The 2018, fifth-generation Lexus LS has now been announced for neighbouring Thailand ahead of its launch at the 2017 Motor Expo, in three versions – the LS 350, LS 500 and the LS 500h. The base model is powered by a 3.5 litre naturally-aspirated V6 engine with 318 hp and 380 Nm of torque, priced at 11.5 million Thai baht (RM1,448,350). This version was first introduced to China in June this year.
The other two versions are priced at 13.08 million Thai Baht (RM1,645,888) for the 3.5 litre, twin-turbo LS 500, and 14.5 million Baht (RM1,824,570) and 15.83 million Baht (RM1,991,928) for the 354 hp LS 500h Executive and Executive Pleat trim levels, respectively.
This makes the LS far more expensive than its main rivals, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, both of which are priced around the 6 million Baht (RM754,516) mark in Thailand. The flagship Lexus gets the country’s maximum 50% excise, 80% import duties, while its CKD, plug-in hybrid competition enjoy just five percent excise tax.
To recap, the fifth-generation LS in LS 500 guise represents the first time Lexus’ flagship model departs from using a naturally-aspirated V8 engine, now with turbocharging for its 3.5 litre V6 mill. A 10-speed torque converter automatic handles transmission duties in the LS 500 and LS 350, while the LS 500h employs a Multi Stage Hybrid Transmission which combines a four-speed automatic with a CVT.
Interior luxury is naturally a focal point here, with the front occupants gaining 28-way power-adjustable seats with heating, cooling and massage functions, while at the back the rear seats have the same climate control functions, in addition to a raised ottoman as part of the optional rear seat luxury package. The rear seat behind the front passenger can be reclined up to 48 degrees, or raised up to 24 degrees for easier exiting.
Active Noise Control is part of the in-cabin comfort arsenal, which counters noise by playing opposite-phase sound waves through the speakers. The sound system itself is a 3D-surround Mark Levinson setup with ceiling-mounted array speakers, while infotainment supports handwritten input. Along with the 12.3-inch navigation display, a 24-inch driver’s HUD can be optioned – the largest of its kind, says Lexus.
Safety gets a rich serving as well, where the Lexus Safety System + and the Advanced Safety Package includes Intuitive Pedestrian Detection with Active Steering; this aims to help the LS brake and avoid errant pedestrians while staying within its own lane.
GALLERY: Lexus LS 350 in China
GALLERY: Lexus LS 500h in Indonesia
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Not worth to get. The price oredy scared people away.
Alamak Ringgit drop so much even compare to thailand.
Thai’s price expensive pun blame RM drop.
Japanese doing another round of colonisation. Now, they are trying to sell a Toyota with soft leather seats for RM2 million.
This is what you call ultimate bodoh.
Anyway if it comes to Malaysia, buy the Lexus 3 yrs later. Previous Lexus LS460L was sold for RM900k. Within 4 years, used car dealers will beg you to take it for RM90k.
Deal of the century…..RM900k car you buy for RM90k
Sure kah. Loose like a fraction only left
Lexus would have conducted its own survey and comparing features, ride comfort, handling etc.. where else in BMW and Merc, you may pay for badge premiums only (Thailand spec, not other markets in europe or america)
Looks like Lexus is setting a benchmark for Germans manufacturer to follow with its:-
1) 10-speed auto, counters noise by playing opposite-phase sound waves through the speakers,
2) infotainment supports handwritten input,
3) a 24-inch driver’s HUD can be optioned(what were they thinking)
4) Lexus Safety System + Advanced Safety Package
5) The rear seat behind the front passenger can be reclined up to 48 degrees or raised up to 24 degrees.
This is better than travelling on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Seriously, who will buy this beauty in Thailand? Its way beyond the buying power of the Thai ppl.
@ John
You obviously don’t know the Thais enough. The rich are really rich there.
The rich there typically buy German marque which by the way happen to be cheaper that this freaking Lexus.
Obviously you dont know Thai well enough. Rich Thais will go for German Marques. Their buying mentality isn’t as open minded as Malaysian or Singaporean when it comes to purchase a luxury cars. Therefore, do not try to tell me I do not know Thai. U go Thailand, what car u see the most? Its BMW and Merc. But still lower sales vol than Malaysia.
@ John,
“U go Thailand, what car u see the most?” Uhhh Toyota. I guess you know the most here in this forum because just a couple of months ago you mentioned that the economy was just doing so well but no data was provide to substantiate your claim. As I have always said, please back your statements with fact and data.
My comment to you here was the statement you made, “Its way beyond the buying power of the Thai ppl”. This statement implies that the Thais cannot afford which I rebutted by saying that the rich are really rich there.
I don’t think you know the Thais well enough to make any sweeping generalization on their consumer preferences especially the rich.
Wah. Good price for a Toyota. Absolutely brilliant. Now the new Camry can sell at RM 240k 2.0 and 280k for the 2.5 hybrid
UMW is the market leader in PREMIUM PRICING for Toyota cars.Even subsid perodua…blatantly hyped pricing..for the evergreen myvi.
Toyota is premium. Nuff said
I struggle to understand, who is a Lexus buyer now? Why are they buying Lexus instead of Mercedes Benzes or BMWs? Just because its Japanese is not good enough of a reason now.
Japanese Bosses. Or ppl who don’t like German
Americans. Lexus are popular cars in America…
As someone from Texas, I can confirm that. Lexus IS, GS, and RX are REALLY popular here.
i would buy a maserati for this pricing
this is real hip
Nice design… But too bodoh putting a price like that. By the way…. I use honda ex-5 only….. Hehehehe
Paying so much for just a Toyota???
i can imagine lots of mud and leaves will get stuck in the net grille ^^