Lexus LS

The Lexus LS is a full-size luxury sedan that serves as the flagship model of Lexus. The original Lexus LS 400, the first Lexus to be developed, was introduced as the luxury marque's debut model in 1989. Four generations of the vehicle have been produced, all equipped with V8 engines and rear-wheel drive. In 2006, the fourth generation Lexus LS introduced all-wheel drive, hybrid, and long wheelbase variants. Each successive iteration of the vehicle has ranked as the best-selling flagship luxury sedan in the United States.

The Lexus LS began development in 1983 as the F1 project, the code name for a secret flagship sedan effort.[3] Following an extended five-year design process, the resulting sedan premiered with a brand-new V8 engine and multiple luxury features. At the time, development for the first Lexus flagship cost over US$1 billion.[4] The Lexus LS was intended for export markets from its inception,[5] and the Lexus division was formed to market and service the vehicle worldwide.[5] The original LS 400 debuted to strong sales, and was largely responsible for the establishment of Lexus as a luxury marque.

Following the first generation LS 400, subsequent redesigns included the second generation LS 400 in 1995, LS 430 in 2001, and the LS 460/600h series in 2006. A domestic market version of the LS 400/430, badged the Toyota Celsior, was sold in Japan until the launch of the LS 460 in 2006.[7] The fourth generation Lexus LS debuted the first production eight-speed automatic transmission,[2] an automatic parking system, and on the LS 600h, a V8 hybrid powertrain.[8]
Since the start of production, each generation of the Lexus LS has been produced in the city of Tahara, Aichi, in Japan.[9] Lexus' flagship model is recognized as one of the most reliable vehicles ever built,[10] having held the top ranking in J.D. Power and Associates' Vehicle Dependability Survey for over ten consecutive years, and receiving Consumer Reports' highest rankings for vehicle dependability.