Here we go again. Another week, another sedan gets retired. Sometimes the car receives a send-off with a limited production final edition model (Lexus RC), but usually a press release confirming end of production (Acura TLX, Audi A7 and S7) is all we get.
In the case of the flagship LS sedan, Lexus is opting for the former. The big Lexus will receive a special send-off with a limited production model to commemorate a car that began the Lexus brand. The LS, along with the mid-size ES, were the two cars that launched Lexus in 1989 as 1990 models.
Through five generations, the LS has often served as a technology carrier for Lexus, while also serving as the brand’s standard bearer for design, craftsmanship, and driving dynamics. It was the original “relentless pursuit of perfection” model, as those of us old enough to remember witnessed during many of its 1990s TV ad campaigns.
But after 36 years, declining sales have forced Lexus parent company Toyota’s hand. While the LS reliably sold 20,000 units or more in the U.S. through 2008, the last 17 years have seen steady decline. The 10,000-unit mark hasn’t been hit since 2013, and sales have dropped significantly since the Covid pandemic. Just 2,163 LS units were sold in the U.S. in 2024, and only 691 have left dealership lots this year through Q2 (June 30).
So, the handwriting, as they say, was on the wall. With that in mind, the LS will bow out in 2026 with a Heritage Edition limited production model. Just 250 units will make it to the U.S., with another five headed to Canada.
Scroll down for the official statement from Lexus USA, which includes product details and pricing. Of note, pricing for Canada has not been released. The 2026 LS goes on sale there next year. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
PLANO, Texas (Sep. 26, 2025) – Over the past 36 years, the Lexus LS has defined what a flagship luxury sedan should be: the perfect balance of performance, innovation, and timeless comfort. For 2026, the LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition arrives as a thoughtfully curated, mono spec model with elevated style and substance. Limited to just 250 units, this serves as a tribute to a model that has defined luxury for over three decades—combining timeless design, innovative technology, and unparalleled craftsmanship into one exceptional automotive icon. This special edition is a statement to the LS’s remarkable journey, celebrating the craftsmanship, innovation, and passion that have defined it from day one.
The 2026 LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition will have a starting MSRP* of $99,280 with units expected to arrive in dealerships this fall.
For a comprehensive breakdown of the features, please refer to the LS Specifications.
*Includes Delivery, Processing and Handling fee of $1,450
Honoring the Original
For 2026, the Lexus LS 500 is only offered as the LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition with only 250 units set to be produced. Starting with the exterior, Lexus introduces a striking new color, Ninety Noir, which offers a deep sophisticated black that effortlessly complements dark exterior moldings and garnishes. Further setting this limited edition apart are its 20-inch split-20-spoke alloy wheels featuring a richer Dark Gray Metallic finish, enhancing the sedan’s commanding presence while still incorporating noise-reduction technology for a quieter ride.
Inside, the Heritage Edition unveils an LS-first Rioja Red interior, enveloping occupants in rich, vibrant luxury. Along with this bold new cabin finish, an etched Lexus LS Heritage Edition emblem adorns the center console. Featuring an elegant silhouette of the LS, this design addition is echoed and embroidered on the headrests, adding a refined touch of exclusivity and a subtle nod to this model’s illustrious lineage.
Standard features on the LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition include a panorama glass roof that bathes the cabin in natural light and a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) for enhancing both visibility and safety. The interior’s Laser Special Black premium wood trim is refreshed with a new pattern, complementing the Ultrasuede® -trimmed headliner and sun visors for an elevated tactile experience.
Additional luxury and convenience features include heated rear seats, a power lift-up buckle, and a Mark Levinson® 23-speaker, 2,400-watt Reference Surround Sound system with QuantumLogic® Immersion.
Advanced Park is also standard on the Heritage Edition model.
Impressive Power
The 3.4-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine on the LS 500 offers the output one would expect in a flagship sedan: 416 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine features a lip shape on the piston top to help realize low emissions and quiet operation when the engine is cold. The wastegate control on the twin-turbo engine provides stable opening and closing of the valve to enhance performance efficiency. The 10-speed automatic transmission aids in keeping the engine in a more responsive area of its power band.
The LS 500 can deliver a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds. The driver can tailor powertrain response and feel by choosing from Eco, Comfort, Normal, Custom, Sport S, or Sport S+ modes. The AWD system features a Torsen® limited-slip center differential to further enhance grip, traction, and cornering stability.
