Lexus LS Concept - 6 wheeled minivan

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After killing the LS sedan and ahead of the Japan Mobility Show, Lexus teases a new LS as a minivan with 6 wheels


Lexus recently signaled the beginning of the end for the LS with a Heritage Edition honoring the car that essentially launched Toyota’s luxury brand. But much has changed in the 36 years since the original LS debuted. In 2025, some buyers would rather drive, or be chauffeured, in a minivan.

This dramatic shift in customer preferences is reflected in Lexus’ decision to introduce the LM (Luxury Mover) as a high-end version of the Alphard. But that’s not all. The LS itself is now getting the minivan treatment, at least in concept form. Formerly known as the Tokyo Motor Show, the Japan Mobility Show will host this surprise debut: an LS-badged minivan with six wheels.

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The face and the rear of roof are doing some active things there.

Well, the less bending down to not wrinkle your suit or crumple your dress, the better. Not to mention if driving distracts people from social media, give them room and a nice backdrop when on the go.
 
It's like Toyota saw that breadbox van concept Musk was waving around last year and said "How about we do that, but make it actually functional?"

It'll be a nice shuttle transport for the business class set, anyway. Wouldn't want to be seen arriving to the hotel in a dented Ford Transit like the other plebs, right?
 
In general, a Lexus minivan is probably a good idea, especially if they offer it in a limo-style form and affordable fleet pricing. Currently the American "limo" has taken the form of black Suburbans as far as the eye can see, taking up an incredible amount of space, lots of V8 idling, and difficult to load with bags and step up into. Commanding yes but less than easy to deal with. Having driven both very recently in city traffic, minivans are just as spacious and way easier to deal with.
 
Lexus already do this with the LM 300h, based on the Alphard. I'm not sure why they're marketing this as a replacement LS when it's the same concept (with an extra axle) as the LM? Just a bit bigger i guess.
 
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Lexus already do this with the LM 300h, based on the Alphard. I'm not sure why they're marketing this as a replacement LS when it's the same concept (with an extra axle) as the LM? Just a bit bigger i guess.
I'm presuming the extra axle is for improved passenger comfort, and maybe better ability to handle the load of large amounts of luggage. In a normal van that luggage is situated behind the rear axle, and I can say from past experience driving an airport shuttle that adding a hundred or so pounds in that area does noticeably affect how the thing drives, especially when high winds or slick roads come into effect. Which again is something that factors into passenger comfort.

As for why they're labeling it as an LS... I dunno, probably just consolidating badges for simplicity's sake.
 
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In general, a Lexus minivan is probably a good idea, especially if they offer it in a limo-style form and affordable fleet pricing. Currently the American "limo" has taken the form of black Suburbans as far as the eye can see, taking up an incredible amount of space, lots of V8 idling, and difficult to load with bags and step up into. Commanding yes but less than easy to deal with. Having driven both very recently in city traffic, minivans are just as spacious and way easier to deal with.
Well, I've thought in my previous post, if someone could build a van smaller than a Sprinter, with low step height and less bending/stooping for entry and not be a bus or train, they'd be onto something.
Kei vans are pretty much that right now.
 
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