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Lexus LS gets a modest 2026 update — and a wild CGI makeover
Lexus quietly refreshed its aging LS flagship for the 2026 model year with relatively small changes in its domestic market — and the inevitable price increases. In the United States, the 2026 Lexus LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition also signals the closing act for the fifth-generation LS, which will be retired after the 2026 model year. With sedan lineups thinned across the industry, enthusiasts are watching closely for signs that Lexus will revive the LS with a full redesign.
Reality vs. imagination: a parallel universe of digital design
While Lexus hasn't confirmed a next-generation LS, digital car artists are busy sketching what might come next. Virtual designer Vince Burlapp (vburlapp) recently published a striking unofficial vision of a sixth-generation 'XF60' Lexus LS. Rendered as a futuristic land yacht, the concept looks ready for battery-electric or hydrogen propulsion — a clear departure from the conservative styling of the current LS.
These CGI studies aren't official, but they matter. They show how public appetite and design direction could push Lexus toward bolder forms and alternative powertrains for its flagship luxury sedan. The XF60 concept abandons the current LS's shaping in favor of long, fluid surfacing, far more glass, and a space-age front end that prioritizes presence over grille tradition.
Market backdrop: Lexus still growing, but sedans face uncertainty
Toyota Motor North America posted strong delivery figures for Q3: 185,748 vehicles delivered in September (up 14.2%) and 629,137 units for the quarter (up 15.9% year-over-year). Lexus contributed 26,789 sales in September and 91,609 units in the July–September period. The luxury division enjoyed a 19.4% jump in September and a 13.1% gain for the quarter.
Those healthy numbers give Lexus flexibility. The brand can afford to keep existing models like the IS on sale longer while it considers an all-new ES or a future LS. But profitability and market trends — especially the shift to EVs and SUVs — will influence whether the LS returns quickly or joins rivals in a longer hiatus.
What the CGI XF60 shows us
- A dramatically different design language, away from the current LS silhouette
- Proportions optimized for cabin space and aerodynamic efficiency
- Visual cues consistent with electric and hydrogen drivetrains (closed grille treatments, flush surfaces)
Quote: 'CGI concepts are a testing ground for bold ideas — they let designers and the public explore what a modern flagship could be without production constraints.'
Performance and positioning — speculation, not specs
Because the XF60 is a speculative project, there are no confirmed performance figures. Concept renderings suggest a focus on quiet refinement and low drag, which would suit electric or fuel-cell propulsion. If Lexus moves the LS to electric power, expect emphasis on rear- or all-wheel-drive electric architectures, advanced suspension for limousine comfort, and high-end tech and materials to keep pace with rivals like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class.
Final thoughts
The real-world LS is entering a transitional phase: a modest 2026 update at home, a farewell Heritage Edition in the U.S., and a fanbase eager for a bold successor. Meanwhile, CGI concepts like Vince Burlapp's XF60 give a glimpse of what a space-age Lexus flagship could look like. Whether Lexus follows the fantasy or favors a more evolutionary approach remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: the LS name still sparks strong interest among luxury sedan fans.
Highlights:
- 2026 update modest; Heritage Edition ends generation in US
- TMNA Q3 deliveries up; Lexus sales growing year-over-year
- XF60 CGI imagines an electric/hydrogen-ready space-age LS
What do you think — would you welcome a radical, electric LS design, or prefer Lexus keep a restrained luxury approach?
Source: autoevolution
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