New 2026 Lexus LS Update: Heated Seats Are the Big News — Has Lexus Lost Its Luxury Edge?

The Japanese flagship sedan returns with subtle tweaks, but rivals like Mercedes and BMW continue to lead the tech race.

Lexus has just revealed the 2026 LS, its most prestigious sedan, in the Japanese market — but despite being the brand’s technological showcase, the updates for this model year are underwhelming. The new LS keeps the same design and mechanical setup as the 2025 version, adding only heated seats for both front and rear passengers as standard across all trims. While a welcome comfort feature, this addition highlights just how far Lexus has fallen behind in the luxury tech war dominated by Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Small Changes, Big Expectations
The exterior design remains nearly identical, though the F SPORT trim gains red brake calipers with silver Lexus logos, and two new paint options — White Nova Glass Flake and Deep Blue Mica — add some freshness. Inside, the LS continues to impress with its exceptional craftsmanship and ultra-quiet cabin, but the 12.3-inch infotainment display and driver-assistance features remain unchanged. At a time when competitors are introducing AI-driven systems and full digital cockpits, the LS feels frozen in time.

Under the hood, nothing new awaits. The LS 500’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 still delivers 415 horsepower, while the LS 500h hybrid pairs the same V6 with electric motors for a combined 354 horsepower. Both can be configured with rear- or all-wheel drive, offering smooth performance rather than innovation. Prices in Japan start at around ¥11,110,000 (≈$81,000) and climb to ¥17,730,000 (≈$129,000), slightly higher than last year’s model — yet the value proposition feels stagnant.

Competitors Leave Lexus Behind
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series continue to push boundaries with advanced electrification and futuristic infotainment, while the Genesis G90 challenges both with modern design and aggressive pricing. Compared to these, the LS’s updates seem cosmetic at best. The brand’s limited global reach — focused mainly on Japan, North America, and select parts of Europe — has also reduced its influence, with the LS already discontinued in several markets.

A Classic Losing Its Crown
Despite this, the Lexus LS remains beloved by loyal customers who value its silence, comfort, and legendary reliability. Yet, in a luxury world obsessed with digital innovation and EV performance, heated seats alone won’t keep Lexus in the game. Unless the brand reinvents its flagship soon, it risks turning from a symbol of quiet excellence into a case study of how even giants can stand still while others race ahead.