Lexus LY 650. Italian Design Meets Lexus Luxury
Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, has been active in the marine world for about a decade. In 2017 the company unveiled the Lexus Sport Yacht, a 12.7-meter vessel with a 3.8-meter beam. Developed together with Toyota’s marine division, it was powered by a 5-liter Lexus gasoline engine and could reach a top speed of 43 knots (about 80 km/h).
The new project, the LY 650, represents a completely different concept. This time Lexus collaborated with the renowned Italian design studio Nuvolari Lenard, founded in 1990 and responsible for the design of some of the world’s most prestigious superyachts, including vessels ranging from 80 to 140 meters in length.
Compared with those giants, the Lexus LY 650 is relatively compact, measuring 19.94 meters in length with a beam of 5.76 meters. Yet it offers ample space to accommodate six guests in three comfortable cabins, transforming Lexus’ marine ambitions from a day-cruiser concept into a true luxury yacht. Unlike the earlier sport yacht—designed mainly for short excursions with up to eight passengers seated mostly on deck—the LY 650 is built for extended cruising and overnight stays.
At the same time, the LY 650 retains the distinctive flowing lines that characterized the original Lexus Sport Yacht, part of the brand’s effort to establish a recognizable design language in the nautical world. Its sleek roofline even echoes the silhouette of the Lexus LC 500 coupe. Although no single car served as a direct design template, the yacht incorporates styling cues drawn from several Lexus models.
The yacht’s hull is constructed from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and fiberglass, reducing weight while maintaining structural strength. The material was developed in collaboration with the American shipyard Marquis Yachts, based in Wisconsin, which built the vessel.
Inside, the LY 650 features real wood finishes, soft curves, and a refined atmosphere. Owners can customize the interior design extensively, tailoring the layout and materials to their personal taste.
Price: approximately $4–5 million, depending on the selected equipment and customization.
