It has now been over thirty years since Toyota launched its premium brand, Lexus, making its debut with the groundbreaking Lexus LS 400. First introduced in 1989 as a 1990 model, the LS was a revelation in the luxury car world. It demonstrated that an automaker outside of Germany could create a luxury sedan that rivaled the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar. What truly set the LS apart was its unique blend of comfort, refinement, and, above all, unparalleled reliability—something European brands of the era struggled to match. For many buyers, it became the car that offered German luxury but with Toyota’s bulletproof dependability, essentially redefining what luxury could mean.
But as time has passed, the flagship sedan has struggled to maintain its once-dominant position. Sales have slipped dramatically in recent years. In fact, during the first half of 2025, only 691 units were sold, representing a sharp 42.3% decline compared to the same period the previous year. The figures are even more sobering when compared with the LS’s heyday, when sales were significantly stronger. In light of these numbers, Lexus is preparing to retire the LS in the U.S. and several other markets. Yet before closing this important chapter, the company is giving the model a respectful farewell with a limited-run send-off edition.
The special model, known as the 2026 LS Heritage Edition, pays tribute to the original LS while marking the end of its production run. Only 250 examples will be available in the U.S., with pricing set to start at $99,280 including a $1,450 destination fee. According to Lexus, this will be the sole LS variant offered for 2026, and once production ends in the fall, the LS lineup will officially be discontinued. The Heritage Edition is distinguished by its exclusive exterior color, Ninety Noir, a deep black finish that is paired with darkened trim pieces and striking 20-inch split-spoke wheels in Dark Gray Metallic.
Inside, the Heritage Edition channels a nostalgic late-80s and early-90s aesthetic, reflecting the time when the original LS first captured buyers’ attention. The standout feature is the debut of a Rioja Red interior, a first for the LS nameplate. Additional details include a Heritage Edition emblem etched into the center console, along with embroidered silhouettes of the LS stitched into the headrests. Naturally, Lexus has outfitted the model with an extensive list of premium features. Highlights include a panoramic glass roof, Panoramic View Monitor, Ultrasuede trim on the headliner and sun visors, Laser Special Black wood trim, heated rear seats, a power lift-up buckle, and the brand’s Advanced Park system. For audiophiles, the package also comes with a 23-speaker, 2,400-watt Mark Levinson audio system.
Under the hood, the Heritage Edition retains the proven 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine found in the standard LS 500. It delivers 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system with a limited-slip differential. Performance remains impressive, with a 0–60 mph sprint in just 4.6 seconds.
As for what comes after the LS, Lexus has remained deliberately vague. When pressed about a potential successor, the company issued its familiar response: it “does not comment on future plans.” For now, the Heritage Edition serves as both a tribute to the model that redefined luxury for Lexus and a graceful farewell to a sedan that once shook the foundations of the European luxury establishment.