The 21-metre can only be ordered in Japan—for now, at least
Lexus just unveiled the most powerful vehicle in its lineup, but it won’t ever reach the road.
The new LY680 is actually a luxury yacht capable of churning out an impressive 2,700 horses on the high seas.
The Japanese luxury marque first forayed into the marine industry in 2016, creating a one-off Lexus 42 Sport Yacht concept with Marquis Yachts. Two years later, Lexus designed the 19-metre LY650 with the now-defunct U.S. builder. The 21-metre newcomer showcases its predecessor’s sleek design but is longer and more refined. It will also be built by the team at Horizon Group in Asia, rather than the folks at ill-fated Marquis Yachts.
The luxury yacht, or LY for short, was designed to “feel like a hideout in the middle of the sea,” according to Lexus. The exterior reflects the automaker’s “L-finesse” design philosophy, with curvy, head-turning lines and a sharp bow creating a sporty profile.
The interior centres around a “comfortable living space,” Lexus says. With a beam of nearly 6 metres, the yacht offers a decent amount of space onboard, too. The nameplate didn’t divulge many details regarding decor, but Italian design powerhouse Nuvolari Lenard spearheaded the interior design of the 650. In terms of layout, the 680 is equipped with three cabins on the lower deck and a light-filled salon, galley, and helm station on the main deck.
The exterior is bigger—and perhaps better—than that of the 650. The flybridge has been extended by about 1.3 metre and adorned with a plush lounge and grill. The aft swim platform has also been lengthened.
In terms of performance, the 680 will be powered by a pair of 12.8-litre turbocharged Volvo D13 engines capable of delivering 1,350 hp each to IPS drives. (The yacht can also be equipped with slightly less powerful 1,050 hp engines.) The 650 sported the same propulsion system and could reach 33.5 knots at full tilt.
Lexus, which Japanese auto titan Toyota owns, appears to be targeting the Asian market with the new vessel. As mentioned, the 680 will be built by the Horizon. (The Asian yard has garnered a reputation for building exquisite custom superyachts.) Furthermore, orders are being accepted exclusively in Japan through Toyota Marine sales offices and other selected dealerships. Lexus did say additional overseas markets will be considered, but only if the demand is there. The first hulls are expected to be delivered in 2026.
This story was first published on Robb Report USA
