Photo: Lexus/Toyota Motor Corporation. Press image of the LS 500h updated for the Japanese market.

Lexus is keeping the LS limousine in production for 2027, even though the model has been withdrawn from the United States. The updated version went on sale in Japan on 10 September 2026 and is available only with the LS 500h hybrid system, in rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive layouts.

This is not a new generation. Lexus has worked on body stiffness, suspension, steering and vibration isolation, and the options list now includes a panoramic roof. The equivalent price starts at about €79,000 for the rear-drive LS 500h F Sport and reaches about €100,800 for Executive AWD, before taxes and the costs of any European sale.

The 2027 Lexus LS remains V6 hybrid only

The Japanese range drops the twin-turbo V6 LS 500. The only remaining powertrain is the LS 500h, which combines a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, code 8GR-FXS, with the brand’s Multi Stage hybrid system.

Customers can choose rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive on all three trims: F Sport, version L and Executive. Lexus has not announced a new battery or a power increase, which shows the update targets comfort and road behaviour, not a different propulsion output.

Stiffer body and recalibrated suspension

The body’s centre tunnel has been reinforced to reduce deformation and vibration. Lexus has added sound-absorbing material in the rear crossmember and REDS-type damping elements in the suspension and boot area. These parts use thermosetting resin to limit high-frequency vibration transmitted into the cabin.

The AVS adaptive suspension and EPS electric power steering have new calibrations. The manufacturer says the changes reduce pitch and roll under acceleration, braking and in corners. Without an independent comparative test, the scale of the improvements cannot be quantified, but the work is more extensive than a simple equipment change.

Panoramic roof and small design changes

For the first time on the current LS generation, Lexus offers an optional panoramic roof with UV and infrared protection. It has separate electric sunshades for the front and rear sections. Until now, the model could be ordered with a conventional sunroof or two separate glass panels, depending on market and equipment.

The Executive version gets more personalisation options for Kiriko-cut glass interior trim and semi-aniline leather upholstery. Outside, the “L” emblem on the boot lid is replaced by the full LEXUS lettering, a solution already used on newer models from the brand.

All versions use the tyres previously associated with F Sport equipment, a change made to meet updated exterior noise requirements. Basic dimensions and body shape remain those of the fifth generation, launched in 2017.

How much the Lexus LS 500h costs in 2027

Official Japan prices, converted at the reference rate of 179.09 yen to the euro published for 10 September 2026, are:

  • LS 500h F Sport, rear-wheel drive: about €79,000;
  • LS 500h F Sport AWD: about €81,600;
  • LS 500h version L, rear-wheel drive: about €89,600;
  • LS 500h version L AWD: about €92,200;
  • LS 500h Executive, rear-wheel drive: about €98,100;
  • LS 500h Executive AWD: about €100,800.

The sums include Japan’s 10% consumption tax, but they cannot be used as prices for Romania. A European version would have a different tax structure, equipment and logistics costs. Lexus has not yet confirmed the 2027 update for the Romanian market.

The LS has left the US, but not every market

In the United States, Lexus closed the range with the LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition for the 2026 model year, produced in a limited series. The Japan update shows that the American withdrawal did not mean an immediate global stop. Australia is also due to receive an updated LS towards the end of the year.

For Europe, the picture remains unclear. The Lexus Europe page still presents the LS 500h and its hybrid system, and Lexus Romania keeps information and documents about the model, but there is no local announcement for the 2027 version. Interested buyers should wait for confirmation from the importer before mapping Japanese prices onto the Romanian offer.

The current LS is almost a decade from its debut, but Lexus has chosen a technical update rather than an all-new generation. The saloon thus stays in production on some markets, while its global role shrinks and the brand prepares a range increasingly focused on hybrid and electric models.

Sources: Lexus/Toyota – official statement and LS 500h prices for Japan, Motor1 – information on the 2027 Lexus LS, Lexus USA – final LS edition for the American market, Lexus Europe – LS 500h presentation, European Central Bank – euro/yen reference rate