最近谍照记者在沙漠中拍到了正在测试的下一代雷克萨斯LS，当时该车进行了重度伪装。不过，不要指望最终量产版会采用这辆测试车的硕大圆形前大灯和凸起的尾灯组。预计最终量产版造型风格将类似车厂在去年东京车展发布的LF-LC概念车。现行版LS上市已经有接近十年了，因此现在需要对其进行大幅升级以应对诸如奔驰S级、宝马7系和奥迪A8等车型的竞争。不过，新一代LS外观将比欧洲同级车型更粗犷，棱角更分明，这对于看倦了欧系车的消费者或许有吸引力。新车内装也更酷，将增加包括数字仪表群和手势操控等配置。新一代LS将与LC轿跑车共享平台，采用后轮驱动并搭载V8和V6混动系统，而全轮驱动为选装件。雷克萨斯将在2018和2020年东京奥运会期间发布燃料电池版车型。新一代LS将在明年北美车展发布，随后将于夏季上市。

Next Lexus LS wears tail fins while testing

Our spies have caught the next-generation Lexus LS under heavy camouflage while testing in the desert. Don’t expect the production version of the Japanese brand’s flagship sedan to have massive round headlights and taillights on fins like this one, though. In the real world, styling should take significant cues from the sharp-edged LF-LC concept from last year’s Tokyo Motor Show.

The current LS is around a decade old and is in desperate need of a major upgrade to challenge modern competitors like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and upcoming next-gen A8. However, the new Lexus’ angular shape will be bolder than its European adversaries, which will possibly lure buyers looking for something different. The future sedan will also feature “cool interior stuff,” according to one exec, which will possibly include a digital instrument panel and gesture controls.

The new LS will share a platform with the LC coupe. The rear-wheel-drive pair will also share the same V8 and hybrid V6 powertrains, and all-wheel drive will reportedly be optional on the sedan. Sometime between 2018 and the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Lexus will allegedly add a fuel cell version that will derive tech from the Toyota Mirai.

We’ll reportedly see the new LS debut in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Sales will start in summer 2017.