For the 2026 model year, Lexus has introduced another update to its long-running flagship sedan, the LS, giving it a modest refresh for the Japanese market. While the overall styling, structure, and mechanical foundation remain unchanged, Lexus has added a few new touches, including expanded standard features and a small but notable enhancement to the sport-oriented F Sport trim. Interestingly, the LS no longer carries the same “global flagship” title it once had, as that role has now been given to the newer-generation Lexus ES sedan. This shift leaves the LS positioned as more of a niche offering, still available in certain regions such as Japan, North America, and select European countries, though it was recently dropped from the UK market earlier in the year.
The current LS belongs to the fifth generation, which originally debuted back in 2017. Over its life cycle, it has received several updates, including a major facelift in 2020 that refreshed its styling and a round of additional technology and safety improvements in 2023. For 2026, Lexus is keeping the upgrades subtle. Two of the sedan’s most popular paint colors, White Nova Glass Flake and Deep Blue Mica, have now been made standard across all trim levels. In addition, the optional brake calipers offered with the F Sport variant are now painted red and carry silver Lexus branding, adding a sharper and more dynamic visual detail. Inside the cabin, the layout and design remain the same, with a digital instrument panel and a central infotainment display, both measuring 12.3 inches. However, Lexus has improved comfort by making heated seats for both front and rear passengers standard equipment across the entire lineup.
Under the hood, Japanese buyers still have two powertrain choices. The LS500 is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 415 horsepower, delivering strong performance in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive form. For those seeking a hybrid option, the LS500h pairs a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with two electric motors, producing a combined 354 horsepower. Like its gasoline sibling, it is also offered with either rear- or all-wheel drive.
Lexus has already opened orders for the 2026 LS in Japan. Pricing begins at approximately $74,700 for the entry-level LS500 I Package and rises to around $119,200 for the fully loaded LS500h AWD Executive model. Across the range, prices have gone up slightly compared to the outgoing 2025 model, with increases of between $1,000 and $1,150.
Looking ahead, the future of the LS remains somewhat uncertain. Lexus may continue with these incremental yearly updates, move toward a complete redesign, or perhaps even shift away from producing a traditional full-size luxury sedan altogether as market preferences evolve.