Only weeks after Lexus officially announced the end of its long-running LS luxury sedan, the company has stunned the automotive world by revealing that the nameplate is far from gone. In a move that few could have predicted, Lexus has resurrected the LS badge not for another stately four-door, but for something entirely different — and far more radical. The once-traditional sedan has been reborn as a six-wheeled electric minivan concept, featuring three rows of seating and a futuristic, almost otherworldly design. What was once a symbol of understated luxury and refinement has now transformed into a bold exploration of what Lexus calls “Luxury Space,” setting the stage for a new design era.
The concept, introduced through a teaser campaign titled “Discover,” embodies a striking new direction for the brand. The vehicle’s proportions are unlike anything Lexus has ever produced: a one-box silhouette with minimal overhangs, an extended wheelbase, and a distinctly experimental presence. Its design appears larger than that of the Lexus LM, the brand’s current luxury minivan based on the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire platform. The most attention-grabbing feature, however, is the six-wheel layout — two large front wheels and four smaller ones positioned at the rear. This unusual arrangement instantly gives the concept a futuristic stance while hinting at advanced stability and handling systems.
Visually, the concept is packed with innovation. The front and rear are defined by tall vertical LED lighting elements that extend into the body sides, complemented by an illuminated roof fin that adds a touch of sci-fi flair. A large sliding door provides access to an elegant, softly lit interior featuring a three-row, six-seat layout designed for maximum comfort. Despite the eccentricity of a six-wheeled design, Lexus insists that this isn’t just a flight of imagination. Chairman Akio Toyoda has made it clear that the brand intends to evolve the idea into a functional production vehicle — though much engineering and refinement still lie ahead before it becomes road-ready.
Toyoda explained that while “LS” once stood for Luxury Sedan, it now stands for “Luxury Space”, redefining the nameplate to reflect a new focus on open, flexible, and electrified interiors. The goal, he said, is to create a chauffeured EV experience that feels serene and spacious, even when fully occupied. Initially, Toyoda expressed uncertainty about production feasibility, saying, “I’m not sure if they can do that yet.” But he later added with confidence, “Everyone is serious about it. So I’m sure it will definitely come true.” The biggest challenges now lie in achieving the quietness and smooth ride Lexus is known for, while ensuring the six-wheel setup is practical for real-world use. When asked whether the design implies a six-wheel-drive (6WD) system, Lexus’ head of design responded with a teasing, “Maybe.”
Equally significant is the design direction accompanying this concept. Toyoda revealed that Lexus plans to “demolish the spindle grille for a while,” admitting it no longer offers design potential. Instead, designers will seek to integrate the spindle motif seamlessly into the vehicle’s entire body form — signaling a more holistic, evolutionary aesthetic.
The Lexus LS Concept will make its full debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, marking a dramatic reimagining of one of Lexus’ most iconic models. However, whether it can truly serve as a successor to the outgoing LS sedan remains uncertain. While such a vehicle might resonate strongly in Asian markets like Japan and China — where luxury minivans are in high demand — it could face a tougher reception in North America. There’s also the matter of its relationship to the existing Lexus LM, which already fills the premium minivan niche. Intriguingly, this six-wheeled project shares company only with Toyota’s Lunar Cruiser, developed for use on the moon. As Toyoda quipped with a grin, “I’m starting to think that maybe I want to ride it on Earth.”