1990 Lexus LS I Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Lexus LS I ranges from 1705 to 1720 kg (3759 to 3794 lbs), placing it within the typical weight class for premium full-size sedans of its era. This weight contributes to a stable and comfortable ride, benefiting from enhanced suspension tuning to absorb road imperfections smoothly. While slightly on the heavier side due to luxury features and robust construction, the weight supports a reassuringly solid feel behind the wheel without compromising agility excessively. The balance between weight and powertrain setup ensures the LS I delivers relaxed highway cruising and composed handling suited for luxury cruising.

Yes, the Lexus LS I can fit comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a length of about 4995 to 5005 mm (roughly 16.4 feet), a width of 1820 mm (about 6 feet), and a height between 1405 and 1425 mm (approximately 4.6 to 4.7 feet), the car dimensions align well with typical North American and European garage spaces, which usually measure at least 6 meters (19.7 feet) in length and about 3 meters (9.8 feet) in width. This provides sufficient clearance on all sides for door opening and vehicle maneuvering inside standard garages, though owners should always measure their specific garage to ensure compatibility.

The Lexus LS I offers a luggage capacity ranging from 408 to 450 liters (14.4 to 15.9 cubic feet), which is generous for a luxury sedan from the early 1990s. This capacity allows for substantial storage, comfortably accommodating multiple suitcases or grocery bags. The trunk space practicality supports daily errands, business trips, and long-distance travel, ensuring owners can carry luggage and gear without compromise. The trunk layout, aided by wide-opening rear access, enhances usability, making it a convenient choice for those requiring both luxury and functional cargo space.

The Lexus LS I came equipped with tire sizes of 205/65 R15 and optional 225/60 R16, mounted on rim sizes of 6.5J x 15 and 7J x 16 respectively. The 15-inch rims with 205/65 tires provide a taller sidewall, which is beneficial for absorbing road shocks and enhancing ride comfort, delivering a smooth and cushy driving experience typical of luxury sedans. The optional 16-inch rims and wider tires improve grip and cornering stability slightly, providing a sportier feel without sacrificing much ride quality. These configurations strike a good balance between luxury ride comfort and confident handling.

The Lexus LS I was introduced as Lexus's flagship luxury sedan, effectively marking its entry into the full-size luxury segment. Compared to American and European contemporaries like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W126 or BMW 7 Series E32, the LS I is slightly more compact in length (just under 5 meters) but maintains competitive width and height dimensions. Weighing between 1705 and 1720 kg (3759 to 3794 lbs), it is relatively lighter than some of its German rivals, contributing to a nimble yet comfortable driving experience. The LS I was praised for combining Japanese engineering precision with traditional luxury dimensions, thereby appealing to buyers looking for a reliable yet elegant sedan without excessive size.

The Lexus LS I's maximum weight ranges from 2185 to 2215 kg (4820 to 4883 lbs), which is the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) including the vehicle itself, passengers, cargo, and fuel. This limit ensures safe operation by preventing overloading beyond the suspension, braking, and safety system capacities. Given its curb weight of around 1705 to 1720 kg, the payload capacity (the difference between maximum and curb weight) is approximately 460 to 510 kg (1014 to 1124 lbs). This payload allows for about 4 to 5 passengers with additional luggage without exceeding safe limits, balancing comfort and safety for everyday use or long trips.

The Lexus LS I's height ranges from 1405 mm to 1425 mm (55.3 to 56.1 inches), depending on specific model variants and optional equipment such as suspension setups or roof molding. These minor differences have limited direct impact on aerodynamic performance, as the overall sleek and streamlined silhouette was designed to optimize wind resistance for improved fuel economy and reduced noise. In terms of interior headroom, the height variation does translate slightly to cabin comfort, with taller versions offering marginally more head clearance for front and rear passengers. However, both variants maintain ample headroom consistent with full-size luxury sedan standards.

Compared to its successor, the Lexus LS II (introduced in 1994), the LS I is slightly smaller in overall exterior size. The LS II grew in both length and width, enhancing rear passenger space and improving road presence. While the LS I measures about 4995-5005 mm in length, the LS II typically exceeds 5000 mm, and its width also increases beyond 1820 mm, signifying Lexus's intent to offer more spacious interiors and enhanced luxury features. Weight also increased modestly with the newer generation due to added safety and comfort equipment. Thus, the LS II represents an evolution towards a larger, more refined flagship sedan.

The 1990 Lexus LS I was a landmark luxury sedan, notable for its introduction of Japanese craftsmanship and reliability with luxury features previously dominated by European brands. It featured a well-appointed and quiet cabin, advanced engineering including smooth V8 engines, and innovative technologies such as electronic climate control and advanced suspension systems. Compared to contemporaries from Europe and the US, the LS I distinguished itself by emphasizing build quality, refinement, and reliability. Its understated but elegant design aimed to appeal to buyers seeking both performance and comfort with reduced maintenance and operational costs, which contributed to establishing Lexus as a premium luxury brand.