Design-wise, the four-door sedan is sculpted to Lexus’ L-finesse design philosophy, meant to resemble a grand touring vehicle.
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The concept had a showy fuel cell system, featuring the stack under the hood and two high-pressure hydrogen tanks in a T-shape through the rear, but that was clearly for auto-show gawking.
As to be expected from any new concept, the Lexus LF-FC boasts automated driving technologies, though we’re unsure how advanced those would be on the production vehicle.
Mercedes earlier this year introduced the autonomous F015 plug-in fuel-cell sedan making 272 total horsepower and roughly 684 miles (1,101 km) of range.
While Lexus says the LF-FC gives a peek into the design and technology we might see from the brand’s flagship, the luxe Japanese automaker’s president, Tokuo Fukuichi says its not very far out. Also maintaining design consistency is the L-shaped daytime running lights.
The spacious interior of the LF-FC has been created to wrap its occupants in a comfortable yet futuristic environment, while providing the driver with a highly-functional cockpit. There’s also a holographic image on the centre console to indicate where hand gestures can work, to operate the audio and air conditioning. The LF-FC’s profile reminds of four-door coupes thanks to the flowing roofline, while the 21-inch aluminum wheels with carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) rims add an extra dose of sportiness.
The LF-FC shown in Tokyo appears to be a long-wheelbase version, given its 209-in.
The LF-FC also is 79 ins. (2,000 mm) wide and 56 ins. (51 mm) shorter in height than the ’15 LS 600h L.
However, high-tech features such as a hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain and a gesture-controlled electronics with a hologram guide probably won’t be ready for production. Also, the high-priced nature of fuel-cell technology is a good fit for the flagship LS, which today begins at $75,520 and reaches $120,440 for the LS 600h L.
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The current generation LS is overdue for a reboot, having been on the market since the 2007 model year.
