Lexus LS bows out of the UK after 35 years

Just three units of the luxury saloon were sold new in Britain last year.

Photo by: Lexus

By: Angel Sergeev

Feb 3, at 2:05am ET

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In a move that has left luxury car enthusiasts clutching their pearls, Lexus has bid a fond farewell to its flagship LS saloon in the UK after a 35-year run. The decision comes on the heels of dismal sales figures, with a mere 39 units sold since 2020, and only three finding homes last year.

The LS, which debuted in the UK in 1990, was once the crown jewel of Lexus's lineup, epitomising luxury and performance. However, in recent years, it seems British motorists have been giving it the cold shoulder. The starting price of £101,000, escalating to £128,000 for the top-tier Takumi model, might have had potential buyers clutching their wallets a bit tighter.

But it's not just the lukewarm sales that have driven the LS off the UK stage. Lexus has cited homologation and legislative hurdles as significant factors in the decision, Autocar reports. Additionally, the rising popularity of the new LM luxury MPV, which shares the same segment as the LS, played a role in the saloon's swan song

For those still yearning for a Lexus saloon, the ES remains the sole option in the UK. The current lineup now leans heavily towards SUVs and crossovers, including models like the LBX, UX, NX, RZ, RX, and the aforementioned LM

The LS will continue to grace other European markets and can still be purchased from existing stock in the UK. However, with its departure, the UK bids adieu to a vehicle that once set the standard for luxury motoring.