2026 Lexus LS Revives Its Iconic Heritage

The 2026 Lexus LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition arrives as a final tribute to the model that established the luxury brand, blending timeless design with modern innovation. This exclusive release, limited to a mere 250 units for the American market, serves as a celebration of the sedan’s remarkable 36-year legacy. It combines a striking new exterior color called Ninety Noir with an equally bold Rioja Red interior, creating a package that honors the past while delivering contemporary luxury and performance. With a starting price of $99,280, this special edition model is poised to become a collector’s item, encapsulating the essence of what made the LS an automotive icon.

Honoring the vehicle’s origins, the Heritage Edition is offered as a single, fully-equipped specification. The deep, sophisticated Ninety Noir paintwork is a Lexus-first color, designed to complement dark exterior accents and moldings. Distinctive 20-inch split-spoke alloy wheels finished in Dark Gray Metallic enhance its commanding road presence without sacrificing the refined, quiet ride the LS is known for. Stepping inside reveals another exclusive feature: the LS-first Rioja Red cabin, which provides a vibrant and enveloping luxury experience. An etched Heritage Edition emblem on the center console, along with embroidered headrests, offers a subtle nod to the model’s prestigious history.

Standard amenities ensure a first-class environment. A panoramic glass roof floods the interior with natural light, while a Panoramic View Monitor aids with parking and low-speed maneuverability. The cabin is further appointed with Laser Special Black wood trim featuring a new pattern, an Ultrasuede-trimmed headliner, and heated rear seats. For audiophiles, the available Mark Levinson® 23-speaker, 2,400-watt Reference Surround Sound system delivers an immersive listening experience. The Advanced Park system is also included, providing automated parking assistance.

Under the hood, the LS 500 Heritage Edition is powered by a robust 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. This powerplant generates 416 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque, channeled through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The sedan can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. Drivers can tailor the driving dynamics using selectable modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, and Sport S+. The all-wheel-drive system incorporates a Torsen® limited-slip center differential to improve grip and cornering stability in various conditions.

Technology is a central focus, anchored by the Lexus Interface with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, allowing seamless smartphone integration. With an active Drive Connect subscription, Cloud Navigation provides real-time traffic updates and points of interest, while the Intelligent Assistant responds to voice commands for controlling climate, audio, and navigation. A Digital Key feature enables the use of a compatible smartphone for locking, unlocking, and even sharing vehicle access with others.

Safety remains paramount, with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included as standard equipment. This comprehensive suite includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Tracing Assist. New for this version is the Proactive Driving Assist system, which can provide gentle braking or steering support based on road conditions and surrounding traffic. The Emergency Driving Stop System can bring the vehicle to a safe halt if it detects no driver input, activating the hazard lights to alert other motorists.

Pricing for the 2026 model year is straightforward, with the LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition carrying a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $99,280. This figure includes the destination charge. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fall, offering a limited opportunity to acquire a piece of Lexus history.

(Source: Press Room)