Electric Lexus LS accidentally confirmed

Lexus has inadvertently confirmed an electric powered LS will join the new limousine range in a press package for the currently twin-turbocharged V8-only fifth-generation model.

The Japanese luxury offshoot of Toyota snubbed its trademark hybrid efficiency for primed petrol power for the launch of the new LS at the Detroit motor show, with only a 310kW/600Nm 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6-engined LS 500 model grade to be seen - and executives refused to answer questions regarding the lack of an electric vehicle (EV) version.

However, interior images released to the press following the reveal of the LS show a prominent 'EV only' button on the lower console, the same as that used in the Toyota Prius hybrid to allow the driver to prioritise electric running over petrol power at certain times.

The image, which has since been removed from Lexus' press website, gives rise to rumours that hydrogen would power an electric motor in the new LS - although given the outgoing model already has a battery powered hybrid model, this version could arrive first.

Drive asked Lexus LS chief engineer Toshio Asahi if it seemed odd that a company known for hybrids would not debut such a drivetrain for a technological flagship - particularly when both the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class now offer plug-in EVs.

"Obviously we're studying into that as well, so we're looking into our product plan for the future and then we will be disclosing more information," he replied.

The LS is built on a Global Architecture for Luxury Vehicles (GA-L) platform that debuted in the LC coupe, a model available in LC 500h specification with a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol V6 and electric motor. But it lacks plug-in charging or extended 'EV only' running.

Of the possibility of the LC 500h powertrain transferring to the LS, Asahi said: "Strictly speaking from a platform standpoint that would be feasible."

Creating an LS 500h from the LC 500h powertrain would, however, see the Lexus limousine lag behind the technology already offered in the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The plug-in 740e iPerformance mixes a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to offer 240kW/500Nm and 48km EV range between recharging. The S500e includes a 3.0-litre turbo V6 petrol and electric motor for 325kW/650Nm and 32km EV range between power-point top ups.

Asked what rivals the Lexus targeted with the LS, Asahi replied: "The competitors in this segment would be considered BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, but in addition to that we benchmarked the Tesla [Model S] as well."

The Tesla Model S is singularly available with battery power and a 500km-plus EV range.

Despite starting seemingly behind the competitor set, Asahi said in a press statement about the LS: "This global pinnacle must go far beyond what the world expects from a luxury car."

Lexus Australia CEO Peter McGregor also rejected the suggestion that the LS could be seen as falling behind its competitor set in terms of drivetrain technology, however he strongly hinted that more was to come - leaving us waiting for a hydrogen or hybrid model.

"I don't believe that we're currently behind," he said.

"You will see us keep up with what we need to keep up with in the marketplace and we will remain I think at the forefront of driveline development.

"I think if you look back at the range of hybrid vehicles we offer and it's one of the best in the industry, especially in terms of vehicle by vehicle in the range there is usually a petrol and hybrid outcome."

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