New Benchmark Lexus LS Range Arrives

MEDIA RELEASE 13 December 2012

New Benchmark Lexus LS Range Arrives

Showcasing range-topping luxury and incredible levels of technology, the expanded Lexus LS line-up has arrived in New Zealand showrooms.

The 2013 Lexus LS range, including the LS460 and hybrid petrol-electric LS600hL, as well as all-new F Sport versions, remains the flagship model in Lexus’ line-up.

Boasting a blend of contemporary refinement, ‘world first’ technology and sumptuous quality that harks back to the handcrafted traditions of the takumi or artisans, the LS sedan continues to represent the absolute pinnacle of Lexus luxury.

Lexus New Zealand General Manager of Product Planning, Neeraj Lala says: “The original LS set a new benchmark in terms of quality and specification. With an expanded line-up and even greater levels of comfort and refinement, as well as sharper driving dynamics thanks to the introduction of our acclaimed F Sport performance package, the new LS will raise the bar once again.

“The expanded line-up also means the potential to individualise LS has never been greater, with four grades and multiple interior trim packages available, including a comprehensive Luxury Package for the LS460 and a sumptuous Rear Seat Ottoman option for the LS600hL. And as before, the LS will allow Lexus to showcase what really sets us apart from the competition: our unrivalled customer care.”

The updated fourth generation LS has received a bold exterior and interior redesign. Up front, Lexus’ signature spindle grille gives the car greater road presence; the centrepiece in a wholly redeveloped front end. Lexus’ flagship luxury sedan debuts no less than three ‘world first’ technologies including new three-projector all-LED headlight units on the hybrid LS600hL and, on all non-F Sport iterations, LED fog lights incorporating the world’s smallest vertical PES lens.

Inside the cabin, the LS leads the way once more with the introduction of Lexus Climate Concierge on the LS600hL and LS460 with the Luxury Pack option added. This unrivalled air conditioning system automatically manages front and rear climate control, along with the heated and cooled seats and heated steering wheel to provide supreme comfort for driver and front and rear passengers alike.

Complementing this is the world’s first interior Advanced Illumination System (AIS), which attunes different lighting accents to different driving scenarios and features both Champagne White cabin lamps and dynamic LED instrument panel lighting.

The LS600hL and LS460 Luxury Pack option split reclining, vibrating function rear seats offer rear passengers a supremely spacious, relaxing environment to travel in, accentuated by the addition of an optional Rear Seat Ottoman to the LS600hL for the first time in New Zealand. The LS600hL and LS460 fitted with the Luxury Package also boast a comprehensive rear armrest control panel that lets those in the back enjoy Blu-ray entertainment on roof-mounted flip-down nine-inch screens via the central control panel or a full-size remote control. The revised storage space inside the arm rest even has enough room for six conventional Blu-ray disc boxes to be hidden away.

Large 12.3-inch LCD display screens and the second generation of Lexus’ Remote Touch Interface are standard, as is the phenomenal 19-speaker Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound system.

While the LS remains shorthand for luxury, significant advances have also been made in the sedan’s dynamic abilities on-road. The new Drive Mode Select system, offered on LS for the first time, features five selectable driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+ – to give the driver a greater degree of choice in the car’s dynamic set-up. Meanwhile the F Sport iterations of both rear-wheel drive LS460 and short wheelbase allwheel drive LS600h boast a lower ride height, sports tuned air suspension, a Brembo™ brake package and, inside, paddle shift controls, sports pedals and sports seats with F Sport embossed headrests.

“The updated LS range combines to offer a supremely well-appointed luxury line-up,” says Lexus New Zealand General Manager of Sales and Operations, Steve Prangnell. “We’re confident the world class technologies and advances the newly updated LS boasts, along with the addition of F Sport versions to the range, will further Lexus’ market share in the luxury sector.” The boldly redesigned, premium LS range is available now, with prices starting from $199,500.

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ENDS

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