Lexus IS Model Years and History

The LS 500 undergoes a refresh for 2026, bringing out a limited production Heritage edition trim, of which only 250 units will be produced. This exciting upgrade is being made to honor the outgoing LS model which served as Lexus' first sedan! Changes include a ?ninety noir' black paint colour which aligns with the added black exterior moldings and garnishes, unique 20-inch wheels, and a Rioja red interior. New Heritage edition emblems adorn the interior center console.

The Lexus LS carries over with minimal changes for 2025.

The Lexus LS carries over with minimal changes for 2024.

The Lexus LS carries over with minimal changes for 2023.

The Lexus LS 500 remains essentially unchanged for the 2022 model year, though a few minor changes were made to some features like an optional Mark Levinson audio system in the base model, upgrades to the safety technology, and a New Haku fine metal interior trim in the Luxury and Executive packages.

The Lexus LS 500 remains essentially unchanged for the 2021 model year, though a few minor tweaks were made to the engine and suspension to increase the ride and efficiency.

The Lexus LS 500 remains essentially unchanged for the 2020 model year, though a new special edition has been introduced and a couple of new exterior options are also available. The Inspiration Series is a limited run of just 300 cars that will feature a white leather interior, a Mark Levinson 23-speaker 2400-watt sound system, 20-inch wheels and Lexus' Kiriko glass ornamentation around the cockpit. New 20-inch "vapor chrome" wheels are now available on the base LS 500 and LS 500h while a white interior is now optional on the F SPORT version of the LS 500.

The Lexus LS 500 gets a few refreshing updates heading into its sophomore year. Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa connectivity are now integrated into the Lexus infotainment system. The 24-inch heads up display is now offered as a stand-alone option and a semi-automated lane-change feature is added to the optional Safety package.

The Lexus LS 500 is an all-new vehicle for 2018, Lexus having completely redesigned the platform from the ground up with the purpose of adding even more luxury, while cutting down on fuel usage. The new LS gains a little bit of size with the car having grown slightly longer and wider. But the new car is also lower than the one it replaces and while that car could sometimes toe the line into boring, the new 2018 LS makes an effort to be a little bit more sporty and fun.

Ahead of a total redesign for 2018, the 2017 Lexus LS 460 carries over unchanged, though the LS 600h hybrid is no longer available.

On the surface, it appears as though the Lexus LS is unchanged from last year's car. However some minor changes and improvements have been applied to Lexus' flagship car. Updates to the navigation and multimedia systems help make navigating menus easier, while various service updates can now be displayed on the owner's phones via Lexus' Enform Connect Service. The car's chassis is also stiffer in 2016, slightly improving handling.

On the surface, it appears as though the Lexus LS is unchanged from last year's car. However some minor changes and improvements have been applied to Lexus' flagship car. Updates to the navigation and multimedia systems help make navigating menus easier, while various service updates can now be displayed on the owner's phones via Lexus' Enform Connect Service. The car's chassis is also stiffer in 2016, slightly improving handling.

A new Crafted Line trim appears for 2015. It includes auto-leveling suspension, special 18-inch black alloy wheels, an upgraded audiophile stereo and a blind spot monitor with cross-traffic alert. It comes only in Ultra White and with a black and red leather interior.

A new Crafted Line trim appears for 2015. It includes auto-leveling suspension, special 18-inch black alloy wheels, an upgraded audiophile stereo and a blind spot monitor with cross-traffic alert. It comes only in Ultra White and with a black and red leather interior.

After a full redesign in 2013, the Lexus LS is relatively unchanged for 2014. There are a few interior trim adjustments, but the most notable change is the inclusion of Apple's Siri technology, helping to keep drivers' hands and eyes on the road.

After a full redesign in 2013, the Lexus LS is relatively unchanged for 2014. There are a few interior trim adjustments, but the most notable change is the inclusion of Apple's Siri technology, helping to keep drivers' hands and eyes on the road.

Featuring a bold new look, Lexus's flagship luxury sedan has been given a major redesign. Increased body rigidity and chassis refinement mean that the newest LS handles and rides better than last year's model, while a new F Sport trim adds excitement to the lineup. Various technological advancements have also made their way into the redesigned LS including Lexus' latest version of Remote Touch and an available Climate Concierge system for the ultimate in individualized comfort for drivers and passengers.

