Toyota Pushes Lexus into Bold New Era with Revolutionary Minivan

URGENT UPDATE: Toyota has just announced a radical transformation for its luxury division, Lexus, aiming to “move more freely” and become a pioneering force in the automotive industry. Following a record-breaking year with 851,214 cars sold in 2022, the company is set to unveil a groundbreaking six-wheel minivan concept at the Japan Mobility Show later this month.

According to Chief Branding Officer Simon Humphries, Lexus is poised to embrace creativity and innovation like never before. The move comes as Toyota seeks to redefine luxury, moving away from traditional sedan and SUV models. The upcoming minivan, positioned above the lesser-known LM, is part of a broader strategy to explore unconventional designs that cater to evolving consumer preferences.

Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda emphasized that the new flagship does not have to conform to past standards, stating, “the ‘S’ in ‘LS’ now stands for ‘space’ rather than ‘sedan.'” This suggests a significant shift in Lexus’s identity, allowing the brand to explore diverse vehicle types. Toyoda instructed the development team to “discover” and “imitate no one,” signaling full backing for radical ideas.

The luxury minivan concept is expected to challenge traditional notions of what a luxury vehicle can be. Toyoda described it as “a new form of luxury car” and “an entirely new type of premium, three-row minivan.” As the production of the LS sedan nears its end, the emphasis will shift to this innovative design tailored for the growing luxury van market, especially in China, where such vehicles are gaining popularity.

While the minivan is still in concept form, analysts predict that a production version may not hit the market until 2027. This timeline raises questions about how well an LS-badged minivan will resonate globally, particularly with traditional Lexus enthusiasts who may resist this bold change. However, Toyota is determined to push Lexus into a new direction, making it clear that luxury is evolving.

As luxury vans like the Volvo EM90 and Buick GL8 gain traction, Lexus aims to follow suit with a vehicle likely to abandon combustion engines altogether, aligning with a broader industry trend towards electrification. The upcoming concept will not only showcase Lexus’s commitment to innovation but also its ability to adapt to changing market demands.

With this transformative vision, Lexus is set to embark on an exciting journey, redefining what luxury means for consumers worldwide. Keep an eye on developments from the Japan Mobility Show as Lexus reveals its ambitious plans for the future.