Technology and Convenience Features
Lexus Interface with standard 12.3-inch touchscreen
A standard 12.3-inch, high-definition touchscreen provides easy-to-use controls and clear information to the driver and front-seat passenger. The glass screens utilize a high-adhesion, anti-reflective coating to realize a vivid display. Menu operations are similar to those found on smartphones and tablets.
Cloud Navigation*
With an active Drive Connect trial or subscription, this 100% cloud-capable system integrates with Google points of interest (POI) data to provide faster and more up-to-date search results, more accurate directions, and alternate routes based on current traffic conditions. Offline mode is designed to detect a potential loss of signal and download applicable maps and services in advance.
Intelligent Assistant*
With an active Drive Connect trial or subscription, Intelligent Assistant offers convenience for customers. Designed with dual microphones, enhanced noise cancellation and seat detection capabilities for greater voice-recognition accuracy, by simply saying “Hey Lexus,” available voice commands can operate certain interior amenities, such as navigation, multimedia, and climate control.
Digital Key*
With an active Remote Connect trial or subscription, guests can utilize their compatible smartphone as a vehicle key through the Lexus app. Digital Key can allow for the control of door locks and enables additional usability when car sharing, during valet parking or home delivery of packages. The Digital Key can be shared with up to seven additional people, creating a convenient experience for users registered on the Lexus App.
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Compatibility
The Lexus LS features standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capability, which enables users to access many of their favorite apps and control menus via their preferred mobile device ecosystem. The wireless capability allows for up to five Bluetooth®-enabled devices to be registered to the system, with up to two devices connected at any one time.
Safety Connect*
Customers can use their 5-year minimum Lexus Safety Connect trial for access to exceptional service in case of emergency/vehicle theft.
Service Connect*
Available via the Lexus app, the 5-year minimum Service Connect trial can connect a compatible Lexus and dealer to provide detailed maintenance reminders and Vehicle Health Reports.
Head-Up Display
Essential information, such as a speedometer and shift position, and other information, including navigational directions and the information displayed during the use of Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist, can be safely displayed in front of the driver’s field of vision. The display’s positioning can be linked to a driver’s seat position memory function.
*4G network dependent.
Lexus Safety System+ 3.0
One of the hallmarks of LS’s success is its dependable safety features. LS 500 continues to come standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which provides additional features. Included in LSS+ 3.0 are Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Road Sign Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Automatic High Beam, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management (DRCC), and Proactive Driving Assist.
Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection – Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian
Detection is designed to help detect a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist and provide an audio/visual forward collision warning under certain circumstances. If the driver does not react, the system is designed to provide automatic emergency braking. PCS uses a camera and millimeter-wave radar for enhanced performance and reliability. Features for LSS+ 3.0 include:
- Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist – designed to provide additional steering torque during an emergency maneuver initiated by the driver, enhancing vehicle stability and helping prevent lane departure. This steering support function is designed to operate when the Pre-Collision System is turned ON, the turn signal is not being operated, the speed of the vehicle is between 25-50 mph and the relative speed to the detected object is between 25-50 mph.
- Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking –designed to provide a warning and automatic braking if the system determines a driver is turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle in certain daytime conditions.
Full-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) – Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control helps maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead of you, from highway speeds down to a full stop.
Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) – When Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is enabled and lane markers are detected, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) uses the lines on the road and/or preceding vehicles to provide active driving assistance and help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS) – If the system detects no driver input for some time, audible warnings will alert the driver. If no further inputs are detected, EDSS is designed to bring the vehicle to a gradual stop while keeping it in its lane, and hazard lights are activated to warn other road users. EDSS only operates when driving on expressways with DRCC and LTA activated.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA) – When white/yellow lane markings or certain road edge boundary lines are detected at speeds above 30 mph, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) is designed to issue an audio/visual lane departure warning if an inadvertent lane departure is detected. If the driver does not take corrective action, the system is also designed to provide gentle corrective steering for lane-keeping assistance.
Road Sign Assist (RSA) – Using an intelligent camera, Road Sign Assist (RSA) is designed to detect speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, yield signs, and certain warning signs, and display an icon of the sign on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) – When system operating conditions are met, using the vehicle’s camera and radar, Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) provides gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to help support driving tasks such as distance control between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist.
Automatic High Beams – Automatic High Beams can automatically toggle between high and low beams based on the vehicle’s surroundings.
2026 Lexus LS Pricing Chart
Model# Model Name 26MY MSRP*
9126 LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition $99,280
*Includes Delivery, Processing and Handling fee of $1,450
Photos courtesy of Lexus USA
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