THE first-generation Lexus LS is regarded as the first true luxury car from Japan, launched by Toyota in 1989 to take the fight up to the well-established premium brands of Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.

With the arrival of the all-new fifth-generation LS, Lexus proves it has not given up on the dream of global pre-eminence in luxury motoring.

Like the first LS, this latest effort is a clean-sheet remake for the big limo, encompassing everything Toyota’s engineers and designers have learned along the way, and more.

But rival brands have not been standing still either.

Does it have what it takes to be a credible alternative to the like of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series? Read on ...