Lexus leads on luxury

• New LS on sale in 2006
• Long-wheelbase version planned
• Prices to start at £50,000

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The latest bid by Lexus to dislodge the German brands from the top of the premium car pack will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show next week.

The company hasn't released any pictures yet, but has confirmed that it will show a near-finished concept version of next year's all-new LS luxury car at the show.

Lexus promises the new car will take another stride forward in build quality and be offered in both standard- and long-wheelbase form for the first time. It's expected to go on sale in the UK by the end of 2006 for around £50,000.

The company's show stand will also include a petrol-electric hybrid GS450h executive car, which also goes on sale next year. It uses an electrically assisted 3.5-litre V6 engine, which is claimed to combine the performance of a 4.5-litre engine with the economy and emissions of a 2.0-litre motor.

• Come back to whatcar.com next Wednesday October 19 for our report, photographs and videos from the Tokyo show.