The Lexus LS Sedan Ends Production: Why Toyota’s Luxury Division Shifted Away From Executive Sedans

Toyota’s luxury division has ended production of the Lexus LS sedan after 36 years, replacing it with a vision focused on crossovers and other vehicle types instead of the traditional four-door flagship. The LS sedan shutdown marks the end of an era, though the reasoning behind it feels straightforward enough, consumer demand shifted hard toward SUVs and crossovers. The 2026 model year brings only the Heritage Edition, a limited run of 250 units priced at $99,280, which serves as a final goodbye to what once defined luxury sedans. Anyway, the LS is gone after this year, or mostly gone, the way these things happen in the industry now. Sedans are becoming rare in luxury lineups.

2026 Lexus LS500 Heritage Edition

The Heritage Edition exists as a final statement, 250 copies only, priced high at $99,280 with that new Ninety Noir color that looks sophisticated maybe.[1][6] Owning one means you have history in your driveway, the last of something that started in 1989, a twin-turbo V-6 with 416 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque.[3] It feels weighty, composed, the kind of car that settles into quiet drives with all-wheel-drive and that Rioja Red interior nobody else will have.[2][6] The Heritage Edition repeats luxury in a way that’s understated, refined, though uncertain if buyers will want it or regret not getting one earlier. It’s a goodbye vehicle, which means something or nothing depending on perspective.

2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes S-Class sits as the alternative when LS sedans run out, feels equally weighty, maybe more so with that German engineering vibe. Owning one means tradition too, long lineage, comfort that wraps around you on highways for hours. It exists with technology that softens the drive, though luxury sedans feel unnecessary now, or that’s what the market says anyway. Reliability decent, though costly when things need service. Feels elevated, maybe overpriced sometimes.

2025 BMW 7 Series

The 7 Series competes in the same space LS occupied, feels sporty where LS felt calm, though both are sedans in a crossover world. Owning it means technology overload possibly, features that repeat usefulness or distract you. It drives sharp in corners, softens on long stretches, which might matter or not. Uncertainty on longevity, but reputation solid enough. Expensive feeling, yes, though less special now that LS is gone.

2025 Audi A8

A8 exists quietly in the lineup, feels German precision, though luxury sedans all blend together somewhat. Owning means handling that repeats confidence, though highway comfort might soften some excitement. It’s there, reliable perhaps, though nobody talks about it much anymore. Features stack up nice, or overwhelming depending on mood. Sedan still, which means fewer people want it. Feels expensive, maybe worth it.

2025 Infiniti Q80

Infiniti Q80 sits less talked about, underrated possibly, though that might be unfair. You own it and drives feel smooth, composed, a bit removed from daily chaos. Comfort repeats as the strong suit, luxury vague at times, though the cabin invites you to stay longer. Reliability uncertain, though Japanese heritage suggests decent enough. Sedan in a world that’s moved on, which softens its position. Feels nicer than people assume, maybe.

2025 Cadillac CT6

CT6 American luxury, softer than imports maybe, roomier certainly, though that means less sporting feel. Owning one is patriotic or stubborn, depending on view, comfort supreme inside. It drives like a boat that handles okay, which repeats comfort over excitement. Luxury repeats as approachable, less exclusive, though that might be the point. Reliability solid, American engineering, though service centers vary. Sedan that’s fading, which makes it seem more precious somehow, or just old. Soft ride, soft sales numbers.

2026 Genesis G90

Genesis G90 feels like the new executive car maybe, luxury without the weight of tradition repeating endlessly. Owning it means sleek design, tech that softens complexity, though sedans still struggle. It exists with style Korean automakers finally nailed, though uncertainty lingers on long-term value. Drives composed, feels premium inside, though luxury sedan category is contracting. Reliability building, though still newer brand questions pop up. Feels expensive at first, settles into reasonable after time.

2025 Jaguar XJ

Jaguar XJ British luxury that’s uncertain now, the brand shifting entirely maybe, though this final version remains. Owning one before it disappears means something, rarity and all, though sedans die slow deaths. It feels elegant, drives with a certain character, repeats confidence even as the market rejects it. Luxury sedans have an ending feeling now, whether XJ or LS, both icons softening into memory. Reliability okay, though Jaguar service becomes harder. Feels special because it’s ending, which is a weird reason to want it.

2025 Tesla Model S

Model S sedan still exists, electric at least, though it’s not luxury in the traditional sense repeating through wood trim and leather. Owning means performance, acceleration that softens your thoughts about practicality, though sedans rarely sell these days. It feels futuristic and old simultaneously, which might be accurate for electric vehicles entering their second decade. Tech obsessive, comfort secondary maybe, reliability improving though early issues repeat in forums. Feels expensive, worth it or not depending on your values about electricity and speed. Not the executive car LS was, something else entirely.

2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Ghost exists beyond most people’s budgets, ultra-luxury sedan that refuses to acknowledge the market shift toward SUVs. Owning one means you don’t care about trends, comfort absolutes, though it weighs enormous amounts. It rolls smoothly, appears almost stationary inside despite highway speeds, which repeats Rolls-Royce philosophy unchanged for decades. Reliability theoretically perfect, though service requires specialists only. Feels impossibly expensive and worth every penny or complete excess, no middle ground. Sedan that ignores its own decline, which feels admirable or stubborn. Anyway, exists apart from normal market concerns.

2025 Acura RLX

RLX small sedan luxury, forgotten mostly, though it serves those who want Japanese refinement without Lexus visibility. Owning means efficient drive, though less special than imports command, softening the premium feeling somewhat. It repeats reliability, comfort, though excitement stays absent. Luxury vague, sedan category dying, which makes RLX feel more irrelevant each year. Drives smooth, feels quality, though nobody wants it anymore. Unnecessary now, which makes ownership feel contrarian or just sad.