Hybrid coming? Lexus South Africa to launch ‘extended’ LS range in 2021

By: CAR magazine

Lexus South Africa has confirmed it plans to introduce the recently refreshed LS flagship sedan in 2021, while also revealing it plans to “extend the local range”.

The current, fifth-generation LS line-up offered in South Africa comprises two variants (the LS500 and LS500 F Sport), both powered by a twin-turbo 3,5-litre V6 worth 310 kW and 600 N.m.

Lexus SA’s intention to “extend” the range, though, leaves us thinking it plans to add the hybrid powertrain option already available in some other markets. Wearing the LS500h badge, this model combines a detuned version of the aforementioned V6 with an electric motor.

The LS500h’s peak system output is 264 kW, while the petrol engine generates 350 N.m and the electric motor some 300 N.m. This powertrain has a claimed combined fuel economy figure of 6,6 L/100 km.

As a reminder, for the recently announced mid-cycle update, the Toyota-backed luxury brand’s engineers concentrated on “elevating the sedan’s levels of comfort, quiet and overall refinement”.

“In pursuing high-quality driving performance, which is the starting point of the LS, Lexus thoroughly addressed every detail of the components and control systems related to driving performance, including quietness and ride comfort, ranging, for example, from the internal structure of the tyres to the feel experienced when sitting in the seats and the acceleration response in daily driving,” said Glenn Crompton, vice-president of Toyota South Africa Motors marketing and Lexus sales.

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