Generation history
Lexus LS generations and next redesign.
The Lexus LS has been through 5 generations, starting in 1989, 1994, 2000, 2006 and 2017. The gaps were 5, 6, 6, 11 years, an average of 7.0. The pace has been steady. The current generation began in 2017. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2023 through 2025, centered on 2024. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: Developed under the 200B program, the fifth-generation LS made its debut at the January 2017 North American International Auto Show. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Lexus LS model page.
Every generation
The Lexus LS, generation by generation.
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
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| First generation | XF10 | 1989–1994 | In August 1983, Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda initiated the F1 project ("Flagship" and "No. 1" vehicle; alternatively called the "Circle-F" project), as a clandestine effort aimed at producing a world-class luxury sedan for international markets. |
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| Second generation | XF20 | 1994–2000 | The second-generation Lexus LS 400 (UCF20) debuted in November 1994 (for the 1995 model year) with a longer wheelbase and similar specifications as the original model. |
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| Third generation | XF30 | 2000–2006 | The third-generation Lexus LS 430 (UCF30) debuted at the North American International Auto Show in January 2000 as a 2001 model, introducing a new body design with a host of new interior and technological features. |
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| Fourth generation | XF40 | 2006–2017 | Introduced at the January 2006 North American International Auto Show for the 2007 model year, the fourth-generation Lexus LS became the first Lexus model to be produced in both standard and long-wheelbase versions. |
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| Fifth generation | XF50 | 2017–present | Developed under the 200B program, the fifth-generation LS made its debut at the January 2017 North American International Auto Show. |
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The Lexus LS spent 7.0 years per generation on average. The current one is 9 years old. Treat 2023 to 2025 as a range, not a date.
Source: Lexus LS (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the Lexus LS model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
What each Lexus LS generation changed.
First generation, 1989 to 1994
In August 1983, Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda initiated the F1 project ("Flagship" and "No. 1" vehicle; alternatively called the "Circle-F" project), as a clandestine effort aimed at producing a world-class luxury sedan for international markets. The F1 development effort did not have a specific budget or time constraints, and the resulting vehicle did not use existing Toyota platforms or parts. Instead, chief engineer Ichiro Suzuki sought to develop an all-new design, aiming to surpass rival American and European flagship sedans in specific target areas, including aerodynamics, cabin quietness, overall top speed, and fuel efficiency.
Second generation, 1994 to 2000
The second-generation Lexus LS 400 (UCF20) debuted in November 1994 (for the 1995 model year) with a longer wheelbase and similar specifications as the original model. The public unveiling of the vehicle occurred in a gala ceremony held at the San Francisco Opera House in California. The sedan was equipped with an updated 4.0-litre 1UZ-FE V8 engine, producing 194 kilowatts (260 hp) and 366 newton-metres of torque.
Third generation, 2000 to 2006
The third-generation Lexus LS 430 (UCF30) debuted at the North American International Auto Show in January 2000 as a 2001 model, introducing a new body design with a host of new interior and technological features. It was the first US market Lexus with adaptive cruise control (called Dynamic Laser Cruise Control). It employed a lidar sensor and (unlike the laser ACC introduced in 1997 on the Celsior) was able to activate brakes for deceleration.
Fourth generation, 2006 to 2017
Introduced at the January 2006 North American International Auto Show for the 2007 model year, the fourth-generation Lexus LS became the first Lexus model to be produced in both standard and long-wheelbase versions. Using an all-new platform, the LS 460 (USF40) uses the standard 2,970 mm (117 in) wheelbase, while the LS 460 L (USF41) features a stretched 3,090 mm (122 in) wheelbase. A hybrid version, LS 600h L (UVF46), was previewed at the New York International Auto Show in April 2006.
Fifth generation, 2017 to today
Developed under the 200B program, the fifth-generation LS made its debut at the January 2017 North American International Auto Show. This model was previewed by the LF-FC concept that was first shown at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. It is the second Lexus model to be built on the GA-L platform, after the LC grand tourer. Dubbed as LS 500 (VXFA50/55), it is the first LS to be powered by a V6 engine.
Generation notes adapted from Lexus LS (Wikipedia).
Today's Lexus LS
What the current generation is, and how it has held up.
Lexus LS at a glance
- Production
- May 1989 – present
- Model years
- 1990–2026 (North America)
- Assembly
- Japan: Tahara, Aichi (Tahara plant)
- Class
- Full-size luxury car (F)
- Body style
- 4-door saloon
- Layout
- Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout, Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (since 2006)
- Also called
- Toyota Celsior (Japan, 1989–2006)
Recent recalls (2 campaigns across the latest model years)
- October 2025, Back Over Prevention:Display Function. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview… Consequence: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- September 2025, Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and… Consequence: An instrument panel display that does not show critical information can increase the risk of a crash or injury.