Lexus Updates Flagship LS Sedan with Reinforced Body, REDS Dampers, and Panoramic Roof

Lexus has unveiled a minor technical update for its flagship LS luxury sedan and launched sales in Japan on September 10. The vehicle received no exterior styling changes; engineers focused on body rigidity, acoustic comfort, and suspension tuning to extend the fifth-generation model’s lifecycle.

REDS Dampers and Precise Chassis Tuning

The key change is a reinforced center floor tunnel using additional metal braces. Engineers integrated REDS (Response-Enhancing Damping Structure) technology into the rear suspension tower braces and the trunk’s structural frame.

According to the official Toyota Global Newsroom press release, a layer of thermosetting resin is placed inside the braces. The viscoelastic material dampens high-frequency metal vibrations caused by road imperfections, improving stability in corners and enhancing ride smoothness.

In addition, engineers recalibrated the algorithms for the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Electric Power Steering (EPS). The new settings deliver a more linear steering response while reducing pitch during hard braking and body roll in turns.

Panoramic Sunroof and Hybrid Powertrain

The list of available options now includes a panoramic glass roof, which can be ordered on any Lexus LS trim level. The mechanism features a mesh wind deflector on the leading edge to reduce wind noise when open. For the top-tier Executive trim, Lexus expanded the interior palette with Kiriko cut glass decorative panels.

According to Car Watch Impress, the Japanese market lineup consists exclusively of the LS 500h hybrid model:

• The powertrain pairs a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine (8GR-FXS series) with electric motors and a multi-stage hybrid transmission;
• Available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations;
• Trim levels include F Sport, Version L, and Executive.

The fifth-generation sedan has been in production since 2017 and remains one of the oldest models in the executive segment. The chassis updates will help the sedan maintain its market standing until a fully electric successor arrives.