The Fifth-Gen Lexus LS Gets 2024 MY Update in Japan

While its European counterparts are entering a next-gen phase, the ageing fifth-gen Lexus LS soldiers on, with said model recently getting a mid-life 2024 Model Year (2024 MY) in its local Japanese market. This update sees Lexus’s flagship saloon getting a slew of updated equipment that improves both the driving experience and comfort, while no upgrades have been made on its visuals.

The LS's TNGA-L platform has now been improved with extra bracing

Starting off with the mechanical bits, folks at Lexus have improved the LS’s TNGA-L chassis by adding radiator support bracing, while the damper setup is being fastened with a new method that helps to increase its rigidity. Vibrations have been also reduced thanks to the tweak done on the rubber part that holds the exhaust pipe in place.

More importantly, the Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) function is now offered to the all-wheel drive (AWD) versions of the LS, which was previously limited only to the rear-wheel drive (RWD) models only. Elsewhere, the LS 500h hybrid variant now comes with an external power supply for emergencies.

The LS also gets new, more intuitive 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

The 2024 MY update is arguably more apparent as we get inside the new LS, as the cabin now sports a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster to match the existing 12.3-inch central infotainment display. Additionally, all LS models now come with a new drive recorder as standard, which sources feed from the car’s front and rear cameras.

Safety-wise, the 2024 MY Lexus LS is now bestowed with the latest and updated version of the Lexus Safety System + (LSS+) ADAS suite. This adds new active safety features like Proactive Driving Assist that keeps the car at safe distance from pedestrians, as well as the Pre-Crash safety system that uses millimeter-wave radar and a monocular camera to avoid collision.

Meanwhile, the new Lexus Teammate feature offers semi-autonomous and assisted driving in traffic jams and remote parking. Topping-off the tech update is the new Advanced Park system, which allows users to remotely park and access other driving controls via a dedicated smartphone app.

As for the powertrain, the updated Lexus Ls is still offered in either 500 or 500h specs, with the former being powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 that is mated to a 10-speed Direct Shift automatic gearbox to deliver 415 HP and 600 NM. On the other hand, the LS 500h utilises the marque’s proprietary Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System, consisting of a 3.5-litre V6 mill that pairs up with an electric motor juiced by lithium-ion battery pack with a total system output of 354 HP.

Aside from the Japanese market, the updated Lexus LS will also debut in several international markets...

For the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), the 2024 MY Lexus LS is priced from JPY 10.94 million to JPY 17.990 million (RM350,000 to RM570,000 approx.), depending on the powertrain versions and trim levels. This updated luxury saloon is poised to enter its local market later in Oct 16, followed by other selected markets outside of Japan.

Currently, Lexus Malaysia offers the pre 2024 MY update LS 500 model two trim levels – Luxury and Executive Kiriko – with prices starting from RM1.188 million. With said updated model poised to enter other international markets, there’s a chance we might see it debut in our local market sooner or later…