Introduced in May 1993 for the 1994 model year, the Chrysler LHS was the top of the line model for the division, as well as the most expensive of the Chrysler LH platform cars. All the LH-series models shared a wheelbase and were developed using Chrysler's new computer drafting system. The car was differentiated from the division's New Yorker sedan by its bucket leather seats and standard features such as alloy wheels that were options on the New Yorker. Further differences between the Chrysler LHS and its New Yorker counterpart were a floor console and shifter, five-passenger seating, lack of chrome trim, an upgraded interior and a sportier image. From the 1996 model year on the New Yorker was dropped in favor of a six-passenger option on the LHS. The LHS received a minor face change in 1995 when the corporate wide pentastar emblem was replaced with the revived Chrysler brand emblem. Standard features of the LHS included a 3.5 L EGE 24-valve V6 engine, body-colored grille, side mirrors and trim, traction control, aluminum wheels, integrated fog lights, 8-way power adjustable front seats, premium sound systems with amplifiers, and automatic temperature control. Unlike the New Yorker, leather seats were standard.
Annual changes
MY 1995: The headlamps on the 1994 models were poorly designed, Chrysler received complaints about their poor brightness, and rushed the redesign into fall 1994 production for 1995 models. Redesigned a projector-style headlight beam, which was rather uncommon for its time. A new Chrysler medallion on the grille replaced the pentastar.
MY 1996: Body color mirrors were no longer available, as well as the optional carphone. With the withdrawal of the New Yorker, front bench seats became optional. Homelink garage door opener and a hidden antenna became standard equipment.
After a one-year hiatus, a redesigned LHS was introduced in 1998 for MY1999. It featured the new winged emblem of the Chrysler division. With the introduction of the 300M and the discontinuation of the New Yorker, the second generation LHS competed with traditional large luxury sedans while the shorter and sportier 300M competed in the performance luxury market. The new generation of the LHS was much more refined than its predecessor, and its 3.5 L SOHC 24-valve V6 produced @ 6400 rpm and of torque @ 3950 rpm. Chrysler discontinued the LHS after 2001, replacing it with the new Concorde Limited. The Concorde's fascias, the primary exterior difference between the Concorde and LHS, were replaced with the LHS'. In effect, the LHS was rebadged as the Concorde Limited allowing Chrysler to streamline its model lineup a bit.
Europe
The first-generation LHS, sold in Europe with the New Yorker nameplate during the 1995–1997 model years, featured rear amber turn signals, rear fog lights, side turn signal repeaters, lack of side markers, and headlamps that incorporated different lens geometry and bulbs.
Legacy
The first generation LHS was praised by motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson, who is well known for criticizing American automobiles, described the LHS as "by global standards, right up there with the best." The LHS nameplate was discontinued after 2002, but the design continued as the Concorde Limited.
