Lexus is set to surprise the world with the unveiling of the successor to its LS flagship — not a sedan, but a luxury six-wheeled electric van. Yes, six wheels.
The LS Concept is a bold reinterpretation of Lexus’ flagship, adopting a minivan body style.
It features six wheels, a fully electric setup, and a spacious three-row cabin.
Akio Toyoda confirmed that the team is serious about bringing it to production.
The Unexpected Return of a Legendary Name
Just a few weeks ago, Lexus announced the end of production for the LS, its long-standing luxury sedan. But as Mark Twain once said, “Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”
The brand has now resurrected the LS nameplate, not for another traditional sedan, but for something entirely unexpected, a six-wheeled, fully electric minivan with three rows of seats.
This marks a complete departure from tradition. The formal and understated elegance of the original LS gives way to a futuristic and provocative approach.
Six Wheels and a Clear Message
It’s not the first time Lexus has built a van the LM has been sold for several years already. But what’s striking about the LS Concept isn’t just its appearance, it’s its ambition. Lexus genuinely plans to turn it into a production vehicle, although many development steps still lie ahead.
The official teaser, titled “Discover,” signals a new era for Lexus. It shows the profile of the LS Concept, with large front wheels and two smaller pairs at the rear. Its single-box silhouette evokes a futuristic minivan with nearly no overhangs and an extra-long wheelbase. It even appears larger than the Lexus LM, itself derived from the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire.
Design highlights include vertical LED lights stretching into the sides, an illuminated roof fin, and sliding doors that reveal a softly lit interior arranged in three rows of two seats and yes, six illuminated wheels.
More Than a Design Exercise
A six-wheeled van may sound excessive, but Chairman Akio Toyoda insists this is no designer’s whim. He recalls a challenge he issued to his teams two years ago:
“If you think of the LS as a BEV chauffeur car, couldn’t it become a new pillar of Lexus, with a package no one has ever imagined? Lexus doesn’t copy anyone, that’s our motto. The LM is an evolution of the Alphard, but… can it evolve further, or become something completely new?”
This vehicle is seen as a direct response to the upcoming Maybach Vision V luxury van, based on the new-generation model Mercedes-Benz revealed a few months ago. In both cases, the goal is to redefine ultra-luxury VIP transportation.
Now more than ever, automakers aim to deliver a true “First-Class” experience, akin to what major airlines offer. With Mercedes-Maybach and the upcoming reimagined Lexus LS, luxury mobility may soon exceed even the most extravagant expectations.
From “Luxury Sedan” to “Luxury Space”
Traditionally, LS stood for Luxury Sedan. Now, Toyoda gives it a new meaning: Luxury Space. The aim is to create a bright, refined, spatial luxury experience, even with six passengers aboard.
When asked about production feasibility, Toyoda first replied: “No, I’m not sure if they can do that yet.” Then he added: “It’s not for tomorrow, but everyone is taking it seriously. I’m convinced it will happen.”
The main challenges involve achieving Lexus’ signature quietness and comfort, while making a six-wheeled vehicle roadworthy. When asked whether this setup meant a 6WD system, the head of design simply answered: “Maybe.”
Toyoda also expressed his desire to retire the spindle grille, a Lexus design icon for over a decade: “It has no potential for further development.”
The design team is now working to blend the spindle motif into the body itself, signaling a new design language for the brand — a bold move, considering the controversy the spindle grille has generated over the years.
Official Presentation at the Japan Mobility Show 2025
The Lexus LS Concept will make its official debut at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. The question now is whether the brand can turn this prototype into a viable successor for the outgoing LS sedan, whose production will end next year.
Even if the project reaches production, its success will depend on the market. Luxury vans dominate in Asia, especially in Japan and China, but in North America, they remain mostly family-oriented vehicles. The question also arises as to where this new LS will fit alongside the Lexus LM, already positioned as a premium minivan.
