter emissions regulations, certification issues, and the popularity of the new luxury minivan LM. At the same time, there is a growing trend for customers to choose the more practical LM in the same segment at the LS price range.
Lexus LS to continue in Japanese market
Improvements continue for the 2025 model
Meanwhile, the LS will continue to be sold in the Japanese market. On September 25, 2025, a partial improvement to the 2025 model was announced, and work on improvements continues.
For the 2025 model year in Japan, both the LS500 and LS500h will continue to be available, with prices ranging from 11.11 million yen to 17.73 million yen. A wide lineup will be maintained, including the F SPORT grade.
Advanced Drive feature discontinued
However, some features are being phased out even in Japanese models. For example, the LiDAR-equipped autonomous driving assistance system “Advanced Drive” was discontinued from the 2025 model. This is thought to be due to technical and cost issues.
In addition, the body color options have been reduced, with “Sonic Quartz,” “Black,” “Red Mica Crystal Shine,” and “Heat Blue Contrast Layering” being discontinued.
Future prospects for the LS and the possibility of a successor model
Shift to an electrified flagship
Lexus has avoided making any clear statements about the successor to its flagship sedan after 2026, but given the brand’s electrification strategy, it’s likely that the next-generation flagship will be a fully electric vehicle (EV).
Next-generation electric sports cars such as the LFR, which is currently under development, or electric flagship sedans could serve as successors to the LS.
Viability in the Japanese market
In Japan, the LS maintains its position as Toyota’s highest-end sedan, and there is a certain amount of demand for it as a government vehicle and executive car. Furthermore, unlike the US and Europe, Japanese customers still have a demand for large sedans, so it is likely to remain in the market for some time.
However, due to the growing popularity of SUVs and the presence of the LM minivan, sales of the LS are on a downward trend in Japan. In the long term, the transition to a new generation of electrified flagships is inevitable.
Summary: A turning point for a flagship model with 35 years of history
The withdrawal of the Lexus LS from the US market symbolizes a major shift in the luxury car market. As the trend toward sedans continues, this legendary car, which has led the luxury car market for 35 years, is coming to an end.
It is expected to continue in the Japanese market for the time being, but considering the global trend towards electrification and the popularity of SUVs, it is becoming difficult for the LS to survive in its current form. Attention will be focused on how Lexus will develop its next flagship model.
While this is sad news for LS fans, it is also a symbolic event that signals the beginning of a new era in the automotive industry.
