LS 400 (UCF10)

The Lexus LS 400 (UCF10 I), which debuted for the 1990 model year, came equipped with a brand-new 4.0 L 1UZ-FE 32-valve V8 engine producing 250 horsepower (190 kW) and 260 lb·ft (353 N·m) of torque.[43] Its chassis utilized an independent, double-wishbone suspension setup,[44] while an air suspension (used to raise or lower the vehicle) was optional.[45] The LS 400 could accelerate from 0-60 in 7.9 seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).[46] The vehicle's exterior used a three box design with a two-tone body, squared front end, and large rectangular grille.

Intended to compete head-to-head with world's top luxury cars, the original LS 400 was designed to meet each of chief engineer Ichiro Suzuki's benchmark targets. Compared to flagship sedans such as the BMW 735i and Mercedes-Benz 420 SE, the LS 400 had a higher top speed, lower drag coefficient, and lower curb weight.[47][48] The LS 400 was also designed to have a more silent cabin, with lower levels of vibration and 58 dB of cabin noise at cruising speeds.[47] Unlike its older rivals, the LS 400 avoided the U.S. gas-guzzler tax, levied on any vehicle with 1990 EPA fuel efficiency ratings of 22.5 miles per gallon or less.[49] In all, the LS 400 further contained some 300 technological innovations to aid smooth operation and silence, including vibration-insulating rubber mounts, airflow fairings, and fluid-damped cabin fixtures.

The LS 400 was among the first luxury sedans to feature an automatic tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with SRS airbag, power adjustable shoulder seat belts, and an electrochromic rear-view mirror.[51][52] The five-passenger cabin also included California walnut and leather trim, power-adjustable seats, and soft-touch controls. A back-lit electroluminescent gauge cluster featured a holographic visual effect, with indicator lights projected onto the instrument panel.[51][53] The memory system stored the driver's seat, side mirror, steering wheel, and seat belt positions. Available luxury options included a Nakamichi premium sound system and an integrated cellular telephone with hands-free capabilities.

Adding incentive for early LS 400 sales was a bargain U.S. base price of $35,000, which undercut competitors by thousands of dollars.[56] This initial price brought accusations of selling below cost from rival BMW.[19] In September 1989, shortly after the LS 400's launch, Lexus ordered a recall of the 8,000 vehicles sold so far, based upon two customer complaints over defective wiring and an overheated brake light. By sending technicians to the owner's residence, the Lexus U.S. dealership network completed parts replacement on all affected vehicles free of charge within 20 days, and the incident helped establish Lexus' reputation for customer service.

Sales were unaffected and the issue was subsequently corrected on the LS 400 production line. By 1990, U.S. sales of the LS 400 had surpassed those of competing Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Jaguar models.[59] Production of the first generation LS 400 totaled over 165,000 units.[60][61][62][63][64] Years after its introduction, the LS 400 remained a reliable choice for a used car, making Consumer Reports' 2007 list of recommended vehicles which regularly last 200,000 miles (320,000 km) or more with proper maintenance.