LEXUS HAS FACELIFTED ITS BIG FANCY BOAT
After showing off the Sport Yacht Concept back in 2017 and the 2,700bhp LY650 superyacht in 2019, Lexus has gone and done it again. Say hello to the LY680.
In the boating equivalent of a facelift, Lexus tells us that the Luxury Yacht 680 is an evolution of the 650. Changes include increasing the boat's size from 65ft to almost 68ft, which we're assuming is the reason for the name change. As a result, there’s a longer flybridge to accommodate a bigger sofa and an optional barbeque grill. The swimming platform is also bigger by 700mm. Snorkels at the ready!
Of course, the LY680 continues to be as powerful as it is flash, with two Volvo marine engines putting out 1,350bhp and 1,050bhp respectively. A Lexus and Volvo tie-up - now there's something we'd like to see in the automotive world.
We're told the exterior of the LY680 follows an 'L-finesse' design language and that Lexus wanted it to ‘feel like a hideout in the middle of the sea, providing a space where discerning customers can feel free and at ease’. We won’t ask what you’re running from out there, but we can’t blame anyone for wanting to get away from it all.
Inside, there’s a white leather-clad steering wheel, with the brand’s name embossed into the cloth – just in case, y’know, you forget what you’ve bought and from whom. Then there’s the stunning glass and metal staircase to the three bedrooms. And although on-board sleeping accommodation maxes out at six people, the vessel is good for 15-passenger parties. Best hope nine of your guests are willing to swim back to shore, or sleep on the floor.
Production will be carried out by the Horizon Group, a leading luxury yacht brand in Asia, but orders won't be ready until 2026 at the earliest. Oh, and you can currently only buy one in Japan - Lexus hasn’t yet made its mind up about overseas markets. It’s waiting to see what demand is like.
Question is, can even the most luxurious Lexus superyacht medicate against seasickness? Asking for a friend...