Lexus shook the luxury market in 1989 when the original LS sedan arrived, a car that instantly gave Toyota’s new division global credibility. Three and a half decades later, that origin story comes full circle. The 2026 LS500 Heritage Edition takes the role of a final chapter, driven by a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 producing 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, paired exclusively with all-wheel drive.
Earlier track tests showed the LS500 was no slouch, hitting 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds and clearing the quarter-mile in 13.3 at 107 mph. The Heritage Edition doesn’t chase faster numbers but focuses on presence, wearing elegant 20-spoke, 20-inch wheels and a fresh Ninety Noir paint option. Inside, Roja Red upholstery makes its first-ever appearance in an LS, giving the flagship a dramatic send-off.
Reminders of its significance are subtle yet deliberate. An etched emblem on the console and embroidered LS silhouettes on the headrests quietly nod to the model’s legacy. To heighten the experience, a 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio system comes standard, wrapping the cabin in concert-hall clarity. Rather than overwhelm with flash, Lexus chose to celebrate the LS with restraint, precision, and timeless detail.
A fitting farewell doesn’t come cheap. At $100,730, the Heritage Edition costs roughly $19,000 more than last year’s entry model, but every one of the 250 examples leaves the factory fully loaded. Collectability is baked into the numbers. For those still holding out hope for the hybrid LS500h, Lexus has made it official: the 2025 model year was its last, leaving this Heritage Edition to close the story.
