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Lexus has always oozed class, but the marque excelled itself with a glitzy ceremony at the Gulf Convention Centre as E K Kanoo launched the 2018 LS with a glamorous presentation.
Equipped with several world-firsts, the new premium passenger car is set to win the hearts of the Bahrain’s luxury enthusiasts with its innovative technology.
Executive general manager of sales at E K Kanoo, Ismail Akbar, said: “The Lexus LS is the sedan that started a brand. It is a manifestation of how Lexus is reimagining the luxury sedan market; fusing the flagship’s emotional personality with performance that delivers the pinnacle of elegance, comfort, advanced production technologies and environmental friendliness.
“We are thrilled to be introducing this new model to Bahrain and are confident it will enjoy the same enthusiastic response that the LS has always enjoyed here.”
The new model is available with two engine options; a 3.5-litre V6 engine naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle producing 311BHP and 380Nm of torque, and a newly developed 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine producing 416BHP and 600Nm of torque, both mated to the first-ever 10-speed automatic transmission for a premium passenger car.
Furthermore, the 2018 LS Hybrid combines a naturally-aspirated Atkinson-cycle 3.5-litre V6 gasoline engine with two electric motor/generators and uses a compact, lightweight lithium-ion battery. The combined system output of the internal combustion engine with the electric traction system is 354BHP.
The infotainment system has a more inviting graphic-user interface and is controlled using the next generation of Lexus’ Remote Touch control system. The intuitive operation is designed to mirror the way a smartphone is used; it can also recognise ‘handwritten’ commands ― outline letters traced using a finger on the touchpad.
In addition to a 12.3-inch navigation display, the LS can be fitted with an optional 24-inch colour head-up display (HUD) – the largest in the world – that projects a variety of key vehicle information and performance data into the driver’s forward line of vision.
The Lexus Climate Concierge is capable of intelligent automatic control by detecting the body temperatures of vehicle occupants. Unlike the previous models which offered integrated control of heating and cooling to only the left and right rear seats, the new LS features infrared sensors that measure body surface temperatures in the front seats, to provide the most comfortable interior climate conditions for each vehicle occupant.
Takayuki Yoshitsugu, the chief representative of Toyota MENA, said: “In many ways, this LS flagship sedan exemplifies our new approach to create amazing experiences for our customers, and ignite their emotions through innovation that promises a truly engaging driving experience. In addition to its styling that delivers a bold coupe silhouette while offering a spacious interior, the fifth-generation LS offers an emotional driving experience and is equipped with a host of cutting-edge technologies.”
The raft of features also includes a Stop & Start system, which automatically stops the engine idling while the vehicle is stopped temporarily – such as at traffic lights - and restarts when the driver releases the brake pedal to enable improved fuel economy and interior quietness.
Drive Mode Select is available offering six different drive modes to deliver integrated control of multiple systems. It provides enhanced driving pleasure by allowing the driver to select drive modes, including a ‘Custom Mode’ that enables the driver to combine different modes, suitable for the situation, or to match their preferred driving style.
The front and rear seats include multiple power adjustments, heating, cooling, and massage functions, a rear seat arrangement that includes an extending leg ottoman and the most generous legroom of any LS generation, and a rear seat entertainment system with 11.6-inch screen auto-tilts to the optimum viewing angle.
As for safety, the brand’s innovative Lexus Safety System+ is in full swing, in addition to a comprehensive array of safety features to protect its occupants, such as 14 SRS airbags, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA), among many others.
The 2018 Lexus LS is available from the starting price of BD35,200.
For more information, visit the Lexus showroom in Sitra, call 17737773, or visit www.lexus.com.bh
