Lexus has confirmed that it will showcase its new fifth-generation LS limousine at the 2017 Detroit motor show.

It'll be 28 years after the first LS caused a stir at the same North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) show – heralding the disruption that Lexus wrought upon the established, German-dominated executive car scene.

The 1989 original (below) launched Toyota's upmarket luxury brand and took refinement and quality to new levels; the LS has stayed true to those roots ever since, at the expense of sporting dynamism.




The new 2017 Lexus LS: what do we know?

Not much at this stage. Lexus has confirmed the car's world debut at the Cobo Hall in downtown Detroit, but precious little else.

A brief statement said: ‘The all-new LS saloon will offer a bold new look, presenting a coupe-like silhouette without compromising interior spaciousness.

‘It will feature visionary technology and will be built on an extended version of Lexus’s new global architecture for luxury vehicles (GA-L) rear-wheel drive platform.

‘Shared with the forthcoming LC luxury coupe, this will help the new LS deliver a more dynamic driving experience.’



So agility and luxury?

Here's hoping. We've just tested the new Lexus LC coupe (below), based on the same GA-L architecture, and editor Phil McNamara was impressed. You can check out his review here.

If they can capture some of the fun of that sports car in a limousine package, it could propel the LS from whispering luxury barge to desirable sports saloon overnight.

But will they keep the quiet conservatism that lies at the heart of the limo's appeal? Stay tuned for more on the new 2017 Lexus LS in the coming weeks.

Read more Detroit motor show news here