Lexus has a new flagship called the LY 650, and if I did not know any better, I’d say that Lexus has a new ship. Literally. This is a 65-foot luxury yacht that Lexus revealed only days ago. It is the company’s effort in the maritime business where it has partnered with Marquis-Larson Boat Group, a company based in Pulaski, Wisconsin, to build and sell a true luxury yacht. Following an overwhelmingly positive response it received last year after the introduction of the stunning 42-foot Lexus Sport Yacht Concept, the Japanese company continued with the development of the full-fledged yacht. This one carries over some design elements from the last year’s concept. More importantly, Lexus was so brazen to say that the new yacht will become the fourth flagship in the lineup - just after the LS sedan, the LX SUV, and the LC coupe.

Why is Lexus Building a Yacht?

Considering that Lexus is a builder of luxury automobiles, I may only imagine that flirting with everything luxurious affirms its devotion toward the perfection and luxury that Lexus cars have always appeased. Apart from the LY 650 yacht, Lexus is known for its forays into affairs of high design, dining, and even filmmaking. Everything an ensuing customer may find esteemed, or even prestigious.

Yacht building is an obvious particularity in such semblance.

The Lexus LY 650 Luxury Yacht

With a length of 65 feet, the LY 650 represents the ultimate expression of the “L-Finesse” design language Lexus employs on its cars. Marquis-Larson, who actually built the last year’s Sport Yacht Concept for Lexus, partnered with the Nuvolari Lenard company from Venice to design the interior of the new yacht. While some of the design elements could have been translated from the last year’s Sport Yacht Concept, the technology and materials simply couldn’t. That one, from the year before, was made out of hand-laid carbon-fiber and was powered by two marine-specification, 5.0-liter, V-8 engines we know of from the RC F. Obviously, using such a setup would be cumbersome, and not exactly feasible as this new 65-foot Yacht is a much larger vessel.

With a 19-foot beam and a fully luxuriously styled interior, the Lexus LY 650 yacht needed some proper motivation. Two Volvo 12.8-liter, inline-six, IPS, 1200 diesel engines, each capable of 900 horsepower found their way into the engine room. They soak up fuel from a 1,000-gallon fuel reservoir. Marquis-Larson offers the yacht with more powerful Volvo IPS 1350 diesel engines too.

Luxurious Layout For The Interior

The layout of the yacht hasn’t been presented in full detail. However, I do know the LY 650 features three staterooms and three heads. I may imagine that one of those staterooms is actually a master room, but we will have to wait for the middle of the next year to see the LX 650 interior in all of its glory. What I can see is the teak flooring on the main deck and exceptional sunbathing area at the bow with perfectly well-designed sofas. I believe this area will be the one most visited by passengers. Along with the nice saloon on the main deck, of course.

The closed saloon offers a fantastic lounge with numerous amenities. Located in front of the salon is the bridge with two captains chairs designed in the same breath as Lexus car seats. There, one can find a sink, a fridge, storage areas for silverware and cutlery, as well as designated fillisters for champagne bottles. Not only does a layout like this provide an exceptionally luxurious ambiance, but it is also rather practical and airy. With large windows, this is the perfectly serene place to spend time relaxing with friends. Remember, three staterooms under the deck - enough for six people. At the most, the vessel can accept 15 persons.

Yet, this is not all that Marquis-Larson prepared for Lexus. In fact, on the right side of the main saloon are the stairs leading towards the flybridge. There, too, one can find a nice sofa, just behind the captain’s chair. The captain can manage the yacht from there too. Convenience only a true yacht enthusiast can appreciate.

Obviously, not only does it feature a fantastic design nicely intertwining practicality and luxury, but the Lexus LY 650 could be one of the most meticulously designed and built 65-foot yachts in the world. The first one will appear in the middle of next year. Then, we will know more about the price, options, and the layout.

A short history of car companies that produced yachts

Read up on the Mercedes-AMG and Cigarrette Racing 515 Project One

Now, Lexus’ inclusion into all maritime isn’t exactly the first among car manufacturers. In fact, Marine Business Department of Toyota Motor Corporation was found all the way back in 1997. This company was included in the design of the Ponam line of finishing boats and many other ventures. One can say that the outreach into the world of luxury yachting is only a logical evolutive step.

Nevertheless, some of the most amazing yachts, boats, and vessels designed by car companies include the Mercedes-AMG Cigarette Racing speedboats, the stunning Bugatti Niniette by Palmer Johnson, the Ferrari Riva Speedboat only a handful of which had been produced, and even the Aston Martin AM37 by Quintessence. Lancia, BMW and many other manufacturers have been involved with the yachting or boating business at one point or another as well.