Lexus is not just about luxury cars. Apparently, the Japanese automaker is adding luxury yachts to its portfolio, with the first being the LY 650. This $3.7-million ocean-capable 65-foot flybridge vessel is the new flagship of the Lexus brand, hence bearing the same L nomenclature as the LS, LC, and LX vehicles in Lexus’ lineup.
And as expected from a Lexus, the LY 650 has all the bells and whistles to possibly make it the most luxurious and refined cruiser in the open seas.
Our intrepid Editor-in-chief Vincent Nguyen spent a couple of days in Boca Raton, Florida to witness the unveiling of the Lexus LY 650. But he was surprised to see a luxury cruiser instead of a sport yacht. “Don’t get me wrong, I was blown away by the LY 650. The L-finesse design theme of Lexus vehicles transitioned nicely to the vessel, and it’s a sight to behold whether on the docks or when sailing over water,” said Nguyen.
The Lexus LY 650 is based on the Sport Yacht Concept of 2017
The chief was talking about the Lexus Sport Yacht Concept to which the LY 650 is based. The concept version is a smaller 42-foot sport yacht motivated by a pair of Lexus 5.0-liter V8 motors. It first saw the light of day at Biscayne Bay in 2017, so we knew beforehand Lexus is serious in building a sea vessel.
But in true Lexus tradition, the LY 650 has the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail seen in Lexus’ flagship automobiles, most particularly the LS 500h hybrid luxury sedan. “The LY 650 symbolizes the challenge taken by Lexus, which aspires to be a true luxury lifestyle brand, to venture beyond the automobile,” said Akio Toyoda, Toyota President. “As a mobility company, we are pursuing new possibilities for mobility even on the sea.”
The yacht is powered by twin Volvo engines
Instead of a burly V8 derived from Lexus automobiles, the LY 650 is equipped with twin Volvo Penta IPS engines. Potential buyers can choose between three power outputs: 1050, 1200, or 1350 stampeding horses for each motor. This gives the LY 650 more than enough grunt to skim the oceans at an average speed of 31.4 knots, or roughly 36 mph.
The LY 650 is as quiet as the Lexus LS flagship
If you’ve never been in a Lexus, here’s what you need to know: all Lexus vehicles are the epitome of road silence. Apparently, this same philosophy holds true in conceptualizing the LY 650 luxury yacht. It benefits from improved sound-deadening materials on the main walls in the upper hull. This ensures quiet cruising whether over calm or rough waters.
The unique shape of the underwater hull is optimized using computational fluid dynamics. This not only results in a quieter and calmer ride, but it also enhances stability, maneuverability, and lowers the overall fuel consumption of the vessel.
Lexus sought the help of Marquis Yachts and Nuvolari Lenard to create the LY 650
The Lexus LY 650 is produced in collaboration with Marquis Yachts and Italian yacht design studio Nuvolari Lenard. The former is responsible for the ingenious hull crafted from a brilliant combination of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) and GFRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic).
On the other hand, the latter penned the coupe-like profile and interior design of the yacht. With a high-volume aft section, Lexus claims the LY 650 has the widest beams in its class at 5.76-meters. Rounding up the design is an optional two-tone paint finish, stainless steel exterior design details, and window frames shaped in the trademarked Lexus L theme.
The interior is remarkably divine
The Lexus name is also known for premium craftsmanship. With a large upper salon and three berths below deck, the vessel can accommodate up to 15 guests with luxurious sleeping quarters for six. Each room has more than two meters of headroom because nothing speaks luxury than having abundant room to move about.
The interior is festooned with flowing curved lines, creative lighting elements, and a white color theme to further enhance the feeling of space, comfort, and serenity. The salon has dual captain’s chairs and sofas wrapped in soft cowhide. Meanwhile, each berth has a private head and shower.
The Lexus LY 650 will grace the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in Florida from October 30 to November 3. Lexus is accepting pre-orders for the LY 650 with base prices starting at $3.7-million.
Lexus LY 650 Gallery
