The current Lexus LS is looking a bit dated next to the recently refreshed GS and IS, so the Japanese brand is developing a replacement that's set to launch in 2018.
Our spy photographers have captured a test mule for the Mercedes S-Class rival out on the road. It's under heavy disguise, but you can make out an evolution of the current Lexus design language, with glued on lights from the existing car hiding fresher items beneath.
The images also show that Lexus is benchmarking the LS alongside a new BMW 7 Series, clearly hoping to match or even beat it's rival's level of comfort and tech. We can expect some new autonomous driving technology debuts from the Lexus flagship, as well as improvements in efficiency and performance.
Earlier this year, Lexus told us that it was planning to launch a hydrogen fuel cell luxury car before 2020. It previewed that model with the striking LF-FC concept at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, and Auto Express understands that this will be heavily based on the LS.
Expect a familiar range of V6 and V8 petrol engines and hybrids in the meantime, though. It's likely the LS will be unveiled late next year before it hits showrooms in 2018.
Do you think that Lexus will be able to match the S-Class and 7 Series with the new LS? Let us know in the comments...