Lexus LS Van Concept is a future-ready motorhome for digital nomads

Lexus is retiring the LS sedan after 2026, marking more than three decades of trust and user convenience. The Japanese luxury brand has not, however, given up on the LS moniker as it debuts a trio of concepts at the Tokyo auto show that includes a six-wheeled van, a self-driving three-wheeled robotaxi concept for cities, a larger-than-life catamaran, and a more conventional coupe.

None of these concepts is slated for a production run anytime soon, and the idea here looks to preserve the legacy of the LS division, which has served the brand well all these years. Toyota’s luxury brand debuted these interesting creations at the mega auto show with positive response from automotive pundits and motorheads alike.

Designer: Lexus

LS Van Concept

Lexus sells vans in the Asian and European markets, but not yet in the American market. The LS Van Concept takes that idea to the next level with a design that reassures its usefulness for digital nomads. The LS here signifies the Large Space aesthetic of the van, complemented by the luxury amenities that’ll never leave anyone longing for more. The vehicle has six wheels courtesy of an extra axle, giving the van more room for increasing the interior space. That means the vehicle can easily accommodate four to six people on extended adventure trips. In the relaxed mode, the two front seats can be rotated to face the rear for a more socializing layout when parked.

Rather than being a four-door saloon, the van is stretched out to revive the charm of spacious vans. The sliding door opens to reveal the interior space that is unlike any Lexus before this one. The airy cabin has large windows and a couple of skylights that are adjacent to each other for a panoramic view outside and to enjoy the night sky in its full glory. The seating configuration inside can be done in multiple configurations, including the large captain-styled seats or the reclining bench layout that can double as a nighttime sleeper for an adult. Up front, the luxury van has a curved digital display behind the yoke steering, which shows all the vitals HUD elements.

LS Micro Concept

The LS Micro Concept is a single-seater, three-wheeled commuter tailored for tight spaces. To make the city travel a less stressful experience, the vehicle is self-driving and seems less likely to enter the production lines anytime in the future. The inside cabin can be opened up when there is more space freedom, but in the normal configuration, the vehicle seems quite claustrophobic.

It’s more like a moving pod that’s loaded with a business-class-seat layout, much like the other Lexus cars. Unlike the LS Van, this one has a very closed configuration, with blacked-out translucent windows that signify the privacy aesthetic of the car. The trike is more suited to individuals who like to move solo and prefer a private setup to not get disturbed by the bustle of the city.

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Custom Lexus GX bakes oven fresh pizzas in the boot, comes with luxe appliances and exclusive Monogram interiors

2024 Lexus GX as a 7-seater off-road SUV has hit the right notes with the most critical reviewers after the official launch. The car carries forward the Japanese automaker’s promise of luxury with performance. To bring something unique to the world of a kitchen on wheels, Lexus has teamed up with GE’s Monogram (luxury appliance division) to fit a Smart Flush Heart Oven in the rear of the bossy car.

The luxury culinary experience on board this off-road SUV seems like an odd combination when we talk of practicality since the vehicle will tread inhospitable dirt tracks bouncing around. That though fades away quickly as soon as one lays eyes on the exquisite vehicle, inside out. The interiors are embellished with a stainless-steel, black, and brass color scheme, with gold badges, gold accents. That’s a good start for the adventure-oriented GX, but there’s a lot more, so read on.

Designer: Lexus and GE Monogam

The idea here is to convert the capable off-roader into a bespoke culinary experience on wheels” right from the moment you enter the vehicle, drive it and then take a break to eat some delicacies. Monogram doesn’t just stop at the rear, the whole interiors are done in the matching theme with dual-tone camel leather seats and door panel trims, complemented by the brass and titanium metal along with the Dekton slate stone accents. The interior has numerous luxury appliances and accessories to elevate the whole experience. According to Lexus, the one-off GX comes fitted with a rare heated ice press (between the rear seats) that makes spherical ice cubes.

