The Lexus LS, the pioneering luxury sedan that first announced Lexus's arrival as a formidable competitor to established European marques, is embarking on its final journey into retirement after a distinguished 36-year production run. The brand will conclude the storied model's legacy with the exclusive 2026 Lexus LS500 AWD Heritage Edition. Limited to just 250 units and priced at $100,730, this special edition serves as a bespoke iteration of the LS500 AWD, which is the last variant remaining in the LS lineup.

The Heritage Edition distinguishes itself with a striking dark exterior color named Ninety Noir, complemented by 20-inch, split 20-spoke wheels finished in Dark Gray Metallic. Inside, it boasts an LS-first Rioja Red interior, harmonizing with Laser Special Black wood and brushed aluminum trim. The cabin is further enhanced by a standard panoramic glass roof surrounded by Ultrasuede, and a unique Heritage Edition emblem marking the center console. Comfort and convenience are paramount, with all seating featuring heating and a power lift-up buckle. An ultimate auditory experience is promised by the Mark Levinson 23-speaker, 2.4 kW Reference Surround System with QuantumLogic Immersion. Advanced driving aids, including the Advanced Park feature and the Panoramic Surround View Monitor system, are also standard on this commemorative model.

While the original LS featured a robust 5.0-liter V-8 driving the rear wheels, the 2026 LS500 AWD Heritage Edition is powered by Lexus's 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, delivering a potent 416 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a standard Torsen limited-slip center differential, enabling the LS500 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.

The journey of the Lexus LS began with its introduction at the 1989 North American International Auto Show, with the 1990 Lexus LS making an immediate and impactful statement. Early observers described it as "an amalgam of BMW and Mercedes-Benz design cues, given an American spin with a Cadillac-esque egg-crate grille. It is nonetheless a very thoughtful, beautifully crafted luxury sedan." The original 4.0-liter V-8 equipped LS was notably priced at $35,000, roughly half the cost of its contemporary BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class rivals. Upon testing the LS400 in 1990, reviewers were astonished by its quality, deeming it "a luxury car that will pamper its passengers... play limo for a night at the opera, do a cross-country drive... and yet be five-star entertainment when the roads become challenging." The LS quickly cemented the perception that Toyota could produce world-class luxury vehicles, establishing Lexus's brand identity and setting the stage for its continued success.

The second generation, the 1995 LS400, debuted in 1994, demonstrating Lexus's ability to evolve and refine its flagship. This iteration featured increased sound insulation, a more rigid body structure, an adaptive suspension system, and improved brakes, all while being 1.4 inches longer yet 200 pounds lighter than its predecessor, offering better fuel economy. By 1996, reviewers lauded it as a "marvelous and luxurious mode of transportation." Before its mid-cycle facelift, the 1997 LS400 saw the introduction of a limited Coach Edition (2,500 units), featuring leather interiors crafted by Coach Incorporated and including a Coach cabin bag.

The third generation arrived in 2000 with the 2001 Lexus LS430, powered by a new 4.3-liter V-8 engine. While its exterior design was considered conservative compared to its German competitors, its luxury credentials, especially in the Ultra Luxury trim, were undeniable. Despite some complaints about its less provocative design, the LS430 continued to impress, earning Automobile's All-Star award in both 2000 and 2001.

Five years later, the fourth-generation LS emerged. Following the LF-Sh concept at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, the 2006 LS460 and LS460 L made their debut. This was quickly followed by the 2007 LS600h L, a long-wheelbase hybrid version combining an electrified 5.0-liter V-8 for a net output of 438 hp. This model marked a significant milestone as the first standard production Lexus to break the six-figure price barrier, costing $113,000 at the time, equivalent to approximately $176,726 today.

The culminating fifth-generation Lexus LS made its debut at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, drawing inspiration from the 2015 Lexus LF-FC concept. This generation represented a radical departure from the conservative design language of its predecessors. Notably, it was the first LS not to feature a Toyota V-8 engine, instead adopting the 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 that powers the final Heritage Edition. In 2018, critics noted that while the LS remained an underdog in sales against German rivals and its infotainment system was not class-leading, it possessed "more spirit than the nameplate has had in a while," and maintained the brand's reputation for a trouble-free ownership experience.

As the Lexus LS concludes its remarkable run, the 2026 Lexus LS500 AWD Heritage Edition stands as a fitting tribute to a vehicle that profoundly influenced the luxury automotive landscape and cemented Lexus's place among the world's elite car manufacturers.