It’s the end of an era. After a 36-year run that fundamentally redefined the concept of luxury, the Lexus LS sedan is preparing to take its final bow. For the 2026 model year, Lexus is honoring the car that launched its entire brand with a stunning and highly exclusive send-off: the LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition.
This is more than just a special trim package; it is a meticulously crafted homage—a final statement celebrating the relentless pursuit of perfection that began with the original LS 400 back in 1989.
A Nod to the Beginning
When the first LS arrived on the scene, it sent shockwaves through the established European luxury marques, proving that world-class comfort, engineering, and reliability could come from Japan. The 2026 Heritage Edition captures that pioneering spirit with a series of exclusive design elements:
- Ninety Noir Exterior: The car is finished in a striking new Lexus-first color called Ninety Noir. This deep, sophisticated black is a subtle nod to the original dark-hued paint of the 1990 model year that first hit the pavement.
- Rioja Red Interior: For the first time ever in an LS, the cabin is swathed in rich Rioja Red upholstery. This bold, expressive color contrasts beautifully with the dark accents, giving the flagship an unexpectedly sporting and luxurious feel.
- Exclusive Emblems: Subtle touches confirm its collectible status. The center console features an etched LS Heritage Edition emblem, and the headrests boast an embroidered silhouette of the iconic sedan, silently recalling its illustrious lineage.
Exclusivity is the Ultimate Luxury
In a true sign of its significance, the 2026 LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition will be the only LS model offered for its final year. More importantly, it is strictly limited to just 250 units for the United States market. This mono-spec approach ensures that every vehicle is fully equipped with the best Lexus has to offer.
Standard luxury and tech features include:
- The powerful 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 416 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
- A panoramic glass roof, bathing the cabin in natural light.
- Laser Special Black premium wood trim with a new pattern, complementing the Ultrasuede headliner.
- A 23-speaker, 2,400-watt Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound system.
- The comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite.
Saying Goodbye to a Game-Changer
While the current LS has faced stiff competition in an SUV-dominated market, its legacy is untouchable. The original LS 400 redefined quiet luxury, forced every other premium automaker to improve their game, and built the foundation for Lexus’s three-decade commitment to unparalleled customer service and quality.
The LS is leaving the U.S. market, closing a remarkable chapter in automotive history. The 2026 LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition is not just a car; it’s a piece of history—a final, elegant statement for collectors and enthusiasts to remember the pioneering flagship that dared to pursue perfection.
The Heritage Edition is expected to arrive in dealerships this fall with a starting MSRP of $99,280. If you wish to own the final iteration of the model that started it all, you’ll need to move quickly to secure one of the 250 examples of this momentous farewell.
