Lexus is pushing the boundaries of automotive imagination with its latest bold move, leaving enthusiasts and skeptics alike stunned. At the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, the Japanese luxury automaker is set to unveil a radical new concept: a six-seat, six-wheeled minibus dubbed the Lexus LS Concept. While this vehicle remains firmly in the realm of show-stopping concept cars, its bold design hints at a future where innovation and extravagance intertwine.
This is no ordinary concept. The name “LS” carries weight, rooted in history. Back in the 1990s, the Lexus LS 400 defined the brand, offering a spacious, refined, and luxurious alternative to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, all at roughly half the price. Traditionally, the LS badge signified “Luxury Sedan,” but Lexus is now rewriting that history. During a livestream, Toyota’s Chairman Akio Toyoda explained that the new LS stands for “Luxury Space”—a nod to the versatile, spacious grandeur this new concept aims to embody. It’s an audacious shift that signals Lexus’ desire to redefine what a flagship vehicle can be. Now, if you’re already dreaming of a high-end multipurpose vehicle today, Lexus has a compelling offering: the Lexus LM.
This luxury minivan is available starting just below €110,000 through premium car dealerships, blending opulence with practicality for discerning customers. However, the LS Concept aims much higher—projecting a future where luxury, innovation, and unconventional engineering collide. The teaser images of the LS Concept reveal a striking design feature: a single large wheel at the front, with two smaller sets of wheels at the rear. SUV enthusiasts and engineering geeks alike might instantly think of the unconventional approach as a solution for maximizing interior space while maintaining an imposing presence. Toyota’s chief branding officer, Simon Humphries, explained that utilizing four smaller wheels at the back has been a smart engineering choice—minimizing intrusion into cabin space and optimizing overall roominess. Plus, the wheels are glowing with an intense light—adding to the car's futuristic aura.
This visual cue may serve multiple purposes: it showcases Lexus' cutting-edge use of advanced lighting technology, hints at high-performance braking systems that handle tremendous heat during stop-and-go moments, or perhaps signifies the presence of multiple electric motors powering this extraordinary vehicle. An electric drivetrain would also align neatly with Lexus’ push toward electrification, making the concept vehicle more practical in terms of packaging, acoustics, and riding comfort. A fully electric setup would reduce noise, enhance refinement, and optimize space utilization within this sizable prototype. Though it’s unlikely Lexus plans to produce a six-wheeled minibus in the immediate future, the concept hints at a future where automotive boundaries are pushed beyond traditional norms.
As the reveal approaches—scheduled for late October at the Japan Mobility Show—industry insiders and fans eagerly await more details. The idea of a luxury multipurpose vehicle with such a radical layout fuels speculation: could this be a glimpse into Lexus’s next-generation flagship? Will the company explore electric propulsion with multiple motors, as seen in recent high-end EV concepts? While this vehicle might never see mass production, it is a bold statement of innovation. Lexus’ move to challenge conventions demonstrates its willingness to experiment, blending luxury, performance, and cutting-edge engineering in ways never seen before in the segment. Such a vehicle, if realized, would offer a unique combination of space, style, and tech—a truly avant-garde addition to the luxury market.
For now, automotive enthusiasts and prospective buyers can explore other models in the Lexus line up, like the versatile Lexus LM, available in the EU from around €104,500. Whether seeking luxury, performance, or innovative design, Lexus continues to deliver vehicles that combine reliability with a penchant for pushing the envelope. As the Tokyo Motor Show approaches, the world watches keenly. Will Lexus introduce a new era of ultra-luxury multi-wheeled transports? Only time will tell. But one thing’s certain: Lexus’s daring leap into uncharted territory promises excitement and curiosity, elevating the brand to new heights of innovation.