Featuring a bold new look, Lexus's flagship luxury sedan has been given a major redesign. Increased body rigidity and chassis refinement mean that the newest LS handles and rides better than last year's model, while a new F Sport trim adds excitement to the lineup. Various technological advancements have also made their way into the redesigned LS including Lexus' latest version of Remote Touch and an available Climate Concierge system for the ultimate in individualized comfort for drivers and passengers.

Nebula Gray Pearl paint has been added for 2012. Smoky Granite Mica has been dropped. A USB port and rear-seat headphone jacks have been added. Otherwise, the LS carries over very similar to last year's model.

Nebula Gray Pearl paint has been added for 2012. Smoky Granite Mica has been dropped. A USB port and rear-seat headphone jacks have been added. Otherwise, the LS carries over very similar to last year's model.

Both iPod connectivity and Bluetooth Audio streaming are now standard across the entire lineup of Lexus's flagship LS luxury sedans. The Sport Package that was introduced last year is now more extensive, and includes a sport-tuned air suspension, Brembo brakes, and 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. Newly standard is a so-called "Smart Stop" system that will automatically reduce engine power when the brake pedal is applied.

Both iPod connectivity and Bluetooth Audio streaming are now standard across the entire lineup of Lexus's flagship LS luxury sedans. The Sport Package that was introduced last year is now more extensive, and includes a sport-tuned air suspension, Brembo brakes, and 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. Newly standard is a so-called "Smart Stop" system that will automatically reduce engine power when the brake pedal is applied.

For 2010, the flagship Lexus LS 460 sees a minor facelift of the front and rear ends of the car, with new headlights and taillights, a revised grille, new front and rear bumpers, new wheels and a side mirror housing in keeping with the rest of the Lexus lineup. Minor interior updates also made their way into the sedan, and some equipment packages have been shifted. Most notably, the LS 460 Sport has joined the lineup, with an aggressive front sport grille and spoiler, special 19-inch alloy wheels, rocker panel extensions, a sport-tuned air suspension and exclusive interior appointments.

The LS600 receives refreshed styling for 2010. Lexus moved the battery pack giving way to space for a larger trunk. The 2010 model also got a subtly restyled front grille and fascia. A new ECO mode smoothes out throttle application to improve efficiency regardless of how heavy the driver's foot is.

All-wheel drive is available on Lexus's flagship LS luxury sedan for the first time for 2009; the Torsen-based all-wheel drive system is similar to the one used on the LS 600h L, capable of bringing up to 50 percent of torque to the front wheels. The AWD model has increased standard equipment, including air suspension, Variable Gear-Ratio Steering, and the Adaptive Variable Suspension. Otherwise the LS 460 models are carried over with no changes, except the passenger seat now gets a memory function.

The Pebble Beach edition package is new for 2009, otherwise, there are no significant changes to the LS600h L from 2008.

For 2008, Lexus's new luxury flagship, the LS600h L, joins the standard-length LS460 and extended-length LS460 L (which were all-new for 2007), and competes with the most exclusive V12 "supersedans" from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. With a high-tech hybrid powertrain underhood, along with all-wheel drive, the LS600h L goes for a different crowd--of affluent buyers who are environmentally conscious.

On the heels of a successful debut in 2007, the 2008 LS 460 incorporates few changes. The car is still available in either the base LS460 or the long-wheelbase LS 460 L model, and the L now offers an optional $2,985 Adaptive Variable Air Suspension package that constantly adjusts damping rates to provide the best possible blend of comfort and handling. The system is automatic or can be adjusted by the driver. The option also includes 19-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, and variable-ratio steering, which optimizes steering control based on the car's speed. A new color, Opaline Pearl, is available on both models. Base prices increased by $500 to $61,500 for the LS 460 and $71,500 for the LS 460 L.

The Lexus LS 460 is all new for 2007. The regular wheelbase LS 460 sedan comes equipped with a moonroof, HID headlights, and electrochromic heated power mirrors, along with the usual standard items found on high end luxury autos. The LS 460L offers almost five more inches of length, with most of those five inches being added to the rear seat leg room as well as more interior features. The 4.6L V8 engine (a step up from the 2006 LS 430's 4.3L) makes 380 horsepower and puts out 367 ft-lbs of torque thanks to double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and a dual fuel injection system. It is backed up by the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission. The available Advanced Parking Guidance System also claims to turn the LS 460 into the world's first self-parking car.