Story: DAVID WILKINS

SME owners who like a bit of understated top-end luxury can add a new candidate to their shopping lists – the latest updated version of the Lexus flagship model, the LS.

Prices start at £71,995 for the LS 460 in Luxury trim and rise to a whisker short of the hundred grand barrier for the £99,495 LS 600h Premier hybrid.

One big change – for the first time there’s an F Sport model.

This new Lexus LS F Sport shares its 4.6-litre petrol engine with the standard LS 460 but breaks away from Lexus’ traditionally rather staid image with special 19-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, a lateral damping system, a Torsen limited slip differential, and suspension mods. More BMW M Sport than traditional Lexus.

Outside, there’s a more aggressive front grille and bumpers. The cabin has a darker finish, with perforated leather seats and steering wheels, relieved by aluminium pedals and dashboard trim.

The kitted-up hybrid LS 600h has a slightly stretched wheelbase, and its hybrid drivetrain is built around a 439 bhp five-litre petrol V8. One novelty – a so-called “climate concierge” system than can monitor the facial temperature of each of the car’s occupants and adjust the climate control settings for different cabin areas.

Lexus dealers are already taking orders for the new LS if you want one on your company car policy. The first of the new Lexus LS models, including the F Sport, will be delivered to business car buyers in January.