2027 Lexus LS goes hybrid-only in Japan – is Malaysia next?

Lexus has updated the LS for the 2027 model year in Japan, with the flagship sedan receiving revisions to its body structure, suspension and equipment.

The biggest change is to the Japanese powertrain range. The LS 500 and its 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 have been dropped, leaving the LS 500h hybrid as the sole powertrain option.

Chassis work goes deeper

Lexus has continued to refine its Lexus Driving Signature (LDS), with changes focused on areas that are not immediately visible.

The body structure gets additional reinforcement around the centre tunnel, building on the work already carried out on the front and rear sections.

A new REDS (Response-Enhancing Damping Structure) has also been added to the rear suspension braces and boot support members. The parts use a heat-cured resin coating designed to reduce high-frequency vibrations and improve body control and ride comfort.

Lexus has also retuned the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Electric Power Steering (EPS). The company says the changes give the LS a more natural steering response and help control body roll and pitch, particularly at higher speeds and through corners.

LS 500 dropped in Japan

The Lexus LS has already been phased out in several Western markets, and the latest update also ends production of the Japanese-market LS 500 with 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine.

The LS 500h hybrid is now the only powertrain available in Japan, and the same change could eventually extend to other markets.

The new LS 500h is offered in F Sport, Version L and Executive variants, with the 3.5-litre V6 hybrid available with either 2WD or AWD. Japanese pricing ranges from JPY 14.14 million to JPY 18.05 million (around RM 373,000 to RM 476,000).

More equipment for the cabin

A panoramic sunroof is now available as a factory option across the range, with an electric sunshade and a mesh-style wind deflector at the front edge. Lexus says the design helps reduce wind noise when the roof is open.

The top-spec Executive also gets more interior trim combinations. Kiriko cut glass trim can now be paired with the semi-aniline leather interior in a wider selection of configurations.

What about Malaysia?

Lexus Malaysia offers the LS 500 with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine. There are currently two variants:

• LS 500 Luxury: RM 1,250,000
• LS 500 Executive Kiriko: RM 1,531,000

With Lexus now phasing out the petrol LS 500 in Japan, the next update for Malaysia could bring a similar switch to the LS 500h hybrid. That would mark the end of the twin-turbo V6 in the Malaysian LS range, although Lexus Malaysia has not yet announced when the 2027 model will arrive locally.

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