Lexus has quietly staged the international debut of the LS 350 at the Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macao International Auto Show in China.
Set to become the brand’s entry-level flagship sedan, the LS 350 follows in the footsteps of the LS 500 but adopts a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine that is connected to a ten-speed automatic transmission. Lexus declined to mention performance specifications but Sina Auto reports the engine will develop 318 hp (322 PS) and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) of torque. Regardless, the company says the sedan offers “vibrant acceleration” and a “noble sense of elegance.”
That doesn’t sound like much power for a flagship sedan but Mercedes offers an S 320 L in China with a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 272 hp (275 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. It enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.1 seconds before topping out at 250 km/h (155 mph).
In China, the LS 350 will join the LS 500h which has a 3.5-liter V6 engine and two electric motors to produce a combined output of 354 hp (358 PS). The hybrid powertrain allows the car to run from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 5.4 seconds.
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