Lexus achieved record sales last year, with deliveries rising to 851,214 vehicles, the highest level since the company was founded in 1989. And while some may argue it’s best not to mess with a winning formula, parent company Toyota wants to shake things up. We’ve already discussed how the Century nameplate has been elevated to a leadership position in the company hierarchy, but changes are also underway at Lexus.
According to Chief Brand Officer Simon Humphreys, Lexus She is now in a position to “move more freely” and “move forward as a pioneer.” While these statements seem somewhat vague, they indicate that Toyota wants its luxury division to think more creatively. Judging by the teaser for the upcoming concept, it seems like Lexus has been given the freedom to try bold and unconventional projects.
This brings us to the six-wheeled minivan’s debut later this month at the Japan Mobility Expo. It’s a concept that may actually reach production one day. It will be a slot above the less popular the momitself a more upscale version of Toyota Alphard / Vellfire Available in selected markets. Toyota President Akio Toyoda hints at the real possibility of reusing the legendary LS badge for this luxury family car:
“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.
Toyoda also stressed that a Lexus flagship does not necessarily have to be a sedan, explaining that the “S” in “LS” now stands for “space” instead of “sedan.” He asked the development team behind the three-axle pickup to “discover” and “not copy anyone,” suggesting that Lexus has the green light to pursue truly radical ideas.
Toyota She doesn’t shy away from using big words to describe what lies ahead for her premium brand. A real “transformation” is underway, with plans to take on “bolder challenges”. Speaking about the upcoming concept, Toyoda described it as “a new form of luxury vehicle” and “an entirely new type of premium three-row minivan.”
Production of the LS sedan is coming to an end, and its indirect successor promises to be a “radical transformation,” according to the Japanese automaker. President Toyoda explained that this would not be another sedan or SUV, but rather a chauffeur-driven minivan. The move seems somewhat logical, as luxury trucks are becoming increasingly popular in China. Two examples of older brands that come to mind are Volvo M90 and Buick GL8.
Local automakers are also crowding this segment with vehicles like Voyah Dream, Denza D9, Zeekr 009 and Xpeng X9. Like these Chinese electric pickup trucks, the new Lexus LS will likely ditch combustion engines entirely. But since the concept has not yet been revealed, the production version likely won’t arrive before 2027.
Whether such an unconventional idea will spread beyond China is anyone’s guess. Traditionalists would probably balk at the idea of an LS-badged pickup truck, an oddity at the time, but Toyota seems intent on taking Lexus in a much bolder direction.
