Lexus introduced the LS in 1989 as its flagship luxury sedan.
The LS was developed under Toyota’s secret F1 project, which began in the 1980s to create a world-class luxury car for the North American market. The result was the LS 400, unveiled in 1989 alongside the new Lexus brand.
Its launch emphasized quietness, smoothness, build quality, and extensive standard equipment. The first LS used a 4.0-litre V8 engine and a rear-wheel-drive layout, placing it directly against established European luxury sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series.
Lexus is Toyota’s luxury division, so the car is sometimes described simply as a Toyota model. However, the correct brand associated with the LS nameplate is Lexus. The LS remains the brand’s flagship sedan, while later generations added hybrid versions and all-wheel drive.