LEXUS REIMAGINES GLOBAL FLAGSHIP SEDAN WITH NORTH AMERICAN REVEAL OF THE ALL-NEW 2018 LS 500h

• Full hybrid powertrain with a 3.5-liter V6 Dual VVT-i gasoline engine and new Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System
• New platform for greatest-ever LS agility and comfort
• New level of flagship luxury in every aspect
• Traditional Japanese aesthetics and commitment to Omotenashi  (hospitality) is evident throughout, ensuring premium intuitive care and protection of drivers and passengers alike

TORONTO, ON.  March 28, 2017 –The stunning all-new 2018 Lexus LS 500h, is making its North American debut at the Vancouver International Auto Show and it’s a guaranteed head-turner, thanks to its radical new design, coupe-like silhouette and interior inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics.  This fifth generation model has been completely reimagined, truly representing both the exciting direction the brand is going when it comes to new generation luxury buyers, and raising the bar for flagship luxury sedans.  The North American reveal expected in Vancouver comes on the heels of the vehicle’s world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month, where it showcased its dynamic performance, all-new ultra-rigid platform and Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System.  Now, with the North American reveal of the LS 500h on Canadian soil, the suite of LS models continue to stake their claim of high power, unparalleled craftsmanship and excellent efficiency, while demonstrating undeniable leadership in the  hybrid luxury sedan segment.

“It is possible that no single automobile has upended its category as decisively as the first Lexus LS did when we launched our luxury brand 28 years ago,” says Jennifer Barron, Director of Lexus in Canada.  “We set new benchmarks then for comfort, powertrain performance, smoothness, quality, and more, and we’re doing it again, with our all-new model – a vehicle that anticipates and attends to the needs of its drivers and passengers seamlessly.  We look forward to hearing what patrons of this year’s auto show in Vancouver have to say once they set their eyes on it in person.”

The all-new Lexus LS 500h flagship sedan sets the bar high, with features and amenities such as:

• Full hybrid powertrain with a 3.5-liter V6 Dual VVT-i gasoline engine and two electric motors, together delivering maximum system power of 354 hp

• Compact, lightweight, lithium-ion hybrid battery helps reduce the car’s overall mass, thus supporting overall fuel economy, emissions performance and handling balance

• New Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System with a simulated shift control pattern that delivers the feel of driving with a 10-speed gearbox, providing enhanced responsiveness and linear acceleration, plus high power and excellent fuel efficiency

• Premium all-wheel drive platform and details such as longer wheelbase deliver driver-centric performance and greater handling agility thanks to all new architecture for luxury vehicles (GA-L)

• All-new available advanced Lexus Safety System +, featuring the world’s first intuitive pedestrian detection with active steering

• Chassis control technology known as Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) provides uncanny ride, handling, shifting and control for vehicle subsystems including braking, steering, powertrain, and suspension to deliver a truly enjoyable driving experience

• New seating designs that offer the most generous legroom of any LS generation and available heating, cooling and massage features in seating ensure unparalleled comfort for front and rear occupants

• Inspired by Japanese Shimamoku wood patterns, bold contrasts of light and dark wood grain deliver a striking and vibrant appearance

• New sound suppression methods contribute to the luxurious feel and guarantee a serene environment, especially as Guests enjoy their standard premium audio system or the audiophile-worthy available 3D surround Mark Levinson audio package

In addition to the all-new Lexus LS 500h flagship sedan, there’s lots more to see in the Lexus display, promising that patrons of the show will, as the brand’s new global tagline suggests, Experience Amazing.  Don’t miss the following when planning your visit:

• Check out a custom, racing-tuned version of the LC 500. Created by Gordon Ting and Beyond Marketing, this model features aerodynamic bodywork, upgraded performance and handling, a new interior, and an extensive engine rebuild. The result is a tough yet luxurious, high-performance coupe like no other.

• Canadian guests will now be able to experience Lexus Enform, a bundle of advanced connectivity services anchored by enhanced roadside safety and navigation, personal attention from a live operator, unique, Internet-connectivity applications and more.Enform is the newest bundle of advanced systems to be introduced to Lexus vehicles, joining features such as Lexus Safety System + in ensuring that Lexus guests enjoy all the benefits of advanced technology, including safety, peace of mind and convenience.The brand will debut Enform in Canada in 2017 starting with its two flagship models the all-new Lexus LC series coupe and Lexus LS Luxury sedan.

• In keeping with its commitment to great design, Lexus is extremely proud of its many partnerships with world renowned and emerging designers.A focal point of the brand’s display at VIAS, is the winning design from the Lexus Design Challenge for Canadian students.Hailing from the Ryerson School of Interior Design, this year’s winner Anne Tran has created the simple yet evocative and dynamic lit triangles seen in the display, as it conveys a unique sense of movement.

• The Lexus display will also showcase a full range of luxury cars and SUVs on display, including the recently revealed LC 500h flagship 2+2 coupe, the recently updated Lexus IS series luxury sport sedans, high-performance models such as the GS F and RC F, F SPORT editions of popular models such as the NX 200t and RX 350, industry-leading luxury hybrids including the RX 450h and ES 300h, the go-anywhere luxury of the LX 570 and more.

About Lexus Canada

Lexus Canada is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sport utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 39 dealers across Canada. Guests have access to a wide range of luxury and performance vehicles with a total of 12 Lexus nameplates available in Canada, including the largest luxury hybrid lineup of 6 hybrid models. Inspired by great design and passion for innovation, Lexus is committed to delivering the highest quality products, services and experiences to meet the needs of luxury guests. The Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h are built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada’s (TMMC) award-winning Cambridge South plant. For more information about Lexus and Lexus products, please visit:  www.lexus.ca.