Forget what you know about LS, because this clearly isn’t it. The name may conjure up the quintessential flagship Lexus, but everything else has changed dramatically. The letters no longer stand for “Luxury Sedan” but rather for “Luxury Space,” and this boxy contraption delivers that in spades. While the idea of an LS pickup truck sounds like something that could be created using artificial intelligence on a slow day, this idea is very real.
Debuting at the 2025 Japan Mobility Expo, the LS is a strange people-mover with six wheels and three rows of seats. It may come as a surprise, but Lexus is not new to the minivan game. I’ve been sold the momthe elegant Alphard/Vellfire, since 2019. However, this new concept flaunts a much more extravagant width, and not just because of the extra axle.
Simon Humphreys, Toyota’s chief brand officer, recently said that Lexus “will move forward as a leader” and “Move more freely.” This bold concept certainly fits the bill, marking a significant departure from every LS sedan since 1989. The brick-on-wheels design pivots around the corners and features a cavernous cabin covered by a massive double panoramic glass roof.
As strange as it sounds, a production version of it may be released. Toyota President Akio Toyoda expressed confidence in the development team’s ability to revive the small LS and indirectly replace the sedan:
Photo by: Lexus
“It’s an incredible challenge.” There are certain things people expect from Lexus – quietness, comfort and the ability to conquer any road. A six-wheeler should accomplish all of these things. Everyone is committed to this mission, and I am sure they will succeed.
Lexus The company is still keeping mum on technical specifications, but the LS concept appears to be the largest vehicle the brand has ever built. Toyota’s luxury division claims the unusual six-wheel design will “revolutionize packaging”, although it has not explained how it will do so. We note a split tailgate and acres of legroom for those sitting in the back. Bamboo shades prevent prying eyes from peeking into the luxurious interior.
The LS concept is supposed to be electric, maximizing space while maintaining the quiet refinement expected from a Lexus flagship. The extra axle adds complexity and raises questions about road noise, but Lexus seems confident it can make it work. Credit where it’s due: The company is thinking outside the box, even if using the LS name seems a little strange.
Then again, Lexus seems to be charting a new course, so maybe we’ll have to get used to cars that break the mold. However, going from a traditional three-box sedan to an exotic pickup truck is a big leap.
