But a used one then
In 1989, the Lexus LS was the first Lexus ever. In 1990, that same LS arrived in the Netherlands, and now, in October 2025, we are definitively waving goodbye to the model.
As of October 1, 2025, the Lexus LS will no longer be available. This applies to the Netherlands, but also to the rest of Europe and even the entire world. With a market share of approximately 0.00 percent and a ‘sale’ (=registration) of 1 to 2 units per year, the disappearance of the LS is not a major loss for the Netherlands, at least in this respect. Worldwide, the importance of the LS has apparently become too small to develop a successor. Not surprising, because even in the top segment, an increasing share of the pie is being divided among SUV-like vehicles. Lexus is throwing in the towel, leaving the remainder of the market to cars like the BMW 7 Series and (especially) the Mercedes S-Class. The Audi A8 is also still around, but that car could also disappear.
The fact that we still feel a tear welling up has more to do with the importance of the LS for the Lexus brand itself. The LS was the flagship of Lexus, but also the car with which it all began for Lexus in 1989. Toyota’s luxury brand then presented its first LS400, an understated sedan that was intended to be the best car in the world and perhaps was in many respects. The luxury of an S-Class, but refined and improved in the almost maniacal way that only the Japanese seem to master. Since 1989, there has been an uninterrupted Lexus LS, divided over five generations that we will undoubtedly discuss in detail soon on this site in remembrance.
Up to and including the fourth generation, every LS was propelled by a silent and indestructible V8, which in 2007 received assistance from an electric motor for the first time. In the fifth generation, the V8 made way for a V6, and hybrid quickly became the norm in a country like the Netherlands, although even the current model was briefly available as a non-hybrid.
In 1989, the LS was the car with which Lexus began.
As a used car
The Lexus LS, we will miss it. Anyone who recognizes that feeling can, of course, console themselves with a wonderful used example. Within this risky segment, an LS is even the least risky bet, and that is reflected in the asking prices, but undoubtedly also when that same LS has to be traded in one day. On our used car page, the cheapest LS of the current model is already yours for just under €49,000. For that money, a wonderful LS500h Executive Line from the first owner is waiting for you at your door, offered by Louwman Lexus Utrecht. The most current LS is also at Louwman in Utrecht and is a blue President Line that makes our mouths water. Still too expensive? No worries, because with this LS460 for €15,995 you can really get ahead for years to come.