Lexus rules the waves
The luxury Japanese carmaker has upgraded its previous yacht-offering in the LY680
An intriguing 1/20th scale model appeared at the Japan International Boat Show in Yokohama a fortnight ago. It could only have been one thing, judging by the “sleek styling, inspired by Lexus’s L-finesse design philosophy” – the upmarket Japanese carmaker’s newest luxury yacht, the LY680. “Lexus has decided to leave us landlubbers behind and take to the seas,” says Andy Kalmowitz on Jalopnik. The “LY” naturally stands for “luxury yacht” and you would expect nothing less from Lexus’s “new flagship”. It is a 2,000 horsepower, 68-foot yacht with a 4,000-litre fuel tank, representing “the next generation of Lexus’ foray into big ol’ boats that started with the LY650 back in 2018”.
Luxury hideout at sea
The flybridge at the top has been extended by 1,400mm compared with the LY650 – large enough to pack in “a spacious lounge sofa and a barbecue grill”, according to Lexus. The swimming platform at the rear of the vessel has also been extended by 700mm. “Snorkels at the ready!” says Cat Dow for Top Gear. Together, that adds an extra three feet in length. “Of course, the LY680 continues to be as powerful as it is flash.” It is powered by twin Volvo engines, available in either 1,350bhp or 1,050bhp variants. “A Lexus and Volvo tie-up – now there’s something we’d like to see in the automotive world.”
The yacht was designed to “feel like a hideout in the middle of the sea, providing a space where discerning customers can feel free and at ease”. Inside, there is a steering wheel clad in white leather and embossed with the carmaker’s name. Elsewhere, the “stunning” glass and metal staircase leads to the three bedrooms. So, while the LY680 can comfortably sleep six, there’s enough room on board for 15-passenger parties. “Best hope 11 of your guests are willing to swim back to shore.”
For now at least, orders have to be placed in Japan through Toyota Marine for deliveries in 2026, says Rachel Cormack for the Robb Report. Expect to part with about $5.1m for what is “the most powerful vehicle in [the Lexus] line-up” – and, somewhat oddly for a carmaker, one that “won’t ever reach the road”.