--- title: "The Lexus LS Redefined Flagship Luxury Sedans. Now It’s Dead" date: "2025-09-29" modified: "2025-09-29" authors: - name: "Byron Hurd" job_title: "Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/byron-hurd" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-lexus-ls-redefined-flagship-luxury-sedans-now-its-dead" categories: - "Lexus News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Lexus" - "LS" - "luxury" - "sedan" --- # The Lexus LS Redefined Flagship Luxury Sedans. Now It’s Dead ![Original Lexus LS next to newest model]() *The original Lexus LS from 1989, next to the final-generation model. \Lexus\* After 36 years, [Lexus]() is killing off its flagship LS luxury sedan—the car that not only set the stage for Lexus as a brand, but also completely realigned customer expectations for halo luxury sedans. Lexus will see it off with a limited run of Heritage Edition finished in a Ninety Noir exterior over a Rioja Red cabin. Only 250 of these will be sold in the United States, all 2026 models. And then, poof, no more LS. It's another sad omen for trunk fans. Barely a half-decade ago, we were [heralding the LS as proof that sedans still have a place in the U.S. market](). And in our defense, it remains a solid, [likable luxury conveyance](); sadly, it just didn't have the necessary staying power. With sedans dropping left and right, it seems virtually no four-door is safe these days. After all, if it can happen to the LS, it can happen to anything. If you're under the age of 35 or so, all this fuss over an expensive luxury sedan may seem overblown. But, if you're in the elder millennial age bracket or older, you probably remember how big of a deal the LS was back in 1990. For the others, perhaps this *MotorWeek* retro review will provide a little insight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyJEEvHG9co First of all, yes—that's what TV was like in 1990. And second, if you're just being exposed to all of this for the first time and you're catching big Genesis vibes from all of this, congrats, you're catching on to my point. Japan was very much the Korea of the time, still overcoming a (largely but not *entirely* undeserved) reputation for being cheaply built. My, how far we've come. The original LS is also a bit of a fascinating time capsule. It comes from a time when ABS and traction control were still luxury features. My 1990 Mazda Miata was built just down the proverbial highway in Hiroshima and couldn't be had with either; ABS would become optional later, and traction control didn't show up for another 15 years. ![]() ![]() The 2026 Lexus LS Heritage Edition will run you $99,280 (including destination) and comes with pretty much everything, including the 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio upgrade. *Got a news tip? Let us know at tips@thedrive.com.* ## Author Byron is an editor at The Drive with a keen eye for infrastructure, sales and regulatory stories. He brings a light, punchy style to all of his content, believing that there's plenty out there to be laughed at—himself included. Born and raised in Maryland but now based just a stone's throw from Detroit, Byron is an auto enthusiast and generalist who enjoys building and tinkering with things of all kinds, from cars, computers and digital cityscapes, to the new garage that will soon house his fleet (a CT4-V Blackwing, a JK Wrangler and an NA Miata). Inspired by an early love of rollercoasters, Byron quickly caught the high-performance driving itch. He's been tracking and auto-crossing his cars since 2007. In his downtime, Byron enjoys reading, playing city builders, and studying the history of the Motor City. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()