What makes it a lip-smacking proposition is the boot having a Smart Flush Hearth Oven with a 30-inch display. The electric oven is custom-made to mimic the performance of a wood-fired brick oven to bake pizzas and other eatables. Of course, you’ll need something to drink along, so there are pressured fitted cutouts on the side panels to store wine, bourbon, glasses and bottle openers. To complement this, Monogram has fitted a bar complete with a bar kit, glassware, bitters and a folding cutting board. Other essentials like cutlery and trash bin are houses inside the truck for quick retrieval. Everything is finely trimmed with quilted leather and carpeting, with the addition of a Dekton slate stone countertop-like plating station.

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Lexus Brings Its Brand Of Luxury To The Seas With The LY 680 Yacht

Looks like automobiles are yesterday’s news because Lexus is making waves (literally) in the world of luxury yachts with its newly unveiled luxury yacht – the LY 680. This new vessel builds upon the success of its predecessor, the LY 650, offering even more space and innovative features for those seeking the ultimate in on-water relaxation and entertainment.

Designer: Lexus

The LY 680 embodies Lexus’s “Crafted” design philosophy, seamlessly blending exquisite aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. Built by the Horizon Group, a leader in crafting exceptional yachts, the LY 680 promises to be a luxurious sanctuary at sea. Think unparalleled comfort, signature Lexus performance, and a design language that echoes the brand’s renowned attention to detail.

One of the most striking enhancements is the expanded flybridge. Stretching over a meter and a half longer than the previous model, this space now boasts a spacious lounge sofa – perfect for lounging under the sun with a cool drink. But that’s not all. Imagine whipping up delicious meals for your guests on the integrated barbecue grill, all while taking in the breathtaking ocean views. For those who crave adventure on the water, the swimming platform has also been significantly extended by 700 millimeters. This translates to more space for launching water toys like jet skis or paddleboards, or simply relaxing closer to the water’s edge.

Twin Volvo Penta IPS engines, available in two configurations, ensure the yacht handles beautifully. Expect stable maneuvering, a smooth ride, and remarkably quiet operation – all contributing to a truly luxurious experience at sea. No matter the conditions, the LY 680 promises to deliver a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Clocking in at over 20 meters in length and nearly 6 meters wide, the LY 680 offers ample space for up to 15 passengers. Three luxurious cabins provide comfortable sleeping arrangements for six guests, making this yacht ideal for extended getaways with family and friends, or spontaneous weekend escapes. Imagine waking up to the gentle rocking of the waves and the sound of the ocean breeze – pure bliss.

Lexus has partnered with the Horizon Group, renowned for their advanced yacht-building expertise, to create the LY 680. This luxurious yacht, available for order in Japan through Toyota Marine starting March 21, 2024, promises to be a haven at sea. Deliveries are expected by spring 2026.

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Lexus concept car displayed as a light sculpture in Miami exhibition

When you’re visiting car exhibit shows, you expect to see nothing but cars on display. The brands have to figure out how to make it a bit more exciting and innovative since looking at cars can become repetitive and if you’re not really a car enthusiast, it can get boring. But when you’re displaying a car at an art and design exhibition, then you can expect a more non-traditional way to look at the vehicle.

Designer: Marjan van Aubel

An installation to celebrate the Lexus LF-ZC Battery Electric Vehicle Concept Car is now on display at the Miami Art & Design Week. The “sculpture” is called “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” which is the time it takes for light to reach earth. So instead of the usual car display, what you get is a self-illuminating 3D skeleton of the concept car itself. It’s made from organic transparent photovoltaic (POV) sheets and is powered by solar energy. Each cell gives off a spectrum of color and movement and they are transparent to give off the maximum effect of light and patterns.

The EV Skateboard, which is where the engine will be located, is highlighted with an LED panel. It is the main feature of the car so this is where eyes will be drawn. Depending on where you’re standing, you’ll get a different perspective of the sculpture. There are also motion sensors which will let the car respond to those walking around, triggering a ripple through the LED light panels. You will also hear bamboo chimes since the concept car uses bamboo materials as well.

Every 10 minutes, you’ll get a crescendo of sound and light patterns. Since the sculpture is located in a garden setting, the color temperature also shifts along with the natural circadian rhythms of its surroundings. It’s a pretty interesting thing to see this in person and to experience a different kind of display for cars, even if it’s still just a concept car.

