On October 30th, Lexus introduced the all-new LS saloon in Thailand to compete with the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Toyota's upscale nameplate hopes the flagship's aggressive looks, increased levels of cabin comfort and comprehensive equipment list help offset for mechanically unchanged drivetrains.

And for the first time, there will be a racy F-Sport variant to choose from based on the standard wheelbase LS.

The most prominent feature is the heavily accentuated spindle-like grille up front.

Equipped with a 380hp 4.6-litre V8 engine and eight-speed automatic gearbox, the regular LS460 costs 9.85 million baht (US$ 321,000) and an additional 140,000 baht for the F-Sport trim. More likely to appeal to Thai executives is the long wheelbase version, with the five-seat version asking for 11.68 million baht and four-seat variant an extra 100,000 baht.

As ever, Lexus's flagship is topped with the hybrid-powered LS600h available only in stretched form.

It's got a 439hp 5.0-litre V8, two electric motors, CVT automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system priced at 13.58 million baht.

Compared to the outgoing LS, the new range is around 700,000 baht dearer model on model.