Revealed to the world in 1989, there was no doubt the ingenious Lexus LS400 was an impeccable luxury limousine that stunned the automotive industry, although it would be more suitable to call it a luxury sedan. Founded by the Toyota luxury division, the Lexus was an over-engineered marvel setting new standards in comfort, refinement, and reliability.

Before its inception, the luxury saloon sector had been dominated by Mercedes, BMW, and Jaguar. Indeed, production from large Japanese car manufacturers never appeared as a real threat. However, all that changed in 1989 with the introduction of this ground-breaking Lexus. Remarkably, the car appeared out of nowhere and took the US by storm, penetrating the luxury market sector with snazzy dealerships.

Not only was the LS400 technically advanced and lavishly appointed, but it also assured Toyota’s legendary reliability and longevity. Indeed, the four-liter V8 under the hood ran like a Swiss watch and redefined the concept of smoothness. What's more, Toyota unequivocally demonstrated how serious it was about taking on the premier league of the motor industry with the Lexus brand. The first iteration of the luxury marque was ready to lock horns with offerings from Munich and Stuttgart. Moreover, the elegant LS400 marked the foundation of a luxury brand that became a global success.

Reportedly, 450 prototypes were used during the development phase with 2.7 million kilometers of testing in various conditions. Moreover, the development costs of the LS400 amounted to $1 billion. 'The relentless pursuit of perfection’ has, indeed, been the Lexus philosophy and cannot be more exemplified than the LS400.

Used prices of the LS400 are currently on an upward trajectory, although LS400's can still be purchased for less than the value of its German rivals. However, pristine examples of earlier cars are becoming quite rare.

The Lexus LS400 is, no doubt, one of the automotive greats!

Engine And Performance Of The Lexus LS400

In the United States, the Lexus brand rose to become a market leader in the luxury class and permanently altered the perception of Japanese cars. Moreover, the LS400 presented long-term quality and maintenance-free motoring in a prestigious package. Many enthusiasts will claim the V8 in the LS400 to be one of the best eight cylinders ever built.

Without a doubt, the silky smooth four-liter V8 engine (1UZ-FE to Lexus enthusiasts) under the hood, was the star of the show. Furthermore, the LS400 was capable of a 0-60 mph time of 8.5 seconds. The V8 produced 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque driving the rear wheels paired with a bulletproof four-speed automatic transmission.

What’s more, the engine was incredibly smooth with near-total silence, thanks to the hydraulic-pneumatic engine mounts that eliminated vibration and noise. Reports suggest that some owners of the LS400 have achieved a million miles! Weighing just over 3924 lbs, the luxury sedan was perfectly mannered on the road and was excellent for long-distance cruising, with the 155 mph top speed attained effortlessly. No doubt, the Lexus was quieter and more competitively priced than a Mercedes S-Class.

There were two further iterations of the LS400 that followed. The series 2 LS400, which followed two years later, was one second quicker to 60 mph with 260 hp. 1997 saw the series 3 LS400 unveiled which had 290 horses under the hood and could sprint to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds.

Lexus also used clever advertising to promote the super smooth engine of the LS400. The balance advert of 1989 showed the car on rollers accelerating at speed with a set of champagne glasses stacked in a pyramid, emphasizing zero vibration from the engine.

Toyota's vision was to make the LS400 faultless and long-lasting. Indeed, it had succeeded.

Design And Interior

It’s true to say the Lexus LS400 was ahead of its time in terms of technical innovation and state-of-the-art equipment. The standard features were extensive and too much to list.

However, Lexus was the first to introduce clever touches such as automatic tilt and telescopic steering wheel with SRS airbag and memory setting, adjustable shoulder seat belts and electrochromic rear-view mirror.

Furthermore, one of the distinctive features of the LS400 was the gauge cluster which featured a holographic visual effect, never seen before.

What’s more, the wood trim was finished by piano maker Yamaha and the luxury sedan incorporated a superb Nakamichi audio system. Although the interior fit and finish were excellent, some criticized the dashboard as being bland compared to its European rivals. However, the meticulous attention to detail of the Lexus was apparent. For example, the dash layout incorporated fluid damped switches for that extra smoothness.

Interestingly, the Lexus LS400 was marketed in Japan as the Toyota Celsior, which continued under this name until 2006. The conservative styling of the LS400 wasn’t exciting though it was exceptionally well-built, thanks to cutting-edge production methods. According to reports, The LS400 was the first car to use laser welding in its construction.

Without a doubt, Toyota’s engineering was exemplary in every aspect of the LS400’s production.

Here's What The 1989 Lexus LS400 Costs Today

It appears the Lexus LS400 has gained a cult following with enthusiasts interested in the tuning potential of the 1UZ-FE V8 engine. As a result, prices are elevating. The price of the Lexus LS400 new was around $54,000 (approximately $95,000 -$110,000 in today’s money).

According to classic.com, used examples of an LS400 can range between £2,000 to $27,000 depending on the mileage and condition. Now would be the time to snap up this example of automotive history before its too late!