All-new flagship saloon comes with three engines to choose from with prices starting from 11.5 million baht.
The Lexus division of Toyota Motor Thailand has officially introduced the all-new LS saloon before a public debut at next week’s 2017 Motor Expo.
The fifth-generation flagship model is being made available in three versions: LS350, LS500 and LS500h, all equipped with 10-speed automatic transmission.
While the entry-level LS350 comes with 318hp 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6, the LS500 receives a newer six-pot version with the same displacement albeit twin turbos to boost power to 415hp. Crucially, the 600Nm amount of torque is higher than the LS350’s 380Nm level.
The LS500h, meanwhile, is a hybrid version based largely on the V6 used in the LS350 producing 354hp.
The LS350 costs 11.53 million baht in Luxury spec, while the LS500 goes for 13.08 million baht in Executive trim. Two grades are being offered for the LS500h: 14.5 million baht for Executive and 15.83 million baht for Executive Pleat.
Due to the restrictive 3,000cc barrier remaining in the Thai excise tax system, all three models have to be content with the maximum 50% rate. As well, the LS needs to face 80% import duty.
That’s the reason why the LS is far more expensive than the Thai-built BMW 7-series and Mercedes-Benz S-class. Moreover, the 740Le and S500e have plug-in hybrid technologies to enjoy 5% excise tax (10% if imported in completely built-up form), hence their circa-6 million baht prices.
Next week, Mercedes-Benz will launch an updated version of the S-class with its mandatory mid-life facelift. A Maybach-badged model will continue to sit alongside it.