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This Lexus Showroom in Melbourne has over 1,000 native Australian plants on its facade

Unveiled at the Melbourne Cup Carnival at the Flemington Racecourse in Australia, this new Lexus showroom/pavilion takes ‘Green Design’ to new heights! Designed by Koichi Takada Architects, the three-floor modular structure is quite literally a living entity, adorned with over 1,000 native Australian plants and flowers on its façade, creating a breathtaking visual dialogue with the Australian landscape. Dubbed “LANDMARK by Lexus”, the pavilion is the result of an ongoing partnership with Victoria Racing Club, with this year’s theme being ‘Close to the Source’. The beauty of the pavilion lies in its modular, repurposable design that will alter from year to year as the themes change. While the building highlights Australian flora this year, its sustainably-built structure can entirely be disassembled and rearranged for next year’s theme, allowing the building to pretty much metamorphose each year with minimal impact.

Designer: Koichi Takada Architects

Koichi Takada, the visionary behind this project, views his architecture as a “living billboard,” a medium to demonstrate the potential of integrating nature into our built environments. His approach is a reminder of the joy and importance of reconnecting with nature, especially in urban settings. In his words, the pavilion is an opportunity to showcase what can be achieved when we blend architecture with the natural world, emphasizing the emotional and psychological benefits of this union.

Guests are encouraged to engage with the plantings that adorn its façade, which include edible native flora like native pepper, saltbush, and lemon myrtle. This interactive element is designed to stimulate the senses, inviting guests to touch, smell, and taste the vegetation, a feature that brilliantly encapsulates the essence of Australian bush tucker.

The design of the pavilion is a marvel of modern engineering, with a focus on sustainability and adaptability. Its modular nature allows for easy assembly, disassembly, and reuse, catering to a future where environmental consciousness is paramount. The integration of prefabricated awnings, which interlock with the modular framework, introduces natural curves that beautifully contrast with the gridded, man-made structure. These curves not only add an aesthetic softness but also play a crucial role in supporting the lush greenery that envelops the building.

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Lexus unveils the futuristic and functional LX 600 overlander for adventure junkies at SEMA 2023

Lexus has once again captured the spotlight at the 2023 SEMA Show with the customized Lexus LX 600. This luxurious, full-size SUV is designed to redefine the boundaries of automotive innovation, showcasing cutting-edge features that make it a standout in the competitive world of SUVs.

One of the most attention-grabbing aspects of the Lexus LX 600 is its stunning color-shifting exterior, a design element that sets it apart from the crowd. This unique feature allows the Overlander SUV to change colors depending on the angle and lighting conditions, giving the vehicle an air of mystique and elegance. It’s a testament to Lexus’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design and aesthetics.

Designer: Lexus

The LX 600’s interior is where the innovation truly shines. It’s not just an off-roading beast, it’s a mobile luxury kitchen on wheels. Lexus has seamlessly integrated a fully functional kitchen into the rear of the vehicle, making it the perfect choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life. The kitchen boasts top-notch appliances, a spacious countertop, and ample storage space, ensuring that every journey is a culinary adventure waiting to unfurl.

This kitchen setup is an unprecedented addition catering to those who love to embark on road trips and enjoy fine dining while on the go. It transforms the LX 600 into a home away from home, allowing you to prepare gourmet meals without ever leaving the comfort of your vehicle. Under the hood, the Lexus LX 600 doesn’t disappoint either. It’s equipped with a powerful and efficient engine that delivers robust performance and a smooth, comfortable ride. Whether you’re driving on the highway or tackling off-road adventures, the LX 600 offers the versatility to handle any terrain with ease.

In addition to its luxurious features, the LX 600 also offers advanced safety and technology-laden features. It comes with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems that prioritize your safety and the safety of your passengers, making each journey as secure as it is enjoyable. Lexus has truly outdone itself with the LX 600, combining the brand’s renowned commitment to quality with innovative features that set it apart from the competition. The color-shifting exterior and the rear kitchen are not only conversation starters but also practical additions that make the LX 600 an exceptional choice for those seeking luxury and convenience.

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