Sh! Lexus' secret is out

Back in the limelight - that's where this new Lexus finds itself, and for good reason. The show car is the next-generation LS.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Soft styling gives next LS distinctive appearance. Production cars will get hybrid power as well as conventional petrol engines.

By Ross Pinnock

25th October 2005

The Mercedes S-Class rival debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show, billed as the LF-Sh. And although the car pictured here is a display model, the real thing is now production-ready, complete with the lower-case letter 'h' signifying its clever petrol-electric hybrid motor.

When it goes on sale, the big Lexus should maintain the current model's class-leading refinement, but also offer improved driving appeal and more spec. It will be sold in standard and long-wheelbase bodystyles; the former will measure 5,015mm, with the extended variant gaining 120mm between the wheels to give limousine-like rear space. Under the bonnet, a hybrid engine will power the all-new flagship LS600h.

It won't be the greenest car on the road, but its 5.0-litre V8 and electric motor should ensure fuel economy of just over 30mpg, along with impressive performance. Unlike its German counterparts, which all offer comprehensive engine line-ups, there are no plans to introduced a diesel version.

Entry-level models will be powered by a petrol 4.6-litre V8 unit, while the extensive use of hi-tech materials will mean the new car is lighter than the outgoing LS. The production version will make its world debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January. It will then appear in dealers in late 2006, with prices set to start at around ΂£50,000.